An autumn festival to experience sacred rituals that cherish life and the lively approach in Hakozaki
Hojoya (Hakozaki Shrine)
The 2026 edition of Hojoya (Hakozaki Shrine) has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/09/12 〜 2026/09/18Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year, September 12–September 18 / Every year
- Location
- The entire grounds of Hakozaki Shrine
- Area
- Fukuoka Prefecture・Fukuoka City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 50 min–2 h 10 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free admission
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Hakozaki Shrine’s Hojoya is a major autumn festival representing Fukuoka, celebrating life and giving thanks for the autumn harvest. In addition to and dedication performances, visitors can enjoy stalls and festival games along the approach.
About Hojoya (Hakozaki Shrine)
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Pontafon File:Hakozakigu01.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Photo created by PontafonDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: ぱちょぴ File:Hakozaki-miya090806a.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 投稿者本人Display size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Hirho File:Torii and Oshioi-hama of Hakozaki Shrine near Hakata Bay Higashihama-1-chōme and Hakozaki Higashi-ku Fukuoka City 20221117.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Hojoya is Hakozaki Shrine’s grand festival, which cherishes all life, admonishes against taking life, and gives thanks for the autumn harvest.
In Fukuoka, it is pronounced “Hojoya” and is counted as one of the Hakata Three Great Festivals, along with Hakata Dontaku and Hakata Gion Yamakasa.
Shinto rituals and Shin-kagari events are held over 7 days, and many stalls line the approach to Hakozaki Shrine.
This traditional event, one of Fukuoka’s signature autumn festivals, brings together compassion for life and the liveliness of the local community.
Festival highlights
A highlight is being able to enjoy both the Shinto rituals held at Hakozaki Shrine and the stalls and festival games that bring the whole approach to life.
Japanese drumming, , traditional entertainment, and martial arts demonstrations are dedicated to the shrine. The corridors also feature bonbori lantern dedications, an ikebana exhibition, and displays of Hojoya chanpon and ohajiki.
Among the approximately 500 stalls, visitors can enjoy new ginger, Shajitsu mochi, festival games, and attractions such as a haunted house.
A distinctive appeal of Hojoya is the contrast between sacred ceremonies and the lively, everyday festival atmosphere.
Source: 【2026】博多三大祭りのひとつ！秋の訪れを告げる放生会（ほうじょうや） | 旅の特集 | 【公式】福岡県の観光/旅行情報サイト「クロスロードふくおか」
An autumn festival to experience sacred rituals that cherish life and the lively approach in Hakozaki
What to expect
During the festival, daily Shinto rituals are held, including the Opening Day Festival, Hojoya Grand Festival, Offering of Sweets Ceremony, Offering of Flowers Ceremony, Tea Offering Ceremony, and Closing Festival.
On the final day, the Hojo Shinto Ritual is held following a children’s procession and a prayer service for the healthy growth of children, during which young fish are released.
At the Shin-kagari Stage on the , performances such as Japanese drumming, kagura, and traditional entertainment are dedicated to the shrine. Visitors can also explore the stalls and festival games along the approach.
Exploring the corridor displays and local specialties such as new ginger and Shajitsu mochi is another way to enjoy Hojoya.
Source: 筥崎宮『放生会』【筥崎宮】2026年筥崎宮仲秋大祭 ～博多に秋をつげるお祭り放生会の日程、神事・イベントスケジュール。 | イベント一覧 | 【公式】福岡市観光情報サイト よかなび
How to take part
Visitors can watch Shinto rituals and dedication performances on the grounds of Hakozaki Shrine, and enjoy the stalls and festival games along the approach.
The 2026 information states that admission is free and no reservation is required, so visitors can attend without making any special arrangements.
However, parishioners and shrine volunteers who perform the rituals have different roles from visitors who come to watch or worship.
Crowds are expected, so if you want to see an event, allow plenty of time to get around.
The 2026 Hojoya has no reservation requirement, and admission is free.
Shinto rituals and Shin-kagari events take place at different times each day, so check the date and start time if there is a dedication or event you want to see.
Stalls and festival games along the approach are available throughout the festival, though individual stall hours may vary.
Location and access
- Venue and address
The entire grounds of Hakozaki Shrine (1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City)
- Train and bus
About a 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Hakozaki-Miyamae Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Hakozaki Line.
About an 8-minute walk from Hakozaki Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line.
About a 3-minute walk from the Hakozaki bus stop for Nishitetsu Bus, and about a 2-minute walk from the Hakozaki 1-chome bus stop for JR Kyushu Bus.
- By car
Vehicles are prohibited on the approach and intersecting roads, so be mindful of traffic restrictions on nearby roads and use designated parking lots.
Access the temporary parking lot from the inbound lanes of National Route 3.
- Parking
Parking is available at Miyamae Parking Lot and the temporary parking lot at Oshioi Beach.
Use of public transportation is recommended, as it gets crowded during the festival.
Address 1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)
In 2026, it was held from September 12 (Saturday) through September 18 (Friday).
During the festival, the Opening Day Festival, Second Day Festival, Third Day Festival, Hojoya Grand Festival, Fifth Day Festival, Sixth Day Festival, and Closing Festival are held on their respective days. The Hojo Shinto Ritual was also held on September 18.
Shin-kagari events were held from September 12 through the 18th, with a different daily program of Japanese drumming, kagura, and traditional entertainment.
The festival is usually held from September 12 through the 18th.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Fukuoka Prefecture / Fukuoka City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The approach and shrine grounds get very crowded during the festival, and hot weather is also expected. Take precautions by replenishing fluids and salt, and using a hat and cooling items.
Vehicles are prohibited on the approach and intersecting roads, so if you are driving, check the traffic restrictions and parking information.
2026 is a year in which the Goshinko procession will not take place, so take note if you are planning to visit to see the procession.
First-aid stations are set up on the shrine grounds and along the approach.
Nearby attractions
Highlights at the venue, Hakozaki Shrine itself, include the main hall, , Romon gate, Ichino , and stone lanterns.
Nearby sites connected to local history include the Hakozaki Shrine Mongolian Anchor Stone, Eiko-in Temple, -dō Hall, and Karenozuka Mound.
Fukuoka Prefectural Library and Fukuoka Yokamon Hiroba are also listed as nearby attractions, where visitors can explore the region’s history and crafts alongside the festival.
Sumiyoshi Shrine
福岡県福岡市博多区住吉にある神社
博多ポートタワー
博多港にあるタワー
Ohori Park
福岡市中央区の公園
写真：Tzuhsun Hsu from Taipei, Taiwan / CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo source ·
志賀海神社
福岡県福岡市東区にある神社
海の中道海浜公園
福岡県福岡市東区にある国営公園
福岡アジア美術館
福岡市博多区にある美術館
福岡タワー
福岡市早良区の電波塔
福岡城
福岡市中央区にある城
福岡市動植物園
福岡市の動物園及び植物園
福岡市博物館
福岡市早良区にある博物館
福岡市美術館
福岡市中央区の大濠公園にある美術館
Origins and History of Hojoya (Hakozaki Shrine)
Hakozaki Shrine’s Hojoya is said to have begun after a divine oracle declared, “As many lives have been taken during the wars, Hojoya should be held.” Records show that it was held in Hakozaki as early as 919.
After it was discontinued, it was revived in 1675, and ceased as a Buddhist service after the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the Meiji period.
The Goshinko procession resumed in 1701 after being interrupted by warfare, and is now designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka City.
The festival has been passed down as an event that cherishes life, admonishes against taking life, and gives thanks for the autumn harvest.
Source: 放生会 (筥崎宮) - Wikipedia
Official information
Details of the event and the Shinto rituals and Shin-kagari events are available on the official Hakozaki Shrine website.
The 2026 information also refers visitors to “Reiwa 8 Mid-Autumn Grand Festival ‘Hojoya’: Information on Shinto Rituals and Event Schedule” on the official Hakozaki Shrine website.
Hojoya (Hakozaki Shrine) at a Glance
Hakozaki Shrine’s Hojoya is a 7-day grand festival centered on Shinto rituals that cherish life and give thanks for the autumn harvest, alongside Japanese drumming, kagura, stalls, and festival games.
In 2026, it was held from September 12 through the 18th, and visitors could attend free of charge without a reservation.
Hakozaki-Miyamae Station is about a 3-minute walk away, making the shrine easy to reach by public transport. However, crowds and traffic restrictions are in effect during the festival, so taking a train or bus is recommended.
It is a festival where visitors can enjoy both the lively approach and the history of Hakozaki Shrine.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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