Top 10 Events in Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu-Okinawa

In the spring, the Kawachi Fuji Gardens open their Wisteria tunnels to the public. Wisteria, lauded in Japanese poetry, bloom strongest between April and May. The Kawachi Fuji Wisteria are especially lovely, as the hundred-year old trees are arranged to blossom around domes and trellises, with clusters of flowers hang down in delicate rows, leaving only patches of streaming sunlight in between. The magical sight attracts visitors from all over the world. Over twenty species of Wisteria compose the two main tunnels, one 260 feet long, and the other 720 feet long. Each features an explosion of petals from lavender to deep royal purple, with bursts of pink, blue, and white in between.

In Iizuka in Fukuoka Prefecture, head to Nakano-shima on the Onga River to find a historic fireworks show that has been held over ninety times. 6,000 Fireworks are launched into the night sky. They include a 400m "waterfall" and massive special fireworks considered to be the largest in the western Japan area. Finally, there are creative interpretations like fireworks simulating a motorcycle racing down a track -- inspired by the nearby racetrack.

Held annually between July 1st and 15th, this is one of Hakata's signature festivals, along with Hakata Dontaku. There are various opinions concerning its origin, but many believe it started in 1241 when the monk Shoichi Kokushi sprinkled holy water to get rid of diseases. For this festival, floats similar to portable shrines called yamakasa are built up high with countless banners and dolls. For safety, the shoulder-carried floats called kaki yamakasa used for transporting people are three meters high. On the first day, cordoning ropes are dropped (a cleansing event in the style of the region) and the ritual of inviting deities into the yamakasa begins. On the 10th, the floats finally start their parade called the nagare kaki, and the festival really heats up.

Sagemon is a decorating custom originating in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture expressing a wish for sound health and decent suitors for girls. Red and white cloths are wrapped around bamboo rings to make seven ornaments each with seven strings, and then placed around two Yanagawa balls in the center. This total of 51 decorations signifies an old tradition of wishing for one more year of life when a normal life span was thought to be 50 years. The Yanagawa Dolls' Festival Sagemon Meguri is held from February to April, during which a number of events take place, including a doll festival, aquatic doll parade, and a festival in which paper dolls are floated down the river.

This fireworks festival is held at Kashiihama Beach (near Kataosa Beach) on Hakata Bay, located near Kashii-gu, a shrine dedicated to the Empress Jingu. Approximately 7,700 multicolored fireworks are launched, vividly painting the summer night sky. In addition to viewing the show from the land, the floating restaurant Mariera offers a popular dining cruise for guests to enjoy the fireworks at sea. In the spirit of a fireworks display "for the people, by the people," the cleanup the next day relies on volunteers.

This fireworks display is held in the city of Yanagawa, facing the bay on the Ariake Sea. The launching site and viewing area are very close to each other, giving a feeling that the large fireworks are even bigger. The greatest highlights of the show are the "Sky Niagara Yanagawa Special" that travels about one kilometer, and the starmine viewed at a wide angle. In addition to the usual venue, barbecue seats are available for a fee, and tons of fun can be had in the evening before the show at various shops and events.

The Nakagawa Festival is held every August in Nakagawa, Chikushi District, Fukuoka Prefecture. The festival combines a night market with a variety of stage events like quizzes and concerts. For a finale, the small town will be filled with a fireworks display with 4,000 launches. The show can be viewed from the festival grounds, or you can take a shuttle bus around the town that stops in the country to see the show in peaceful surrounds.

This fireworks show in Okawa, Fukuoka Prefecture has a history going back 60 years. The Chikugo River where the display is held is one of the premier rivers of the Kyushu region, and this is the largest fireworks display held in its lower reaches. The area has no tall buildings to obstruct your view of the show, so spectators are sure to be able to appreciate the roughly 5,000 fireworks from the large river terrace or the opposite bank. The festival is held every year in early August, and is always bustling with street stalls.