What to do and see in Fukuoka, Kyushu-Okinawa: The Best Events

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.

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.

Maizuru Park is the former site of the Fukuoka Castle inner citadel, which bears a connection to Kuroda Yoshitaka. In spring, the Yoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees burst into bloom -- close to 1,000 of them -- and the Fukuoka Castle Cherry Blossom Matsuri is held from late March through early April. During the event season, a signal gun inspired by Kuroda's unique cannonry marks the start of the nightly illumination show. There is also a quiz rally held at the Korokan at Fukuoka Castle, exclusive openings of the Sakura Fureai Zoo, and other programs. Lastly, the Ohori Festival is a historical reenactment of a march of Kuroda's horsemen.

A classic of summer in Fukuoka, this is held every August 1. It is the largest fireworks festival of its kind, with 450,000 visitors attending each year. The venue is none other than Ohori Park. A pond here served as a cove and the moat for Fukuoka Castle. It provides the best location for fireworks, since spectators can sit around the pond in 360-degree fashion. The event is sponsored by the Nishinippon Shimbun company and local businesses, as well as from individual donations by members of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks team.