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【2026】Enjoy Autumn Nights in Hakata Old Town! The Ultimate Guide to the Hakata River Boardwalk & Light-Up Walk-1

【2026】Enjoy Autumn Nights in Hakata Old Town! The Ultimate Guide to the Hakata River Boardwalk & Light-Up Walk

※2026 Information: Updates in Progress!

This autumn, experience the charm of Hakata Old Town as two breathtaking events light up the season!

At the Hakata River Boardwalk (HAKATA Riverside Festival), enjoy delicious food and drinks along the waterfront, surrounded by the warm, gentle glow of bamboo lanterns. Nearby, historic temples throughout the area will be brilliantly illuminated for the Hakata Old Town Light-Up Walk 2026: Sennen Koya.

Come soak in the pleasant autumn breeze, surrounded by stunning lights, and make the most of your evening in Fukuoka!

What is Hakata Old Town?

The Hakata Old Town area, located in Fukuoka’s Hakata Ward, stretches around Tōchōji Temple and Kushida Shrine — places that have shaped the city’s history and culture for over a thousand years. The district is dotted with historic temples and shrines, and has long flourished as a hub for merchants and artisans. Traditional townhouses and cobblestone alleys still remain, offering visitors a glimpse into the nostalgic atmosphere of old Hakata just by strolling through the streets.

It’s also the stage for famous local festivals such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa and Hakata Dontaku, where visitors can experience the lively traditions cherished and passed down through generations. In recent years, new cultural initiatives like temple light-ups and contemporary art exhibitions have brought fresh energy to the area, creating a fascinating blend of history and modern creativity.

For visitors, Hakata Old Town is the perfect gateway to explore the city’s rich heritage — and for locals, it remains a place deeply connected to the heart and spirit of Hakata.

Hakata River Boardwalk: HAKATA Riverside Festival

What is the Hakata River Boardwalk?

Dates: Friday, October 9 – Saturday, October 17, 2026
Hours:Weekdays: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM／Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays: 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Along the Hakata River, right next to the vibrant Kawabata Shopping Street in the Nakasu district, a classic autumn tradition returns: the Hakata River Boardwalk!

Step onto wooden platforms extending right over the water and enjoy famous local Hakata specialties—such as piping-hot ramen and rich motsunabe (beef intestine hot pot)—while gazing at the soft light of around 500 bamboo lanterns and paper lanterns reflecting on the river surface.

Ten of Fukuoka’s top local restaurants will gather along the waterfront, creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of Hakata’s iconic yatai (open-air food stalls). Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy daily live entertainment, including special performances by featured artists and vibrant idol music showcases. For extra fun, festival-style game booths will also be available, featuring traditional arcade shooting (shateki) and vegetable refill challenges!

Gentle bamboo lights, delicious Hakata cuisine, lively music, and warm smiles—relax along the waterfront and experience an unforgettable autumn night in Fukuoka!

Access & Map

The venue is located along the Hakata River, right next to the Don Quijote Nakasu Store, which is directly connected to Exit 4 of Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line. It is just a 1-minute walk from the station!

Opening Ceremony & Light-Up Event: Soap Bubble Delivery “SMILING”

Watch the night over the Hakata River transform into a magical wonderland as mesmerizing soap bubbles float through the air, accompanied by the soulful melodies of the shakuhachi (traditional bamboo flute) and dynamic performances by Hakata Kenban (traditional Hakata geisha).

Visitors can also take part in an exciting raffle draw with fun prizes!

Date & Time: Friday, October 9, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM

Hakata Umaimon Ichi (Hakata Gourmet Market)

During the festival, the Hakata Umaimon Ichi brings together 10 of Hakata’s premier dining spots! Savor authentic local flavors along the waterfront while taking in the stunning boardwalk scenery.

Dates: Friday, October 9 – Saturday, October 17, 2026

【Food Stalls & Vendors】
Hakata Hitokuchi Gyoza Taketora: Pan-Fried Hakata Bite-Sized Gyoza Dumplings (Yaki-Gyoza)
Busantei Chiyo Kencho-mae Branch: Grilled Seafood (Kaisen-yaki)
Motsunabe & Motsu-Yakisoba Sento: Beef Intestine Hot Pot & Fried Noodles (Motsu-Yakisoba)
Domestic Wheat Bakery Full Full: Mentai (Spicy Pollock Roe) French Bread
Irodori: Japanese Pork Skewers & More
Kashidokoro Matsudaya: Strawberry Daifuku Mochi Skewers
ex-Santa Monica Itoshima: Yokozuna Burger
Tenryu Ramen: Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Hakata Toyokara-tei: Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage)
Oden & Nihonshu Wholesale Store: Oden (Simmered Ingredients) & Japanese Sake

Festival Game & Workshop Booths (Paid Activities)

Dates: Friday, October 9 – Saturday, October 17, 2026

【Bond Art Workshop by Tominaga Bond】
Bond Art Workshop with Artist Tominaga Bond
Join Tominaga Bond—the world’s only artist who paints using wood glue (bond)—for a fun, hands-on creative workshop! Perfect for parents and kids to enjoy together, and you can take your unique artwork home as a souvenir.

【Unlimited Vegetable Stuffing Challeng】
"All-You-Can-Stuff" Fresh Vegetable Challenge
Fill your bag with super-fresh produce from Yaoya Ueki Shoten, a local greenmangery wildly popular among Fukuoka’s top restaurants! How much fresh local produce can you pack?

【Traditional Festival Shooting Gallery】
Target Shooting Gallery (Shateki)
A classic Japanese festival game that’s fun for all ages! Aim for the targets and win exciting prizes!

Stage Events

Idol Music Festival

A dynamic lineup of 12 idol groups—including Fukuoka’s very own #FrasaBickle, LUNARIUM, and Pari♡KAWA!!—will take the Hakata River stage! Come cheer for your favorite members or discover your new "oshi" (favorite idol) right here by the water!

Date & Time: Monday (National Holiday), October 12, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM

【Performing Artists】
#FrasaBickle (#フラサービックル)／LUNARIUM (ルナリウム)／Pari♡KAWA!! (ぱり♡KAWA!!)／Candies♡ (キャンディーズ♡)／Ayaka Hanaoka & Yuri Mito (花岡あやか・水戸ゆり)／Arisa Shiraishi (白石ありさ)／&SIREN (＆SIREN)／Cobalt Story (Cobalt Story)／Crews of CamelliA (Crews of CamelliA)／META-SEN (META-SEN)／AQUAPLANET (AQUAPLANET)／Puella + Absolute Value (プエラ＋絶対値)

Festival Finale: Kenji & May J. Special Live Concerts

Closing out the 9-day celebration in style, the festival finale features two incredible performers!

Experience the captivating voice of May J., famous for performing the Japanese ending theme song of Disney’s Frozen. Joining her is Kenji, the acclaimed artist behind major hits like "Ano Airplane Kumorisora Watte" and "Sui, Riku, Sora, Mugendai" (the official cheer song for Team Japan at the Sydney Olympics).

Gather with family and friends along the Hakata River, glowing under the romantic light of paper and bamboo lanterns, to enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music!

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

【Performances】May J. Special Live: 6:30 PM –／Kenji Special Live: 8:00 PM –

Hakata Old Town Light-Up Walk: Sennen Koya

What is the Hakata Old Town Light-Up Walk: Sennen Koya?

Dates: Saturday, October 31 – Tuesday (National Holiday), November 3, 2026

First launched in 2006, this event was created to offer visitors a deeper appreciation of Hakata’s historical heritage by illuminating local temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. Set against the serene atmosphere created by solemn light and historic architecture, it provides a peaceful escape from the busyness of daily life.

This year’s theme is "STARS: Light Constellations Journeying Through Eternity to Illuminate the Future." Like stars twinkling in the night sky, the illuminations are designed to gently warm people’s hearts and light up their cherished memories.

【Admission Fees / All Taxes Included】
Early Bird Ticket:    e-Ticket: ¥1,950 / Paper: ¥2,000    Available until Aug 31 (Mon)
Regular Ticket :   e-Ticket: ¥2,450 / Paper: ¥2,500    Sales start Sep 1 (Tue)
Pair Discount Ticket:    ¥4,000 (Set of 2 tickets)    Available on Asoview!, KKday, FamilyMart, & Ticket Pia from Sep 1
Student Discount:    ¥1,750    Available only at same-day ticket booths. Student ID required.
Express Pass :   ¥6,000    Priority entry to all venues throughout the event period.
Kyushu Reptile Fest Collaboration Ticket:    ¥3,000    Discounted ticket for visitors attending both events.
Group Discount (20+ people)  :e-Ticket: ¥1,950 per person  /Paper: ¥2,000 per person
※Children: Free entry for junior high school students and under (must be accompanied by an adult).

【Paper Ticket Sales Outlets】
Fukuoka Tourist Information Centers (Hakata & Tenjin)／"Hakata Machiya" Folk Museum／Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum／Rita's Table Cafe (1st Floor, Hakata Ward Office)

【Same-Day Ticket Booths】
In front of Hakata Station Central Gate／Next to Tochoji Temple (Mochikichi Parking Lot)／Dekimachi Park／Kushida Shrine Nigiwai Plaza／In front of Hongakuji Temple Parking Lot

Note: Various cashless payment methods are accepted at all same-day ticket booths.

How to Enjoy the Hakata Old Town Light-Up Walk

  • 1. Capture Stunning Photos

    1. Capture Stunning Photos

    The illuminated streets and historic buildings create magical, Instagram-worthy scenes at every turn. Snap your favorite shots and submit them to the photo contest!

  • 2. Create Your Own Original Tenugui (Japanese Hand Towel)

    2. Create Your Own Original Tenugui (Japanese Hand Towel)

    Special tickets include a tenugui. At the event, collect commemorative stamps at paid venues to complete your very own unique design.

  • 3. Collect Limited Goshuin (Temple & Shrine Stamps)

    3. Collect Limited Goshuin (Temple & Shrine Stamps)

    During the Light-Up Walk, all 10 paid venues will issue limited-edition Goshuin (commemorative seal stamps given at Japanese temples and shrines).
    Exclusive original Goshuin books (Goshuin-cho) will also be available for purchase at Dekimachi Park and the Kushida Shrine Nigiwai Plaza.
    Important Note: The number of limited-edition Goshuin available each day is limited, so be sure to collect yours early!

  • 4. Enjoy Food While Walking

    4. Enjoy Food While Walking

    At the Kushida Shrine Nigiwai Plaza, indulge in a special tasting event featuring craft beers, fine wines, and local Japanese sake!
    You can also visit the annual Jotenji Temple Night Market, or check out the popular food trucks gathered at the Dekimachi Park N賑wai Plaza. Each venue features a variety of lively entertainment, specialty vendor booths, and comfortable rest areas—the perfect places to pause, relax, and savor delicious local food as you explore the illuminated town!
    Please Note: Event details and vendor offerings are subject to change without prior notice.

  • 5. Use the Digital Map

    5. Use the Digital Map

    Check all Light-Up Walk venues and information points via the digital map on your smartphone during the event.
    Make sure your device’s location services are turned on to view routes.
    For safety, please stop walking before using the map.

Paid Venues

Free Venues

Google Maps may not display correctly if left open for more than 1 day

Opening Ceremony & Light-Up Celebration

On the opening day, Saturday, October 31, a special opening ceremony will take place at the historic Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate.
Head priests from all 10 participating illuminated temples will gather together alongside elegant geisha from the Hakata Kenban, adding a graceful and festive touch to kick off this extraordinary event.

Date & Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM
Location: Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate

Light-up Walk Stamp Rally

Visitors who collect stamps from all 10 paid venues will receive a special "Goshuin Clear File Folder" as a gift!

Stamp Locations (All 10 Paid Venues):
Jotenji Temple, Tochoji Temple, Myorakuji Temple, Eijuin Temple, Enkakuji Temple, Ryuguji Temple, Hongakuji Temple, Zendoji Temple, Myodenji Temple, and Kaigenji Temple.

Prize Redemption Locations:
Parking lot next to Tochoji Temple, Dekimachi Park, Kushida Shrine, Parking lot in front of Hongakuji Temple,

Please Note: Prize redemption is not available at the Hakata Station Central Gate booth.

Related Events

Okushida Fest

The ever-popular "Okushida Jazz" is back and better than ever! At the Kushida Shrine N賑wai Plaza, enjoy daily live music performances spanning jazz, classical, and traditional Japanese sounds.
With local drink tasting booths and a fantastic selection of food trucks on-site, you can sit back, savor delicious food and drinks, and lose yourself in the enchanting melodies!

Dates: Saturday, October 31 – Tuesday (National Holiday), November 3, 2026
Showtimes: 6:00 PM – 8:20 PM (4 short sets daily: 6:00 PM / 6:40 PM / 7:20 PM / 8:00 PM — 20 minutes each)
Location: Kushida Shrine N賑wai Plaza 

【Stage Schedule】
Saturday, October 31: "Opening Harmony (Wa)"
A Japanese-themed fusion performance featuring piano, violin, and shamisen (traditional 3-stringed lute).

Sunday, November 1: "Rakugo & Songs"
A lively and entertaining show featuring traditional Japanese comedic storytelling (rakugo) and cherished children's folk songs.

Monday, November 2: "JAZZ DAY"
A passionate live jazz session led by Erika Matsuo, official tourism ambassador for Miyama City.

Tuesday (Holiday), November 3: "Classical Finale"
The grand finale features Satochiki, a famous player of the wako (Japanese two-stringed fiddle) performing internationally across Taiwan and the US, alongside the one-night-only "Okushida Quartet."

  • Joten-ji Temple Night Market

    Joten-ji Temple Night Market

    Explore the night market at Jotenji Temple, famous as the birthplace of Japan’s wheat-based food culture (such as udon, soba, and steamed buns) as well as traditional Hakata-ori woven silk textiles. Seating areas are available, making it a great spot to sit down, rest, and relax during your walk.

    Dates: Saturday, October 31 – Tuesday (National Holiday), November 3, 2026
    Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Location: Jotenji Temple Grounds (Buddha Hall side)
    Items for Sale:Udon Noodles, Soba Noodles, Zenzai (Sweet Red Bean Soup with Mochi), Hakata-ori Textiles (Traditional Woven Silk Goods)

  • Zendoji Temple Night Market

    Zendoji Temple Night Market

    Visit the temple grounds to enjoy traditional sweet red bean soup with mochi (zenzai) and soothing hot ginger tea (shogayu). Warm both your body and soul as you take in the beautifully illuminated, vibrant scenery of the temple grounds!
    (Note: Images are for illustrative purposes only.)

    Dates: Saturday, October 31 – Tuesday (National Holiday), November 3, 2026
    Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    Location: Zendoji Temple

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    Hakata Sen-nen-no-mon Marche

    During the Light-Up Walk period, a lively marche will be held at the Hakata Sennenmon Gate, the symbolic entrance to Hakata Old Town. Browse local goods and treats, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and experience the welcoming energy of Hakata during the day.
     

    Dates: October 31 (Fri) – November 3 (Mon, National Holiday)
    Time: 17:00–21:00
    Venue: Hakata Sennenmon Gate

Light-Up Walk Official Merchandise

Exclusive Hakata Old Town Light-Up Walk official merchandise will be on sale for a limited time during the event. Don’t miss this chance to pick up a special souvenir!

Dates & Hours: Saturday, October 31 – Tuesday (National Holiday), November 3, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Sales Locations (Information Booths):Hakata Station Central Gate, Kushida Shrine Nigiwai Plaza, Dekimachi Park
Please Note: Product availability may vary depending on the information booth location.

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    Temple Stamp Tenugui (Limited Edition)

    Complete your own original tenugui cloth by collecting commemorative stamps at all ten paid venues. Each stamp represents a different temple, making it a perfect keepsake of your Light-up Walk experience.
    Limited quantities available—get yours early!

    Price: ¥3,000 (includes admission ticket with tenugui)

  • Goshuin Stamp Book (Limited Edition)

    Goshuin Stamp Book (Limited Edition)

    The original Goshuin-chō (temple seal book) returns this year with a fresh new design! Celebrate your visit to the Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk by collecting the ten exclusive goshuin seals available only during the event.

    Price: ¥3,000

  • Original Protective Amulets (Gofu)

    Original Protective Amulets (Gofu)

    Blessed by priests through sacred Buddhist prayers at local temples, these authentic protective amulets bring distinct spiritual blessings depending on their color. Choose the one that aligns with your wishes!

    <Colors & Blessings>
    Yellow: Success in Work & Good Relationships (Career & Connections)
    Red: Health & Safety
    Black: Warding off Evil & Protection from Bad Luck
    White: Financial Prosperity & Business Success
    Blue: Realization of Dreams & Goals

    Price: ¥200 each

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