【2026】Major September Events and Festivals in Fukuoka Prefecture

Introducing Fukuoka Prefecture's September festival and autumn event information all at once! From the "Hakozaki Shrine Hojo-yal"—one of Hakata's three major festivals—to local autumn festivals, liquor and gourmet events, this is the latest guide to enjoying the beginning of autumn in Fukuoka to the fullest.

Speaking of autumn in Hakata! Hakozaki Shrine Hojo-ya

An event counted as one of Hakata's Three Major Festivals alongside spring's Hakata Dontaku and summer's Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Held for over a thousand years at the historic Hakozaki Shrine in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, this festival attracts around 1 million worshippers annually to "cherish all living things, admonish the taking of life, and give thanks for the autumn harvest." During the seven-day period, various Shinto rituals and celebratory events take place.

Dates: Saturday, September 12 – Friday, September 18, 2026
*Usually held September 12–18 every year

Hojo-ya in Other Regions

Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine Hojo-ya (Kurume City)

Originating from the legend that Empress Jingu was saved by nina snails when dispatching troops to Silla, this festival features prayer rituals for abundant harvests and family safety, as well as a Shinto release ritual for the nina snails living on the giant camphor tree within the shrine grounds.

Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Miyajitake Shrine Autumn Grand Festival (Fukutsu City)

The Autumn Grand Festival is the largest festival at Miyajitake Shrine, also known by the alias "Hojo-ya." With a history of about 600 years, it is a festival to express gratitude for the deities' blessings (abundant harvests).

Dates: Monday (Public Holiday), September 21 – Wednesday (Public Holiday), September 23, 2026

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Koga Shrine Autumn Grand Festival Hojo-ya (Koga City)

A festival to give thanks for the bounties of the sea and mountains and abundant harvests, and to pray for business prosperity and traffic safety. Various street stalls line up, bustling with many families and other visitors.

Dates: Monday, September 28 and Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Festivals & Traditional Events

Akizuki Nochi no Hina (Asakura City)

"Nochi no Hina" (Latter Hina) is an Edo-period custom of re-displaying Hina dolls on September 9 for the Chrysanthemum Festival (Choyo no Sekku) to pray for health and longevity. Approximately 600 Hina dolls are displayed on the stone steps in front of the Nagayamon Gate at the Akizuki Castle Ruins, known as the "Little Kyoto of Chikuzen."

Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Takazumi Shrine Shinkosai Festival (Soeda Town)

A Shinto ritual where shrine parishioners combine their strength to carry portable shrines (mikoshi) and parade through the local area accompanied by the sound of drums. The portable shrine stays overnight at the Otabisho (temporary resting place) along the approach to Takazumi Shrine. The "Ushi-kuji" (bull lottery), which was once grandly held with prizes such as a real bull, is designated as part of Soeda Town's historic scenery.

Dates: Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026
Yame Fukushima’s Toro Ningyo (Yame City)

A folk performing art that has been preserved and passed down by the common people for about 280 years since the Edo period. On the grounds of Fukushima Hachimangu Shrine, a three-tier, two-story pavilion built without using a single nail or iron clamp is assembled, and a mechanical puppet performance (karakuri ningyo) is dedicated to the accompaniment of traditional music.

Dates: Opening Performance = Saturday, September 20, 2026; Main Performance = Monday, September 21 – Wednesday, September 23, 2026

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Daibu Lion Dance (Iizuka City)

A local performing art representative of western Japan that began in 1724. Handed down to the present day as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Fukuoka Prefecture, its lion mask head is said to date back to around 1724, evoking the prestigious atmosphere of the period.

Dates: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026
Ono Yamashiro Daimonji Festival (Onojo City)

A citizens' festival dedicated to preserving and passing down "Ono Castle" (Onojo), Japan's oldest mountain castle and the origin of the city's name. Featuring the character "大" (dai) illuminated on Mt. Shioji, character shows starring "Ono Joe" and "Madoka-chan," and many other highlights.

Dates: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026
Kanda Yamakasa Festival (Kanda Town)

Held annually from mid-September to the first week of October, this festival is known as a "Fighting Yamakasa" (Kenka Yamakasa) because the floats fiercely collide with one another. The heroic and splendid Yamakasa, which changes its appearance three times during the festival period—Hiyama (lantern float) → Noboriyama (banner float) → Iwayama (rock float)—is an absolute must-see!

Dates: Sunday, September 27 – Sunday, October 4, 2026

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Fireworks Coloring the Autumn Night Sky

Fireworks are no longer just a summer delight. An increasing number of events are being held in autumn to avoid the intense heat, with many more scheduled to take place one after another. You might experience an emotion quite different from midsummer!

Summer Festival Asakura (Asakura City)

Approximately 1,000 fireworks will be launched, concluding with Asakura's famous 10 consecutive 1-jaku (approx. 30 cm) shell fireworks! You can also enjoy various stage events and food stalls.

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026

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Hanabi Dorampachi (Fireworks Display) (Kurume City)

An Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Fukuoka Prefecture. The name originates from the flames rising like bees bursting out of a hive and scattering in a frenzy. When a gunpowder-packed "beehive" measuring about 2.5 meters in diameter and 4 meters in height is ignited, sparks dance across the night sky accompanied by a loud roar.

Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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Make a wish come true! Kaiun Fireworks Festival (Fukutsu City)

On the middle day of Miyajitake Shrine's Autumn Grand Festival, the wishes that people entrusted to the grand deity are launched into the sky along with fireworks. Large flowers of light bloom across the clear night sky.

Date: Tuesday (Public Holiday), September 22, 2026

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Onga River Iizuka Fireworks Display (Iizuka City)

A fireworks display with a long history that began in 1922, it is a major event in the Chikuho region that attracts 100,000 visitors every year. The event period was changed to autumn starting in 2025. Visitors can enjoy large-scale set-piece fireworks, including the Niagara Falls display.

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

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Yuikirara Lantern Festival (Koge Town)

A variety of decorative lanterns created by local residents illuminate the venue with a fantastical light. Stage events are packed with highlights, including Kagura (Shinto music and dance), Japanese taiko drums, traditional dance, and Chinese face-changing performances. In the finale, fireworks light up the autumn night sky.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026

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Fireworks Festivals Held from September to November

Still So Hot! Water Play at Pools and the Sea

Uminonakamichi Sunshine Pools (Fukuoka City)

Popular attractions include the "Flowing Water Pool," one of the largest in western Japan with a 300-meter lap, and the "Water Jungle," which is packed with fun features such as a giant bucket that tips over when full of water. You can enjoy a total of 6 types of pools, including the "Dragon Slider" equipped with 3 types of slides and the "Dinosaur Pool" with gushing water.

Dates: Saturday, September 5 & Sunday, September 6; Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13; Saturday, September 19 – Wednesday (Public Holiday), September 23, 2026

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Nagaihama Park Marine Activities (Yukuhashi City)

You can experience a total of 6 types of marine activities (Flyboard, Wakeboard, Banana Boat, Ski Biscuit, Jet Ski Touring, and SUP), starting with Flyboarding, which can only be experienced here in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Dates: Currently open – Sunday, September 27, 2026
*Dates may vary depending on tide conditions

Photogenic Spots & Events

Arahito Shrine Wind Bell Corridor (Nakagawa City)

Arahito Shrine is known as a guardian deity for romantic fulfillment and career advancement. Every year, for a limited period from early July to mid-September, hundreds of wind bells are hung. In addition to blue and vitamin-colored wind bells, rainbow-colored ones are also displayed, making the setting gorgeous and photogenic! The fantastical illumination at night is also a must-see.

Dates: Currently open – Mid-September 2026 (scheduled)

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Seaside Night of Light and Wind (Fukuoka City)

Holding the first-ever night opening of the "Light and Wind Square" at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park! In a chill area equipped with outdoor chairs and mats, spend a relaxing, soothing time taking in the colorful illuminated palm trees and the night view of downtown Hakata.

Dates: Currently open – Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays through Sunday, September 27, 2026
Ohori Park Japanese Garden "SEKAI" (Fukuoka City)

An experiential night event set in a Japanese garden, expressing the beauty of nature through art and technology. Fantastical scenes color the garden, starting with a full-sphere projection mapping using a giant sphere floating on the water's surface. Try capturing a special, photogenic shot!

Dates: Currently open – Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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Sannoji Wind Bell Festival (Sasaguri Town)

The approximately 5,000 colorful wind bells decorated by the monks are a spectacular sight! It is drawing attention as a photogenic spot. You can also write your wish on a wind bell and dedicate it. (There is no nighttime illumination)

Dates: Currently open – Sunday, October 4, 2026

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Autumn Sunflowers

Yanagawa Sunflower Park (Yanagawa City)

On a vast site of approximately 5 hectares facing the Ariake Sea, about 500,000 sunflowers come into full bloom. Whether it is the contrast with the blue sky, the harmony with the setting sun, or the illumination after sunset, it is photogenic whenever you visit!

Open Dates: Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 13, 2026
Haki Great Sunflower Park (Asakura City)

In a field of approximately 1.6 hectares in front of Michi-no-Eki Harazuru Farm Station Basaro, about 160,000 sunflowers bloom in abundance. During the period, a "Sunflower Fair" is held, offering fresh-cut flower sales and other activities.

Best Viewing Period: Late September to early October
Nogata Riverside Park (Nogata City)

A riverside park where you can play on the lawn plaza equipped with large playground equipment, or enjoy sports such as walking and jogging. The approximately 200,000 sunflowers blooming along the riverbed are an impressive sight.

Best Viewing Period: September to October

Liquor & Gourmet Events

Yakitori Nihon Ichi Festival (Best Grilled Chicken in Japan Festival) (Kurume City)

A famous event in Kurume City, which boasts one of the highest numbers of yakitori restaurants in Japan. You can enjoy the proud specialties of 12 yakitori shops in total—10 famous local Kurume shops plus 2 guest shops. Savor this local gourmet food alongside Ichiban Shibori draft beer, Heartland draft beer, Chikugo local sake, shochu, famous brand liquors, and super-carbonated highballs.

Dates: Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026

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BEERS OF JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026 (Fukuoka City)

An event showcasing the appeal of Japanese craft beer and regional food culture. For the first time, this edition will feature the "Favorite Beer General Election" and "Festival Food General Election" to determine the No. 1 in each genre! A diverse lineup of performers will take the stage daily to liven up the venue.

Dates: Friday, September 18 – Wednesday (Public Holiday), September 23, 2026
"Squid Kingdom" Chikuzen Genkai Squid Fair (Munakata City, Fukutsu City, Ashiya Town, Okagaki Town)

Fukuoka Prefecture ranks second in Kyushu after Nagasaki Prefecture for squid catch volume. This gourmet fair takes place in the Chikuzen Genkai area—the top squid-producing region in the prefecture—where you can enjoy fresh squid dishes. In addition to live-prepared squid sashimi (ikezukuri), enjoy a variety of creative menu items such as squid chazuke, squid rice bowls, sushi, and pasta!

Dates: Friday, September 18 – Sunday, November 15, 2026
Tenzan Sake Brewery Tasting Party (Buzen City)

At Sato Sake Shop, which boasts an irresistible selection for liquor lovers featuring local famous sakes and shochu, let's enjoy Tenzan Sake Brewery's sake while drinking the brewery's pure brewing water (shikomi-mizu). Feel free to bring your own snacks.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
*Advance application required by Saturday, September 19. A lottery will be held if applicants exceed capacity.
&SAKE FUKUOKA (Fukuoka City)

An event bringing together sakes from Fukuoka Prefecture, one of Japan's leading sake-producing regions. True to the name "&SAKE," you can experience the wonders of food, music, space, time, and encounters with people through Fukuoka's sake. Popular restaurants that are usually hard to book will also make an appearance!

Dates: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026

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Mino Hokuroku Gelato Street 9th Gelato General Election (Kurume City)

Five shops in Yamamoto-machi, Kusano-machi, and Tanushimaru-machi in Kurume City will serve their proud gelato creations. Purchase gelato at participating shops and collect stamps from two or more shops to apply for a chance to win wonderful prizes in a raffle. How about a delicious gelato tour to soothe the late summer heat?

Dates: Currently open – Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Autumn of the Arts! 3 "Town Festivals" Where Citizens Come Together to Get Excited

Fukuoka Music Month 2026

"Fukuoka Music Month" is an event symbolizing Fukuoka, the city of music. In 2026, it will scale up even further, hosting 7 music festivals across 6 consecutive weekends in September and October. In addition to artists of various genres performing, there are also events where visitors can sing and dance together as one. Come and feel the music with your entire body!

Period: Saturday, September 5 – Sunday, October 11, 2026

Kurosaki Switch (Kitakyushu City)

"Kurosaki Switch" is a new project in Kurosaki, Yahatanishi Ward, Kitakyushu City, launched in 2025. With "multigenerational interaction" as this year's theme, it combines the "energy of youth" shaping the future with the "passion of seniors" who have supported Kurosaki's development, creating even more inspiring "switches."

Period: Sunday, September 6 – Monday (Public Holiday), October 12, 2026

Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival (Kitakyushu City)

The "Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival" is a iconic summer tradition of Kitakyushu City. It is packed with highlights, including the "Kodomo Yume Stage" (Children's Dream Stage), where local children perform choral singing and dance, and the "Natsu Matsuri Dai Shogo" (Grand Gathering of Summer Festivals), where heroic Yamakasa floats and procession carts from the city's 7 wards gather together. There are also fireworks in the finale!

Dates: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026