Hakata Dontaku harbor festival

Hakata Dontaku is said to have originated from the folk event 'Hakata Matsubayashi,' which began around 850 years ago in 1179. In 1962, it became the 'Fukuoka Citizens' Festival,' with the participation of all citizens, and has grown into one of Japan's leading festivals. The festival  features a spectacular parade of Dontaku troupes dressed up in vibrant, colorful costumes, which attracts over two million visitors from both Japan and abroad.