Hakata Dontaku

What Is Hakata Dontaku?

Hakata Dontaku is a festival held every year on May 3 and 4 in Fukuoka City. Its official name is "Fukuoka Citizens' Festival Hakata Dontaku Port Festival." Together with Hakata Gion Yamakasa in summer and Hojoya in autumn, it is one of the three major festivals of Hakata (Fukuoka), and it is known as a citizens' festival that draws crowds of about 2 million people every year.

History of Dontaku

The roots of Dontaku go back to an old folk event called Hakata Matsubayashi.

• Origins in Hakata Matsubayashi: Hakata Matsubayashi is a performing art said to have begun in 1179. It involved processions led by gods of good fortune that went around town to wish for prosperity at the New Year and on other celebratory occasions.
• The name "Dontaku": The name is said to come from the Dutch word "Zondag," meaning Sunday or holiday.
• Postwar revival: The festival was interrupted by the war but was revived in 1946 by volunteers from the Naraya district.
• Today's name: In 1949 it merged with the "Port Festival" celebrating the development of Hakata Port, and in 1962 it became today's "Fukuoka Citizens' Festival Hakata Dontaku Port Festival."

Hakata Matsubayashi, an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property

Hakata Matsubayashi was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan in 2020. It consists of four groups: the three gods of good fortune, Fukujin, Ebisu, and Daikoku, and the children's Chigo group. The three gods ride on horseback, and children go around town beating drums and singing celebratory songs. Dontaku is said to be "a festival to join, not just to watch," and companies, schools, and community groups take part in the parade in their own styles.

Tips for Marking This Day

• If you are in Fukuoka, go see the parade on Meiji-dori Avenue (Dontaku Hiroba)
• Look for the three gods of good fortune of Hakata Matsubayashi as they go around town
• Check this year's program on the official Hakata Dontaku website
• Learn about the festivals held around Japan during Golden Week

Two Days When the Whole City Becomes a Festival

Hakata Dontaku has its origins in Hakata Matsubayashi, said to have begun more than 800 years ago, and has been passed down while changing its form over time. Performances and parades take place all over the city, turning Fukuoka into a lively festive space. Why not turn your attention to local festivals as one way to spend Golden Week?