HOMEAreasHakata-kuHakozaki Shrine’s ‘Hojoya’ Festival: Autumn in Hakata Has Arrived.
Hakozaki Shrine’s ‘Hojoya’ Festival: Autumn in Hakata Has Arrived.
Hakata-ku
Fukuoka News
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Hojoya, held at Hakozaki Shrine in Fukuoka City from September 12th to 18th every year, is one of Kyushu’s largest autumn festivals, attracting around 1 million visitors. It is also one of Hakata’s three major festivals, alongside the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival and the Hakata Gion Yamakasa.
‘Hojoya’ Festival
Event Period: September 12th (Thu) to September 18th (Wed), 2024.
Event Time: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Held even in case of rain).
“The origin of this festival is said to have been an oracle from the kami that said, “Since so much life is taken during wars, it is imperative that a freeing of life festival should be observed.” Since it was the divine will of the kami that the lives of all living beings be benevolently protected, the Hojoya Festival began. ”
Source :Hakozaki Shrine Official Website
About 500 food and vendor stalls.
One of the main attractions of the Hojoya festival is the roughly 500 food and vendor stalls set up within the shrine grounds. You can enjoy a wide variety of festival foods like grilled ramen, fried dumplings, yakitori, candied apples, grilled squid, and crepes. Personally, I’m a big fan of the grilled squid (haha)
Hakozaki Shrine’s famous Yakimochi is especially popular. The outside is chewy, while the inside has mildly sweet red bean paste that strikes a perfect balance. There are two varieties: white mochi and mugwort mochi. Another attractive point is the affordable price, just 120 yen per piece. By the way, it’s very similar to Dazaifu Tenmangu’s Umegae Mochi (haha).
At the Hojoya festival, the retro-style sideshow tents and haunted houses are also popular attractions. The haunted house, in particular, is known for its old-fashioned style, handmade rather than using the latest technology. The charm of the Hojoya haunted house lies in its ability to transport visitors back to the festivals of Japan’s past, surrounded by the Showa-era retro atmosphere. In addition, classic Japanese games like shooting galleries, goldfish scooping, ring toss, and lucky draws fill the square, making it a hit with children as well.
Haunted House
Hakozaki Shrine’s Ohajiki
One of the popular items at the Hojoya festival is the Ohajiki, sought after by many collectors. These clay-made Ohajiki are created by the Hakata Doll craftsmen group, Hakata Ningyo Hakuchokai. They feature unique and charming designs, including fish, lucky charms, samurai, and mentaiko (spicy cod roe). Hakozaki Shrine’s Ohajiki are highly popular due to their rarity. Although they were once sold as ‘Hojoya Ohajiki,’ sales were halted at the Hojoya festival in 2017 due to excessive demand and resale issues.
Currently, the Ohajiki are sold year-round as ‘Hakozaki Shrine Ohajiki’ and have become a highly sought-after item among collectors nationwide. Each piece is handmade, giving it a warm texture, and carries the craftsmanship and heart of the artisans. For collectors and enthusiasts, this is an item not to be missed.
For first-time visitors to the Hojoya Festival, I recommend visiting during the daytime to avoid the crowds. Especially on weekdays, you can enjoy the festival at a more relaxed pace compared to the evening, allowing you to leisurely explore the vendor stalls and enjoy the food and games. Additionally, many long-established kakuuchi bars and diners near the approach to the shrine offer special Hojoya-themed menus, giving you the chance to savor the local flavors.
However, please note that on the final day, the stalls often close earlier than usual, so it’s best to visit before noon to be safe.
Daytime at the Hojoya Festival
Hojoya, Featured in Ringo Sheena’s Album
Lastly, the popular singer from Fukuoka, Ringo Sheena, released a new album in 2024 titled Hojoya, which is inspired by this very festival. Interestingly, the album title is read as Hojoya, rather than Hojoe, following the unique local pronunciation of the Hojoya Festival in Fukuoka. This highlights the connection to her hometown. It’s fascinating to see how the Hojoya festival continues to influence modern artists and culture.
Ringo Sheena – New Album Hojoya (Download Version)
Access and Parking Information
Name
Hakozaki Shrine
Address
1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access
Public Transportation 【Fukuoka City Subway】 Get off at Hakozaki-Gu-Mae Station → 3-minute walk (Exit 1) 【JR Kagoshima Main Line】 Get off at Hakozaki Station → 8-minute walk Note: Parking lots in the area may be crowded and parking may not be available.
Parking on surrounding roads is prohibited, so please use the designated parking lots. Please access the parking lot from National Route 3. When crossing National Route 3, please use a crosswalk or pedestrian bridge.
Access to the Hojoya Festival is convenient, with a 3-minute walk from Hakozaki-Miya-Mae Station on the Fukuoka City Subway and an 8-minute walk from Hakozaki Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line. Parking on surrounding roads is prohibited, and the designated parking lots fill up quickly, so I recommend using public transportation.
Summary
Hojoya is a traditional autumn festival beloved by the people of Hakata, where you can enjoy street food, retro sideshows, and haunted houses. Whether you’re with family or on a date, you’re sure to have a great time. Why not experience a special moment while feeling the history and culture of Fukuoka?
