Fukuoka · City guide

What's on in Fukuoka.

Kyushu's biggest city runs on its own clock: Hakata Gion Yamakasa in July, the November sumo tournament, and the yatai food stalls that line the river at night. The friendliest arrival point in southern Japan.

Things to do in Fukuoka

On in Fukuoka

Nov32026

Hikari no Machi Hakata 2026

Fukuoka, Fukuoka · Illuminations · Tue 03 Nov 2026 to Mon 11 Jan 2027

JR Hakata Station plaza becomes the 'City of Light Hakata' for its 15th year, with the new 160,000-bulb 'Hakatarium' symbol.

Confirmed dates

Nov82026

Fukuoka Marathon 2026

Fukuoka, Fukuoka · Sport · Sun 08 Nov 2026

Point-to-point city marathon for 13,000 runners from central Fukuoka to a coastal finish in Itoshima.

Confirmed dates

Nov82026

Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament 2026

Fukuoka, Fukuoka · Sport · Sun 08 to Sun 22 Nov 2026

The November grand sumo tournament: 15 days at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center.

Confirmed dates

May32027

Hakata Dontaku Port Festival

Fukuoka, Fukuoka · Festivals · Mon 03 to Tue 04 May 2027

Golden Week port festival in Fukuoka City, with parades along Meiji-dori and performances on stages across the city.

Expected window

Jul12027

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Fukuoka, Fukuoka · Festivals · Thu 01 to Thu 15 Jul 2027

Summer festival centred on Kushida Shrine, in which seven districts race one-ton kakiyama floats through Hakata.

Expected window

More in the prefecture: What's on in Fukuoka (4 more events).