Fukuoka's Hakata Summer Festival kicks off with dances, lanterns and new food stalls

The Hakata Summer Festival will be held from August 4 to August 16, 2026, at the JR Hakata Station Plaza in Fukuoka, Japan. The 13‑day event centers on a large lantern tower, about 8 meters high and composed of 217 lanterns, and includes nightly Bon dancing, a traditional water‑sprinkling (Uchimizu) opening ceremony, and performances by the Nowa Taiko drumming group.

Food stalls will offer a mix of classic festival fare and new items such as Hakata‑style Guruguru Chicken Skin and Cheese Hotteok. Visitors can also enjoy the popular cucumber snack known as Kyuri no Asazuke – lightly pickled cucumbers served on wooden sticks – a long‑standing summer tradition that provides a refreshing, hydrating bite amid the heat.

The festival aims to blend traditional summer attractions with modern additions, inviting both local residents and overseas guests to experience Japanese summer culture.