One of Fukuoka's "Big Three" Festivals, Hojoya! Festival Report!（2/2）

2011.09.29

A sultry night at Fukuoka’s big autumn festival, “Hojoya”! (part two)

I figured I’d done all I could at the shrine by this point so I wandered around for a bit to see what else I could find. Nearby the shrine, bands and live acts of various sorts were using their musical talents to further liven-up the festivities and as I made my way back to the path that lead up to the shrine I found a haunted house attraction, a goldfish scooping game, and the somewhat more unique, eel scooping game and crab scooping game.
There’s something for everyone at Hojoya and seeing all the children having a ball at all the stalls, playing the various games, I couldn’t help but call to mind my carefree younger years also.

●（top left）A cover band of the Japanese group "superfly" performing for the crowd.（top right）Gold fish scooping is a common festival game, but crab, eel and turtle scooping!!...!（bottom left）They even had a Freak Show, which is quite uncommon in Japan.（bottom right）I checked out the haunted mansion also but left feeling a little disappointed...oh well.

● There's no better way to end a festival than with ramen! After such a hot day the beer tasted especially good!!

And with that I completed my participation in all three of Fukuoka’s major festivals. The Yamakasa festival and Dontaku festival are fun to watch but Hojoya is best enjoyed by participating – playing the various games, trying out the various foods.

Personally, I found Hojoya the most enjoyable out of the three! (Although the festival is over now) I definitely recommend this festival for foreigners or tourists who happen to be in or around Fukuoka on September 12-18 in the coming years!

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Getting to Hakozaki Shrine

大きな地図で見る

◆ By Car
About 10 mins from Tenjin. Paid parking available（500 car limit）

◆ Public Transport
　● Fukuoka Subway - from "Hakozaki Miya-mae Station" (exit #1) →　3 min walk
　● JR Kyushu - from "Hakozaki Station"　→　8 min walk
　● Nishitetsu Bus - get off at "Hakozaki"　→　3 min walk
　● JR Kyushu Bus - get off at "Hakozaki 1-chome"　→　2 min walk

◆ Inquiries
Hakozakigu　℡：092-641-7431

Jeong Profile

● asianbeat translator
● University student
● Likes hiking, fishing…pretty much anything outdoors!
● The son of a kiwi fruit farmer!

Every 2~3 weeks we’ll be bringing you reports on interesting and unique aspects of Fukuoka! Dan’s last "SUNSET LIVE" report turned out to be a big hit but I’m determined not to lose him just yet! I’m currently scouring the local terrain so I can introduce you to more of the hidden gems of Fukuoka!

“This is Fukuoka” to be continued!

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