If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in May in Fukuoka for those who are interested in such things.
*The events introduced above may be canceled, so please check the official website before heading out.
To learn more about Fukuoka in spring, check here!
About Fukuoka in May
Weather
May in Fukuoka is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from about 14 to 25 degrees Celsius. The days are warm and comfortable, but the mornings and evenings can feel a bit chilly. Sudden rains are not uncommon during this time of year, so it is necessary to wear clothing that can cope with temperature fluctuations.
Events
Many festivals and events are held in Fukuoka in May. In particular, the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival is one of the largest festivals in Fukuoka, and the entire city is enveloped in a festive mood. Parades, food stalls, and traditional dances are held in the center of the city, attracting large crowds. During Golden Week (a long vacation period from the end of April to the beginning of May), many nature events and programs for children are planned in various locations.
Travel
May is one of the most beautiful times of year for nature in Fukuoka, and visitors can enjoy the fresh greenery in parks and gardens throughout the prefecture. The stable weather during this time is also ideal for enjoying outdoor gourmet events and a variety of outdoor activities.
May Fashion
When visiting Fukuoka in May, light spring fashion such as T-shirts, blouses, and light pants are appropriate during the day. However, it can get cold in the mornings and evenings or depending on the weather, so it is recommended to carry a cardigan or light jacket. It is also helpful to carry a folding umbrella in case of sudden rain. By choosing comfortable walking shoes, you will be able to enjoy sightseeing and nature walks in the city comfortably.
Annual event! A classic event in May!
A wide variety of events are held in Fukuoka in May, offering a taste of local culture. Especially famous is the Hakata Dontaku Festival, a large-scale festival held throughout Fukuoka City. Various other events are held as well, so it is recommended that you check the Internet for information on Fukuoka’s events before you travel.
Hakata Dontaku Festival（博多どんたく港まつり）
This is a traditional festival of Fukuoka citizens that began about 840 years ago, when the city of Hakata was heated up with excitement. The Hakata Dontaku Festivalis held on May 3 and 4 every year, with a festival held on the eve of the festival on May 2. The festival is characterized by the dancers, young and old, men and women, dressed up in costumes of their own choice, and holding a shamoji (rice spatula) to strike the ground.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Dontaku Parade, which takes place at Dontaku Plaza, centered on Meiji-dori Avenue, and is attended by approximately 20,000 citizens. Because of the large number of visitors, it is said to be the largest festival in Japan during Golden Week (a long vacation period from the end of April to the beginning of May). We invite you to come and experience the liveliest Hakata city of the year.
Moji Kaikyo Festa（門司海峡フェスタ）
This festival is held every year during Golden Week in Mojiko Retro Central Square. Visitors can enjoy a parade of Japanese armored warriors, band performances, gourmet food stalls, and more. At the end of the festival, fireworks are launched from the seaside to provide a finale to the festivities.
Itoda Gion Yamakasa Festival（糸田祇園山笠）
Held on the second Saturday in May and the following Sunday, this festival is a traditional event that has continued for more than 300 years, in which people parade through the streets carrying “decorated Yamakasa (Tools used at festivals), ” a festival float up to 9 meters high and weighing more than 2 tons. The rhythm of the taiko drums and the unique shouts echoing through the streets will give you a sense of the power of the festival itself.
Spots where carp streamers can be seen
May 5 is known as Children’s Day, a day to celebrate the growth of children. In addition, carp-shaped flags called “Koinobori” (carp streamers) are raised into the sky to wish for the growth and health of children for Children’s Day. This event is held all over Japan, and the sight of so many carp streamers swimming along rivers and in parks and other vast spaces is especially breathtaking. It is an unforgettable sight for visitors.
Murasaki River Carp Streamer Festival （紫川こいのぼり祭り）
This festival takes place in Kitakyushu City from mid-April to early May. The area around Sakurabashi Bridge, where the carp streamers go up, is only a 10-minute walk from Tokuriki Arashiyamaguchi Station, so those who cannot drive can head there from Hakata Station in less than an hour.
About 600 carp streamers will be decorated around Sakura Bridge. The colorful carp streamers fluttering in the wind on the river are just like carp swimming vigorously.
Furusato Ongagawa Carp Streamer Festival （ふるさと遠賀川鯉のぼり祭）
The Furusato Ongagawa Koinobori Festival, a spring event in Nakama City, is only a 10-minute walk from Chikuzenhabu Station. It takes about 1.5 hours from Hakata Station by public transportation.
About 150 carp streamers rise in the wide sky, colorfully decorating the peaceful scenery. On a clear day, it is recommended to lie down on the riverbed and watch them leisurely.
Golden Week destination! Spots for Kids to Enjoy
Japan has a long holiday weekend called “Golden Week” from the end of April to the beginning of May. Since schools and companies are closed, many events are held in various places during this period, especially for families. Since this is the time when many people travel in Japan, popular spots are expected to be crowded, but there are also many events that are only available for a limited time, so please enjoy them.
Yamame Fishing Festival （ヤマメ釣りまつり）
Shiraito Waterfalls is a popular tourist spot in Itoshima. It is well known as a place to relax and enjoy nature, and many people visit in summer to cool off. The “Yamame Fishing Festival” held every year during Golden Week allows visitors to catch up to four landlocked salmon, and even if they don’t catch any, they can receive up to three. You can also enjoy Nagashi Somen (flowing Somen noodles) and Yamame fish set menus at the festival site.
Marine World Uminonakamichi（マリンワールド海の中道）
Marine World Uminonakamichi is a 5-minute walk from Uminonakamichi Station. During Golden Week, the aquarium is open at night, with extended hours until 9:00 p.m. Visitors can take a closer look at marine creatures that cannot be seen during the daytime. The “Night Dolphin Show,” in which dolphins jump against the beautiful night view of Hakata Bay, is a must-see. You can enjoy the aquarium all day long, starting at noon, so it is recommended to enjoy the different atmospheres of the aquarium during the day and night.