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 July in Fukuoka for those who are interested in such things.
*The schedule of the events introduced here is subject to change. Please check the official website of the facility for the schedule.
To learn more about Fukuoka in summer, check here!
Fukuoka in July
Weather
In July, Fukuoka has high temperatures and very high humidity, making it feel especially hot during the day. Average temperatures range from about 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, sometimes even higher. Tropical nights are common, and temperatures do not drop easily even at night.
Events
Numerous summer festivals and fireworks displays are held in Fukuoka in July. Especially famous is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa. This is the festival that symbolizes summer in Fukuoka City. In addition, colorful fireworks displays are held in various locations, beautifully decorating the night sky. These events are enjoyed not only by locals but also by many tourists.
Travel
July is the best time to enjoy swimming and marine sports in Fukuoka. Large-scale fireworks displays and the coastline lined with beach houses are crowded with people enjoying beach volleyball and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy yatai (food stalls) and local delicacies in Fukuoka City, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city during the evening hours.
July Fashion
When visiting Fukuoka in July, visitors should dress appropriately for the hot and humid weather. Lightweight, breathable material clothing, T-shirts, shorts, and sandals are recommended. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential to avoid strong sunlight. When attending outdoor events and fireworks displays, be sure to prepare for heat protection such as insect repellent and cooling sprays.
A must-see! Fukuoka’s representative summer event
July in Fukuoka is the season of high temperatures day and night, and the traditional festivals that have been held since ancient times are very popular. Tourists from all over Japan and even from overseas come to Fukuoka for the festivals, so you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa（博多祇園山笠）
A festival representing Hakata’s summer season, held over a long period from July 1 to 15 every year. This festival has a history of more than 780 years, and is dedicated to Yamakasa at Kushida Shrine to pray for good health and good fortune.
During the festival, the town is filled with the festive atmosphere of “Kazariyama (decorated Yamakasa float) ,” the gorgeous ornaments used in the festival. The highlight of the festival is the “Oiyama”. “OiYama” takes place at 4:59 a.m. on the last day of the festival, when the men carry the Yamakasa and run through the streets of Hakata as fast as they can. The energy of the men carrying the floats is so powerful that even those who are watching are sure to become absorbed in the festival.
Kokura Gion Daiko（小倉祇園太鼓）
This festival has been held for nearly 400 years in Kitakyushu City and is designated as a “nationally important intangible folk cultural property. It is held in the vicinity of Kokura Castle for three days before and after the third Saturday of July every year, including the third Saturday of July, and parades through the streets of Kokura while beating taiko drums.
The festival’s most distinctive feature is the “Taiko Competition,” in which teams compete in taiko drumming skills. More than 100 teams of adults and children will show off the taiko skills they have been practicing and compete in serious competition. Beginners will also have the opportunity to touch and try their hand at drumming.
Tobata Gion Oyamagasa（戸畑祇園大山笠）
The “Tobata Gion Oyamakasa” held in Kitakyushu City and Tobata Ward is an event with a tradition of over 200 years. It is held in front of the Tobata Ward Office for three days every year on the fourth Saturday in July.
“Tobata Gion Oyamakasa” is designated as a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset and is one of the three major summer festivals in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is widely known by the nickname “Chochin-yama” (meaning “mountain of lanterns”) and is characterized by the pyramid-shaped lanterns piled up. The power of the lantern floats, which are raised with powerful shouts, is a sight to behold.
Fireworks Display that Adds Color to the Night in Fukuoka
Fireworks festivals are a must-see summer event, and in July and August, large-scale fireworks displays are held in many parts of Japan. In Fukuoka, too, fireworks displays are held near the sea and rivers, providing unforgettable memories for children and adults alike.
Asiya Fireworks Festival （あしや花火大会）
A historical fireworks display held in Ashiya-cho. A large fireworks display is set off near the mouth of the Onga River. The 250-meter long fireworks traps that cross both banks of the Onga River are very powerful.
Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival （くきのうみ花火の祭典）
The “Kukinoumi Fireworks Festival ” is one of the most popular fireworks festivals in Kitakyushu City. Held around the Wakato Ohashi Bridge, it has become a very popular fireworks festival with over 300,000 visitors.
The large fireworks reflect the light on the surface of the sea, creating a colorful and spectacular spectacle. The rhythmic musical fireworks display, in which fireworks are shot off to the sound of jazz, is also a must-see.
Event limited to this time of the year
In the middle of summer, July is full of outdoor events as well as festivals! Enjoy the fun events and scenery that are only available during this time of year, and forget about the summer heat.
Fukuoka Tower “Milky Way Illumination”
Fukuoka Tower, the symbol of Fukuoka, will be decorated with seasonal illumination. Since Tanabata, the Star Festival, is celebrated on July 7 in Japan, the tower will be illuminated in the image of the Milky Way, the symbol of Tanabata.
The Milky Way illumination can be seen from mid-June to early July, so take this opportunity to enjoy the summer illumination.
Nyoirinji Temple “Wind Chime Festival”
Nyoirinji Temple, about a 15-minute walk from “Misawa Station,” usually holds a “Wind Chime Festival” from June to September. Thousands of wind chimes are displayed, and the cool sound of the wind chimes echoes when the wind blows. The colorful strips of paper attached to the wind chimes are adorable, and the temple is also a famous photo spot.
Also known by the nickname “Kaerudera (Frog Temple),” Nyoirin-ji Temple is decorated with approximately 10,000 frog figurines. The temple is loved by foreign tourists as well, with statues of frogs with unique facial expressions found in every corner of the temple grounds.
Mojiko Beer Festa （門司港ビアフェスタ）
Beer Festa is held every July at Mojiko Retro Central Square. It is one of the largest beer events in Kitakyushu, where beers from various countries and regions gather under various themes each year. Of course, there is also a full food menu to go with the beer. Drinking beer by the sea during the hot season is exceptionally delicious!
For those who want to know more about Fukuoka
