My very first festival here in Fukuoka. Over the weekend I made a trip down to Hakozaki in the morning to check out the Hojoya (aka. Autumn Festival).
It was a really nice shrine with a stage set up a little off to the side for performances. Inside they also had a ceremony going on, where the Shinto Priests were chanting and praying. There was another group of priests who were playing traditional Japanese music while the chants were happening.
Hakozai Hojoya (Autumn Festival)
Inside Hakozakigu Shrine
There was a lovely display of ikibana (flower arranging), and painted lanterns that were placed all around the walk way inside.
Ikebana (flower arrangement)
Cool painted lantern
Famous Hakozaki Hojoya Souvenirs…
There are a couple popular souvenirs that locals would wait in line for days leading up to the festival. There’s a limited number, and all made and decorated by hand:
Champon…is a glass noise maker when you blow into it. There are many cool and different designs. I really liked this one:
Famous Hakozai Hojoya Souvenir: the Champon
Ohajiki...are small decorated marble/rocks, and are really popular at this festival. They are usually sold out within the first few hours of the festival opening.
Famous Hakozai Hojoya Souvenir: Ohajiki
The rest of the festival extended down a good 6 or 7 blocks with carnival games and yummy food stalls. Little pathways would pop up in between that would then lead you to more stalls and games – mmm… food ^^
Food stalls can be found at every festival. Save your stomach room for this!
I found out that one of my teachers also played Taiko! When she found out I played too she invited me to go check out her group. It was interesting to see how other people play Taiko. Loved their costumes!
Taiko performance @Hakozai Hojoya
BC Roll in Japan 