Hōjōya

Overview

The Hojouya is an autumn grand festival held annually from September 12 to September 18 at Hakozakigu Shrine located in Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City. Its formal name is the Hakozakigu Chushu Taisai (Mid-Autumn Grand Festival), and its mikoshi procession (Goshinko) is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka City under the name "Hakozakigu Shinko Gyoji." Along with the spring festival Hakata Dontaku and the summer festival Hakata Gion Yamakasa, it is counted as one of the three major festivals of Hakata and is recognized as one of the largest autumn festivals in Kyushu. During the seven-day period, several hundred food and game stalls line the approach to the shrine, drawing large crowds of visitors each day.

This festival originates from the Buddhist teaching of "cherishing all life, refraining from killing, and giving thanks for the autumn harvest." It embodies the wish to "value all life" by releasing captured fish and birds back into nature, and even today, the "Hojoshinji" ceremony of releasing doves and fish is performed on the final day . At Hakozakigu Shrine, the festival name is read as "Hojouya" rather than the standard reading "Hojoe."

History and Origins

The origins of Hojouya are ancient, traced back to an edict said to have been issued by Emperor Tenmu ordering the provinces to perform release ceremonies (the exact year is subject to various accounts). This practice, believed to have been transmitted from China, is said to have been observed from early times at shrines such as Usa Shrine in Oita Prefecture, and by some accounts was held to pacify the spirits of the Hayato (southern Kyushu warriors) who had rebelled in the Nara period.

The Hojouya at Hakozakigu Shrine appears in the records of Kenninji Temple in Kyoto, which note "the first Hakozaki release ceremony in the 19th year of Engi (919)." It is said to have been founded on a divine oracle stating, "During times of battle, much killing occurs. You should perform the Hojouya ceremony." As a rite continuing from the Heian period, it has long been revered as a festival praying for victory in battle and national peace, carried on for over a thousand years .

The release ceremony spread to Hachiman shrines across the country, becoming established as a rite that cherishes life and warns against needless killing. At Hakozakigu as well, it has been carried on to this day as a ceremony to repent the sin of taking life and to give thanks for all living things, drawing the faith of the local community .

Eventually, common people also began to participate, and the festival became established as a prayer for abundant harvests, prosperous business, and family safety. During the Edo period, it became a regular event for the general public, and today it is cherished as a typical autumn festival of Fukuoka, featuring both solemn Shinto rituals and lively stalls and sideshows lining the approach . Hakozakigu Shrine regards the Hojouya as its most important ritual, a tradition that has continued for over a thousand years .

Highlights

Goshinko (Mikoshi Procession) The highlight of Hojouya is the "Goshinko," a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession held only once every two years in odd-numbered years. The deity of Hakozakigu Shrine is transferred to the mikoshi and paraded through the parishioners' neighborhoods to bestow blessings upon the people, and this event has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka City . Approximately 500 parishioners participate in the ceremony centered around three mikoshi, and the procession of Shinto priests in ancient costumes, shrine maidens, warriors in armor, and children (chigo) advancing to the sound of gagaku court music resembles a splendid historical picture scroll.

Hojoshinji (Release Ceremony) On the final day, the "Hojoshinji" ceremony is performed, embodying the original meaning of the Hojouya. Doves and fish kept in the shrine precincts are released into nature, conveying the spirit of refraining from killing and respecting life . After this ceremony, participants receive sacred offerings presented before the deity and pray for health, safety, and family well-being. The shrine also accepts memorial services for the spirits of pets and other creatures that have been unavoidably sacrificed in the course of living .

Chigo Gyoretsu (Children's Procession) On the final day, a "Chigo Gyoretsu" procession of children dressed in beautiful costumes parades along the approach. Local children participate as parishioners, making this an important event for passing down traditions to the next generation . The colorful sight of the children warms the hearts of spectators and serves as a charming symbol of the festival's climax.

Stalls and Bustling Approach During the festival period, several hundred stalls line the approach to the shrine, offering shooting galleries, goldfish scooping, haunted houses, and other traditional amusement park attractions . The sale of fresh ginger is particularly famous as a specialty of Hojouya, and many visitors come to enjoy its flavor. The scene of stall lights illuminating the approach at night is an iconic image of autumn in Fukuoka.

Kagiwai Butai (Entertainment Stage) A "Kagiwai Butai" entertainment stage is set up within the shrine precincts, featuring a variety of performances including taiko drumming, hula dancing, martial arts demonstrations, band performances, and calligraphy shows . Visitors can enjoy demonstrations of "Hakata Koma" (top-spinning) by the Hakata Koma Preservation Society and sacred dances (kagura) by the Orio and Buzen groups, providing rare opportunities to experience local traditional performing arts.

Bonbori Lantern Display and Ikebana Exhibition Throughout the festival period, bonbori lanterns donated by notable figures from Fukuoka and an ikebana flower arrangement exhibition by the Ikenobo school are held in the shrine precincts . The soft light of the bonbori lanterns illuminates the grounds, adding elegance to the nocturnal festival atmosphere. The elaborate flower displays allow visitors to sense the changing seasons.

Hashirikomi (Final Dash) When the mikoshi returns from the temporary resting place to the main shrine, the parishioners perform a "Hashirikomi," a final dash of about 100 to 200 meters . In stark contrast to the solemn atmosphere of the earlier procession, the participants run at full speed carrying their own gear such as banners, lanterns, and offering boxes, creating a powerful spectacle that draws loud cheers from the onlookers.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: Annually from September 12 to September 18 for seven days. Check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of the event's status.
• Venue: Hakozakigu Shrine (1-22-1 Hakozaki, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
• Admission: Free (participation in rituals and entertainment events, as well as stall usage, may incur separate charges)
• Nearest Station: Fukuoka City Subway Hakozaki Line, "Hakozaki-miyamae Station," about a 3-minute walk (Exit 1)
• JR Access: JR Kagoshima Main Line, "Hakozaki Station," about an 8-minute walk. Some rapid and semi-rapid trains make special stops at Hakozaki Station during the festival period.
• Bus Access: Nishitetsu Bus "Hakozaki" stop, about a 3-minute walk. JR Kyushu Bus "Hakozaki 1-chome" stop, about a 2-minute walk.
• Car Access: The approach and intersecting roads are closed to vehicle traffic during the festival period, so using public transportation is strongly recommended.
• Inquiries: Hakozakigu Shrine Office (open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM)

Surrounding Area Information

The area around Hakozakigu Shrine features a historic townscape in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City. Within walking distance is the "Hakozaki Shopping Street," a representative shopping district of eastern Fukuoka where remnants of the former "Hakozaki Aquarium" can still be felt. During the festival period, special events are sometimes held in these shopping streets, and local restaurants may offer limited-edition menus exclusive to the Hojouya.

Access to central Fukuoka is convenient, with the subway Hakozaki Line reaching Nakasu-kawabata Station in about 10 minutes and Tenjin Station in about 15 minutes. After enjoying the Hojouya, visitors can explore the bustling entertainment districts of Hakata for dining and shopping. Particularly on the final day, when the children's procession and release ceremony take place in the afternoon, it is popular to enjoy the night scenery of Hakata afterward.

Nearby attractions include the "Hakata Port Tower" and the "Fukuoka Asian Art Museum," which can be combined with a visit to the Hojouya for a deeper cultural experience of Fukuoka. The Asian Art Museum sometimes holds special exhibitions timed to coincide with the festival, so checking its official website in advance is recommended.

Related Information

1. Three Major Festivals of Hakata: Hojouya is counted among the three major festivals of Hakata, alongside Hakata Dontaku (spring) and Hakata Gion Yamakasa (summer).
2. Three Major Festivals of Kyushu: Hojouya is also considered one of the three major festivals of Kyushu, recognized for its scale and history as a representative festival of the region.
3. Fukuoka City Intangible Folk Cultural Property: The Goshinko (mikoshi procession), held once every two years, has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka City.
4. Fukuya Hojouya Memorial Service: During the festival period, a "Fukuya Hojouya Memorial Service" is conducted by Fukuya Co., Ltd., famous for its mentaiko (seasoned cod roe). This is a Shinto ritual expressing gratitude for life and offering memorial prayers.
5. Hojoshinji and Pet Memorials: In addition to releasing creatures into nature, the Hojouya also accepts memorial services for the spirits of pets. This is a unique initiative that blends modern pet culture with the traditional concept of respect for life.
6. History of Hakozakigu Shrine: Hakozakigu Shrine is counted among the "Three Major Hachiman Shrines of Japan" and is a historically significant shrine enshrining Emperor Ojin as the main deity, along with Empress Jingu and Tamayori-hime no Mikoto. Its founding is traditionally dated to 923.

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