Hita Gion Festival: dates, venue and how to get there
Hita · 日田祇園祭
What to expect
Tall yamaboko floats move through Hita’s old streets to Gion-bayashi music. Mameda and Kuma are separate float districts, so choose your route before arriving.
Photo: Mukai · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date label: 2013-07-27 · Resized for display; the source file and reuse licence are linked below.
Festival dates and programme
Usual season · dates not confirmed
Usually July; festival weekend announced annually
This is a usual season or past programme; it does not confirm the next edition. Programme times are in JST. Japan is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST. Check the organiser’s latest notices for individual performances, weather changes and tickets.
Where the festival takes place
Hita · 日田
Mameda, Kuma and Takeda districts of Hita
豆田地区・隈地区・竹田地区
The location below marks one representative venue or route section. It is not the whole procession or every entrance; use the organiser’s venue map for your programme.
Getting there by train or bus
From Hakata, take the JR Yufu limited express to Hita or a highway bus from Hakata Bus Terminal. Plan the onward walk to Mameda or Kuma from the arrival point.
Find a public transport route from your starting point ↗History and local traditions
The festival has continued for roughly three centuries, with traditions of praying for protection from epidemics, floods and other harm.
Plan your visit
Spend time in one district to follow its float movements. If visiting both Mameda and Kuma, allow a transfer rather than expecting the same route.
Editorial suggestion based on the festival’s venues and viewing format; no personal attendance is claimed.
Hita Gion Festival: questions travellers ask
When is Hita Gion Festival?
Hita Gion Festival: Usually July; festival weekend announced annually. This is the usual season or a reviewed past programme, not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I get to Hita Gion Festival by public transport?
From Hakata, take the JR Yufu limited express to Hita or a highway bus from Hakata Bus Terminal. Plan the onward walk to Mameda or Kuma from the arrival point.
Are Mameda and Kuma one continuous Hita float route?
No. They are separate districts with different float movements. Use the festival map for the district you intend to visit.
Official programme and sources
Reviewed . Some official pages are in Japanese. Open the source for this edition’s venue, daily programme and access conditions.