Kyushu Festival Travel: Choose a Season for Your 5-Day Trip

A five-day Kyushu festival trip starts with choosing the season. Hakata Gion Yamakasa runs July 1–15, Nagasaki Kunchi October 7–9, and Karatsu Kunchi November 2–4. These are three separate travel options, not consecutive stops in one five-day itinerary.

Option A: July 12–16, Fukuoka and Yamakasa

Use day 1 for arrival in Fukuoka, days 2–3 for the current festival program and the city, day 4 for the July 15 finale if confirmed, and day 5 for rest and departure. The 2026 season has ended. For another year, verify the program and early-morning transport before booking.

Option B: October 6–10, Nagasaki Kunchi

Arrive on October 6. Use October 7–9 to see the festival, choosing performances and viewing arrangements from the official schedule. Leave October 10 for a quiet visit or departure. Ticketed venues have their own availability and terms; this route does not include reserved seats.

Option C: November 1–5, Karatsu Kunchi

Arrive near Karatsu on November 1, plan around the November 2–4 festival, and depart on November 5. Check the daily float routes and transport guidance. If using Fukuoka as a base, confirm return trains before choosing an evening program.

Build in time and price the actual trip

Pick the option that matches your travel dates, then compare accommodation and transport. Avoid adding distant hot-spring stops between every performance. A shorter list of places leaves room for crowds, weather changes and rest. Check the latest official announcement for the specific year.

Official sources

Checked September 22, 2026: Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Nagasaki Kunchi, and Karatsu Shrine. Compare Kyushu festival listings for your chosen month.