The Kagawa River-crossing Festival (in Japanese Tagawa Kawawatari Jinko-sai) is one of the main festivals in Fukuoka prefecture. The first festival of this kind was held around 450 years ago. At that time an epidemic disease spread at this area so the people prayed at the local Shinto shrines to the gods to help them. When the disease ended, the local people held a festival to thank their gods. A tradition kept alive even today!

What is happening? Groups of men carry two portable shrines and 11 big colorful floats from Fuuji shrine across the Hakosan River on one day and back to the other side on the next day. At night the floats are also illuminated. Besides the river-crossing one can also watch other performances like a lion-dance. And of course there are a lot if food stalls waiting for you!

The festival takes place every year on the third Saturday as well as Sunday in May. The actual river-crossing starts at 1:00 pm on Saturday and 1:30 pm on Sunday. As parking is a bit expensive, you might take the Shuttle Bus of Tagawa City.

If you have the chance, you should definitely not miss out on this festival!