July 1-14: Canal City Hakata Mt. Ten Festival Floats

Canal City Hakata in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, will host the "Mt. Ten Festival Floats at Canal City Hakata" from Wednesday, July 1 to Tuesday, July 14, 2026. This traditional event, held in cooperation with the local community since the complex's opening in 1996, features magnificent, approximately 12-meter-tall decorative festival floats that captivate many visitors.

Impressive Floats and This Year's Themes

This year's decorative floats are notable not only for their grandeur but also for their themes. The "Omote" (front) side depicts "The Battle of Changban" from "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," one of China's most celebrated heroic tales, brought to life by doll artist Shuichi Kawasaki. The artwork vividly portrays the fierce pursuit by Cao Cao's forces and the bravery of the general Zhao Yun, protecting the infant Adou, along with Zhang Fei's valiant stand. The sides are adorned with traditional Hakata-ori patterns created by the Hakata-ori Development College, adding a splash of color to the heroic panorama.

The "Mikoshi" (rear) side showcases the epic adventure story "Journey to the West." Doll artist Seitaro Muroi's creation captures the scene of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang and his disciples—Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and the White Dragon Horse—confronting the powerful demon king Bull Demon. The floats vividly depict their redemptive journey, undertaken to atone for past sins, and their eventual attainment of Buddhahood after arduous trials. Canal City Hakata's unique four-sided display enhances the narrative depth and dimensionality of each theme.

Event Schedule and Display

Preparations for the floats include the decoration of the dolls at the B1F Sunplaza Stage on Sunday, June 28, and Monday, June 29, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A "Goshinnire-sai" (Shinto ritual for enshrining the deity) will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at 8:30 AM. Following this, the decorative floats will be displayed from 10:00 AM on July 1 until 9:00 PM on July 14. On the final day, July 14, the floats will be dismantled between 9:00 PM and midnight.

Venue Information and Access

Canal City Hakata, the venue, is a large-scale commercial complex known for its unique landscape featuring fountains and a canal. The exhibition is indoors, allowing visitors to enjoy it regardless of the weather. The event will take place at the B1F Sunplaza Stage. Access is convenient, within walking distance from JR Hakata Station and Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.

Event Information

• Event Name: Mt. Ten Festival Floats at Canal City Hakata
• Dates: July 1 (Wed) - July 14 (Tue), 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (during the display period)
• Venue: Canal City Hakata, B1F Sunplaza Stage
• Address: 1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
• Admission: Free
• Reservations: Not required
• Notes: Event details are subject to change.

Access

• Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Hakata Station
• Approx. 10-minute walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station

This event offers a valuable opportunity to experience Hakata's traditional culture alongside the diverse facilities of Canal City Hakata. For the most up-to-date information, please check the official website. It is advisable to confirm any changes to the exhibition or additional details before your visit.