Kokura Gion Daiko

The Kokura Gion Daiko is a taiko drum event stemmed in tradition, held as part of the annual festival of Yasaka Shrine launched to protect Kokura Castle. This legendary event boasts a history of 400 years and is believed to first kicked off in 1617 with Tadaoki Hosokawa, who built Kokura Castle. Hosokawa first started the festival with inspiration from Kyoto's Gion Festival, hoping for the health and prosperity to wash over the castle town and all who live there.

Participants don authentic happi coats and yukata before parading through the streets and playing taiko in a unique double-sided, single-side and walking beat in a prayer for bountiful harvests and good health. This rare drumming tradition was designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property in 2019.

The festival kicks off on Friday with the "Yoi Gion”, where floats carrying drums parade around Kokura Castle and the area around Uomachi Gintengai. On the second day, a Saturday, there’s a children's drumming competition at Kokura Castle Otemon Plaza, showcasing the talents of students junior high and younger. Drum performances are also held throughout the city of Kokura.

Events all come to a finale on the final day, where adults showcase their drumming skills, and a "Taiko Soken" is held to elevate each other's abilities. These three days of fervent atmosphere make it the perfect time to visit Kokura.