Moka Summer Festival

The Moka Summer Festival, officially called the Moka Summer Festival: Kojin Festival, is the city’s largest annual event. Kojin, the Japanese god of fire, the hearth, and the kitchen, is traditionally revered as a protector of homes, families, and local communities. Held over three days in late July, the festival brings together over 20 mikoshi (portable shrines) and festival floats in one location, allowing visitors to experience the full excitement and energy of the celebrations.

On the first day (usually Friday), the festival begins with the Miya-dashi / Shutsugyo Festival and Chokai-watashi at Osaki Shrine. Miya-dashi literally means “shrines’ departure,” while the Shutsugyo Festival serves as the opening ceremony of the festival. During this morning ceremony, participants gather to pray for the safe passage of mikoshi and the safety of festival floats, abundant harvests, protection from epidemics, and prosperity in industry. After the ceremony, the Chokai-watashi procession begins, with mikoshi and floats parading through the city streets and neighbourhoods, sharing the festival’s blessings with the community.

On the second day (Saturday), the Festival Plaza opens, turning the city centre into a pedestrian zone. Around 20 mikoshi, including the main shrine mikoshi, other shrine mikoshi, children’s mikoshi, regional mikoshi, and middle school mikoshi, are paraded through the streets. Festival floats, carts, and numerous traditional music performances add colour and energy to the celebrations.

As night falls, the mikoshi river crossing takes place alongside the Moka Summer Festival Fireworks Display, creating a spectacular and lively atmosphere. This event is a major highlight of the festival and attracts large crowds every year. Approximately 20,000 fireworks illuminate the night sky. The fireworks are held along the east side of Moka City Hall, along the Gogyo River.

On the final day, the festival concludes with the Miya-iri procession (literally “entering the shrine”), in which the mikoshi are paraded back into the shrine. This finale is accompanied by lively festival music, traditional float performances, and a vibrant celebration of the city’s cultural heritage.