6月20日〜8月31日　ー　伊万里市 Imari City ー　Nabeshima Clan Kiln Wind Chime Market

Renamed for the 350th anniversary of Nabeshima Pottery, this wind chime festival has taken place in Imari since 2004. The numbered chimes were made from 30 local kilns, with approximately 3,000 pieces on display.

To conclude the festival, the “Night Pottery Market” will be held in conjunction with the Akari Summer Festival, with lanterns illuminating the summer night sky. The festivities will generally be held in Okawachiyama, Imari City

7月5日　ー　佐賀　Saga City – Happy Yosakoi Saga

Held for the tenth time since it was launched in 2014, more than 450 people including 34 dance teams, flag-bearers, and supporters will gather to dance – some coming from as far as Tokyo for the day! Festivities will run from 9:45-17:00 in the Saga Station Exchange Plaza (Saga Station Castle Exit) and it can be enjoyed at no cost!

7月13日　ー　白石　Shiroishi Cho – Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival

Known locally as “hi-den gion”, it is said that this festival started in the early Edo period, when Katsushige Nabeshima – lord of Saga domain – thanked the people for their hard work in rice planting. The floats will be carried through the streets from around 7pm. The festival is free of charge and can be accessed around 5 minutes walk from Hizen Shiroishi JR Station.

〒849-1112 佐賀県杵島郡白石町大字福田2032

7月15日　ー　白石　Shiroishi Cho – Candle Night @ Nuinoike

Held every year in conjunction with the Summer Festival, around 1500 candles made by local children will light up the pond and create a fantastic view. You can spend a relaxing time watching the light sway along the water’s surface. The shinto ritual will begin at 4pm, with the candles being lit around 7pm followed by a firework display. Parking on site is limited and the event will be postponed in the event of rain.

〒849-1115 佐賀県杵島郡白石町湯崎2463-1

7月15日　ー　みやき　Miyaki Cho – Ayabe Hachiman-jinja Shrine

A flag raising ritual, said to be the oldest weather forecast in Japan, will see the fluttering of the flag observed every day until the flag-raising Shinto ritual in autumn. Local children will parade along the approach to the shrine while carrying mikoshi (portable shrines). This local tradition is recognised as an important intangible folk cultural property of Saga Prefecture.

〒849-0101 佐賀県三養基郡みやき町原古賀2338

7月18日　ー　基山　Kiyama Town – 39th Annual Kinokuni Festival

This historic summer festival sees the Ekimae-dori street in Kiyama crowded with street stalls and events. The festival will run from 6-8PM, with free admission. It is immediately accessible from Kiyama JR station.

〒841-0204 佐賀県三養基郡基山町宮浦

7月18-19日　ー　唐津　Karatsu – Koyu Gion Festival

With origins in the Manji era (1658), this Gion Yamakasa was called to pray for the elimination of cholera. This festival is famous around the country as the Yamakasa that “crosses the sea”, with a striking 15m high float that weighs more than three tons. You can access the site from JR Karatsu Station via bus to Yobuko Daiba Minato Plaza.

〒847-0302 佐賀県唐津市呼子町小友

7月25-26日　ー　唐津　Karatsu – Hamasaki Gion Festival

This festival began in 1753, the third year of the Horeki era, to pray for the eradication of plagues and a rich harvest. In this festival, around 150 men carry three ornamental yamakasa, accompanied with music from flutes, taiko, and shamisen. The Hamasaki Gion is recognised as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Accessible 5 minutes walk from JR Hamasaki Station.

〒849-5131 唐津市浜玉町浜崎1151−1

7月25日　ー　嬉野市　Ureshino City – Horosuki Night Market

The first event of its kind! You can enjoy the mini marche, stage events, and more – particularly the local sake! The night market will be held between 6-9:30pm, with parking available at タイムズシーボルト (90 mins free, 100円 for every 30mins afterwards) at Ureshino City Hall for free.

〒843-0301 佐賀県嬉野市嬉野町下宿乙908-1