Drawing over a million visitors each year during the festival, the Hojoya Festival has its origins in the teachings of the kami Hachiman. Hojoya history and festival highlights in English and JapaneseHojoya Festival Guide 2025Presented by Hakozaki ShrineHakozaki Shrine Hojoya Festival• 9/12 (Fri.) ~ 9/18 (Thu.) walk to the main hall of Hakozaki Shrine• JR Kagoshima Main Line “Hakozaki Sta.”: 8 min. Hojoya Festival Guide Index• Background• Shrine Ceremonies & Events Schedule• Gojinko• Orio Kagura• Fishing• Haunted House• Chanpon• Fresh GingerBackgroundThe Hojoya Festival is said to have originated in the year 720 at the Usa Hachimangu Shinto Shrine in Oita, and was initially held to commemorate the war dead. The glasswork chanpon will be displayed in the corridor surrounding the main shrine during the Hojoya Festival.