Festivals of Kyushu

Festivals hold a special place in people's hearts in Japan. Passed down over generations, they express the spirit of local communities, and people's hopes for safety and prosperity. In 2016, UNESCO added 33 Japanese festivals featuring elaborate floats to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Among them are five from the southwestern island of Kyushu. Showcasing the cultural diversity of local communities, these festivals have been integral to creating a sense of local pride and belonging.