Photo By: Kyushu Rainbow Pride
Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Fukuoka
Population
5,015,666

Kyushu Rainbow Pride

Come and show your true colors at the biggest pride celebration in Kyushu!

  • 2019 Dates: Mon Nov. 4
  • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kyushu Rainbow Pride is an annual celebration of diversity held in Fukuoka City, which has quickly become one of the most LGBT-friendly places in Japan. Fukuoka (a prefecture in the southern region of Kyushu) has a lively and welcoming LGBT nightlife scene and in recent years has ramped up its support for the community.

The goal of Kyushu Rainbow Pride is not only to recognize the progress made but to create awareness. It’s also a fantastic time to party with the warm and friendly locals!

Everyone is encouraged to ‘come as you are.’

For one day a year, Reisen Park comes alive, and everyone is encouraged to “come as you are” and join in the all-day, family-friendly festivities. The event was first held in 2014 under the name “Fukuoka Rainbow Parade” but was renamed a year later. Despite its brief history, the event in 2017 attracted more than 7,000 visitors.

kyushu rainbow pride parade

The parade is the main event.

The main stage of Kyushu Rainbow Pride hosts singing and dance performances by LGBTQ artists, idol groups, and local dance teams who keep the energy pumping throughout the day.

The main event of Kyushu Rainbow Pride is, you guessed it, a parade! It’s a joyous three-kilometer walk from Tenjin and Hakata. To join the parade, all you have to do is show up and register before 12:30 p.m. However, there is a limit to the number of marchers, so it’s best to arrive early to guarantee your spot. Many parade marchers dress casually, but many also camp up their look!  After all, you’ll be among some of Fukuoka’s most fabulous drag queens.

At the event, you’ll also find info booths from non-profit organizations, as well as rainbow-colored goods and a chance to write messages of encouragement. Among all of the excitement, don’t forget to try some of the local cuisine at one of the many food stands.

Kyushu Rainbow Pride is a celebration that shines as a beacon of inclusivity for the entire region.

Things To Know

Website

Find more info, events and the parade route: https://9rp.biz/

Date and Time

Kyushu Rainbow Pride 2018 will be held on Sunday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parade registration lasts from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., but you should visit the registration table early to guarantee your spot. Marchers must gather at the entrance of the park at 1 p.m. to line up. The parade begins at 2 p.m.

How To Get There

Address

109 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken 812-0026, Japan

By train

From Hakata station, take the Kuko line subway two stops to Nakasu-kawabata. From Exit 7, turn left and walk through the shopping arcade for one block and turn left onto Reisen Koen Dori (Reisen Park Street). The the venue (Reisen Park) will be on your right.


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