This translation was prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
Mizubakkashi Festival turns Hananooka Park and the Kitakyushu Municipal Agricultural Center into a deliberately soaking summer event on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Water-pistol games, a water-splash race and a colour-ball pool are joined by festival stalls, workshops and food trucks.
General admission is free. Some organised water games give priority to advance reservations, while paid food, stalls and workshops may have their own prices. Visitors should arrive ready to get wet and protect phones, passports and other valuables.
Key information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, August 30, 2026 |
| Hours | 11:00–16:00 |
| Venue | Hananooka Park / Kitakyushu Municipal Agricultural Center |
| Address | 1-6-1 Yokoshiro-Higashimachi, Kokuraminami-ku |
| Admission | Free; purchases and some activities may cost extra |
| Weather | Official listing says held in rain; check same-day changes |
Water activities and reservations
The official program lists a water-pistol battle, water-splash race and colour-ball pool. The Japanese guide gives 11:00–12:00 for the water-pistol battle, 14:00–15:00 for the race and 11:00–15:00 for the open play pool. The two organised games give priority to advance reservations, so check the official page and poster before travelling. Instructions at the venue take precedence if times or participation rules change.
Food, festival stalls and workshops
The event also includes the Umaimon Park food area, traditional-style game stalls and hands-on craft booths. Announced examples include fried chicken, hot dogs, yakisoba, takoyaki, shaved ice, sweets and drinks, together with shooting games, ball scooping, decorative slime, sticker making and small excavation activities. Vendors can change, and free entry does not mean every food or booth is free.
What to bring
Wear a swimsuit or clothes that can become completely wet. Bring a towel, full change of clothes, plastic bag for wet items, secure sandals or water shoes, hat, sunscreen and enough drinking water. Put electronics, passports and wallets in a waterproof pouch. There may not be a convenient private place to change, so plan clothing and transport with that possibility in mind.
Access and practical advice
The venue is in Kokuraminami Ward, not central Kokura. The nearest useful stops are Noji Center-mae, about one minute on foot, and Yokoshiro-Kitamachi 2-chome, about five minutes; JR Abeyama-koen Station is roughly a 15-minute walk. The park lists 270 parking spaces, charged at ¥100 for up to one hour and ¥300 when staying longer during opening hours. Event-day congestion is possible, so allow time and confirm the program and weather before departure.
