In the heat of the Chikuho summer, a gentle breeze carries a sound that cools the soul. At Mitsui-dera (Byodo-ji) in Tagawa City, the “Furin Festival” transforms a historic temple into a corridor of sound, where 10,000 wind chimes sing in unison against the cicada’s cry.
For the 2025 season, this beloved tradition runs from April 26 to August 31, offering a sanctuary of sensory healing. Whether you are walking through the spectacular 50-meter “Wind Chime Tunnel” or capturing the ephemeral dance of soap bubbles, Mitsui-dera offers a photogenic and spiritual retreat deep in the heart of Fukuoka Prefecture.
🎐 Unveiling the Essence: The Corridor of Sound
The festival is defined by its sheer scale and the nostalgic soundscape it creates.
The 50-Meter Tunnel
The highlight is the Wind Chime Tunnel stretching through the garden next to the main hall.
- The Visual: Thousands of colorful glass bells hang in rows, often accompanied by colorful umbrellas overhead, creating a kaleidoscope of light and sound.
- The Auditory: The collective chime creates a “1/f fluctuation” sound—a frequency known to induce relaxation and lower the perception of heat.
The “Soap Bubble” Magic
Twice every hour, the temple adds another layer of magic.
- Soap Bubble Time: Machines release clouds of bubbles that float through the tunnel, reflecting the colors of the wind chimes.
- Timing: Typically occurs for 5 minutes at 00 and 30 minutes past the hour (e.g., 11:00, 11:30). It is the undisputed best time for photography.
⛩️ Your Insider Odyssey: Jizo & Light
The experience extends beyond the tunnel.
- The “Guts Pose” Jizo: Mitsui-dera is famous for its whimsical statues. Look for the “Guts Pose Jizo” (fist-pumping monk) and the “Smiling Jizo.” They are hidden gems of positivity that have become popular on social media.
- The Limited Light-Up (Aug 23-24):For only two nights in 2025, the temple transforms. On August 23 (Sat) and August 24 (Sun), the wind chimes are illuminated from 19:00 to 21:00. This is the only time an admission fee (¥1,000) is charged; the rest of the festival is free.
💎 The Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Access
- Navigation Warning: Do NOT set your car navigation to “Mitsui-dera” or “Byodo-ji.” The roads are too narrow.
- The Correct Destination: Set your GPS to “Tagawa Civic Stadium” (Tagawa Shimin Kyujo). The temple has a dedicated temporary parking lot there, and you can walk safely to the entrance.
- Wish Strips: For a small fee (usually around ¥500), you can buy a wind chime strip (tanzaku), write your wish, and hang it in the tunnel, adding your voice to the 10,000 others.
📊 Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights (2025 Data)
| Aspect | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Event Name | Mitsui-dera Furin Festival 2025 | Byodo-ji Temple |
| Dates | Apr 26 (Sat) – Aug 31 (Sun), 2025 | Long-run event |
| Hours | 09:00 – 17:00 | Bubbles every 30 mins |
| Light-Up | Aug 23 & 24 Only (19:00-21:00) | Requires ¥1,000 entry |
| Admission | Free (Daytime) | Paid only for Light-Up |
| Parking | Tagawa Civic Stadium | Mandatory parking spot |
| Access | Tagawa-Ida Station | 20 min walk / 5 min taxi |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there an entrance fee during the day?
A: No. The festival is free to enter between 9:00 and 17:00 daily. The admission fee (¥1,000) applies only to the special night illumination on August 23rd and 24th.
Q: Can I park at the temple?
A: No. The temple’s direct parking is closed to prevent congestion on narrow roads. You must park at the Tagawa Civic Stadium (nearby) and walk up. Please respect this rule to avoid traffic trouble.
Q: When is the best time to see the bubbles?
A: The bubbles generally fly for 5 minutes at the top of the hour (00) and half-past (30). Aim to arrive 10 minutes before these times to set up your camera angle.
🌟 Synthesis
Mitsui-dera offers a summer experience that is audibly cooling. It is a place where the heat of Tagawa is forgotten, replaced by the clear, glass sound of 10,000 prayers swaying in the wind.