On February 3rd, the skies over the Kanmon Strait will fill not with seagulls, but with monsters and pufferfish. The “Bakan Famous Kite Flying Competition” at Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine is Shimonoseki’s vibrant Setsubun tradition, where the wind is used to carry prayers for good fortune into the heavens.
For the traveler visiting in February 2026, this is a rare chance to participate in a “participatory” cultural event rather than just watching one. Held on the grounds of a shrine overlooking the ocean, it combines the thrill of kite flying with the solemnity of casting away bad luck (Yakuyoke).
🪁 Unveiling the Essence: Flying Away the “Oni”
“Bakan” is the historical name for Shimonoseki. This festival revives a custom prevalent since the Meiji era, where kite flying was used as a ritual for purification.
- The Purpose: In Japanese tradition, looking up at the sky clears the mind, and flying a kite is said to “cast off” misfortune and “reel in” good luck.
- The Date: It is held on Setsubun (February 3), the traditional day for driving away evil spirits (Oni) before the start of spring.
👹 Your Insider Odyssey: The “Demon” & The “Pufferfish”
The visual highlight of the festival is the variety of traditional kites soaring against the backdrop of the ocean and the Kanmon Bridge.
1. The “Oni Yozu” (Demon Kite)
The star of the show.
- The Scale: This is a massive kite, often the size of 10 tatami mats.
- The Design: It features a fierce Demon (Oni) face. Watching this giant rise into the sky is a symbolic act of driving the demons away from the city.
2. The “Fuku” Kite
Shimonoseki is famous for Fugu (Pufferfish), locally called “Fuku” (which sounds like the word for “Good Luck”). You will see many kites shaped like cute, round pufferfish bobbing in the wind.
3. Family Participation
Unlike many festivals where you only watch, here you are encouraged to join. The sight of hundreds of kites—from professional traditional ones to children’s plastic ones—dancing in the strong strait breeze is heartwarming.
💎 The Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Insights
- BYO Kite (Bring Your Own): Participation is free, but you must bring your own kite.
- Strategy: If you don’t have one, check the souvenir shops at the adjacent Karato Market or Kamon Wharf earlier in the day. They often sell inexpensive kites.
- Wind Warning: The Kanmon Strait is famous for its strong currents and strong winds. It will be cold on February 3rd. Wear a windbreaker and gloves.
- Location Hack: Kameyama Hachimangu is located directly across the street from Karato Market.
- The Plan: Eat sushi at Karato Market for lunch, then walk across the street to the shrine for the 15:00 kite flying.
📊 Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Aspect | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Event Name | Bakan Famous Kite Flying | Bakan Meibutsu Takoage |
| Date | February 3, 2026 (Tue) | Setsubun Day |
| Time | 15:00 – 17:00 | Afternoon event |
| Venue | Kameyama Hachimangu | Overlooking the strait |
| Cost | Free | Bring your own kite |
| Access | “Karato” Bus Stop | 5 min walk |
| Parking | 30 Spaces (Free) | Fills up fast; use Karato parking |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I have to register to fly a kite?
A: Generally, no. It is an open event held within the shrine precincts and the nearby park areas. Just show up with your kite and find a spot!
Q: Where can I buy a kite if I am a tourist?
A: The event organizers recommend bringing one, but you can often find them at shops in the Karato Shopping Arcade or souvenir shops at Kamon Wharf nearby. It is safer to buy one beforehand at a 100-yen shop or department store if you are coming from Fukuoka.
Q: Is there parking?
A: The shrine has about 30 free spaces, but they fill up immediately. Since it is next to the popular Karato Market, it is highly recommended to use the large paid public parking lots along the waterfront or take the bus/ferry.
🌟 Synthesis
The Bakan Kite Flying Competition is a breath of fresh air—literally. Standing on the shrine grounds, controlling a kite fighting the winds of the Kanmon Strait, connects you to the history of the samurai and merchants who once looked at this same sky to predict their fortunes.