Photo/Illutration “Donkobune” boats decorated with “chochin” paper lanterns and “andon” lamps parade through a canal during the Hakushu-sai festival in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, on Nov. 2, 2014. (Tatsuya Sasaki)

YANAGAWA, Fukuoka Prefecture--The autumn evening parade in which “donkobune” boats sail through a bonfire-lined canal here is back after a one-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s annual tradition held as part of the Hakushu-sai festival returns on Nov. 1-2, with thorough infection prevention measures carried out by the local tourist association to ensure its safe resumption.

The parade, which commemorates Kitahara Hakushu (1885-1942), a Yanagawa-born poet and writer of children’s songs who died on Nov. 2, is normally held from Nov. 1-3.

In recent years, 70 to 80 boats sailed down the canal per day for the three-day event. This year, however, it will be cut to two days, with 30 chartered boats allowed to participate per day.

Groups of up to 10 people can reserve a boat for 88,000 yen ($790), including tax. They will be required to wear masks.

Passengers are picked up at the Okinohata district at 6:15 p.m. and arrive at Takahatake Koen park by around 8 p.m. They sail upstream instead of taking the usual downstream route.

Before boarding the boats, passengers will be invited to the festival’s opening ceremony held on both dates at nearby Hakushu Shihien park. Poem recitations, choral singing and other performances will take place at the park to recognize Hakushu’s achievements.

For more information, visit the association’s official website at (https://www.yanagawa-net.com/).

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