The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival

Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a representative festival of Fukuoka, introduces the main events and schedules. (Featuring the Hakata area and spots throughout Fukuoka City)

Hakata Gion Yamakasa is ON for two weeks from July 1st to July 15th every year

▲Yamakasa going from still to active! Scene from July 10th, 2022

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Every year, from the first of July the city seemingly transforms over night as 13 Kazariyama, or decorative floats depicting episodes from traditional Japanese and Fukuoka folklore, are erected throughout the city, a festive spirit in the air.

At selected times you will also be able to witness the rituals and traditions particular to this 2-week period. Oshioitori (the taking of sand from the beach of Hakozaki for good luck and safety), Nagaregaki (where the Kakiyama, floats that are carried on the shoulder, are carried through the districts they belong to as a kind of spiritual cleansing), Oiyamanarashi (a run-through of the route that will be taken for the Oiyama, or main race), Shudanyamamise (where the Kakiyama floats are taken out of the Hakata ward to be shown off to the rest of the city in a truly one-of-a-kind show of cultural pride), and last but most certainly not least, Oiyama (the main race of the festival where the Kakiyama are raced to Kushida Shrine) are among the many activities you will be able to glimpse.

Even as early as the end of the month of June kazariyama floats are being set-up throughout the city as the various rites and preparations are taken to ensure that they are fully prepared to be unveiled to the public come the first of July.

The Main Schedule for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival

＊The schedules for Otoshiori, Nagaregaki, Asayama, and Tanagaregaki are subject to change based on the real time flow of events.

July 1st

The Kazariyama are unveiled, the taking of sand (Oshiotori) is carried out at by the hosting district. Kazariyama are made available for public viewing in several areas throughout the city.

July 9th, 17:30

Oshiotori is carried out by the rest of the districts as well.

The purifying ritual of Oshiotori is carried out by all of the districts with a turnout of about 1,000 individuals who make their way to Hakozaki beach to collect the sand.

July 10th, 16:00

Nagaregaki, where the floats are carried around their respective districts. Finally, the Kakiyama begin to be shown around on foot. This is a kind of warm up for each district as they first get to get a feel for the Kakiyama they will have to carry for the main event!

On this day the Yamakasa finally begin to move. This day marks the change from the stillness of the decorative Kazariyama to the activity of the Kakiyama. Each district takes different routes through their respective neighborhood.

【2023 MAP】June 10th (Monday): Nagaregaki

July 11th, 5:00

Asayama, or where the Kakiyama are carried through the early morning hours only 12 hours since they’ve been carried out for Nagarekaki. Locals awaken to the sound of “Osshoi!” as the carriers run through the empty streets.

The Asayama is also known by the alternative name Shugiyama, where elders who have made distinguished contributions and children are allowed to ride atop the Kakiyama as it goes by.

Early in the morning the Yamakasa are raced around their respective districts. Also known as [Shugiyama] and [Engiyama] to denote fortune and celebration, elderly folk who have contributed to the district and young children are allowed to ride on top.

【2023 MAP】Morning of June 11th (Tuesday): Asayamakasa

July 11th, 15:00

Tanagaregaki, or where districts carry their Yamakasa through the other districts. Not all participate (from 3:00 PM onward, subject to change). The Tanagaregaki is considered a kind of mutual courtesy visit between the participating districts.

On this day the Yamakasa are shown around other districts as a kind of courtesy visit. Not all districts participate. Also known as [Yamakasamise] or Yamakasa showing. In 2023 Daikoku, Higashi, and Nakasu are participating. In addition, in preparation for the later Oiyama some practice entering Kushida shrine. NOTE: Chiyo will also be doing Nagaregaki, but in their own district.

【2023 MAP】Afternoon of June 11th (Tuesday): Tanagaregaki

July 12th, 15:59

Oiyamanarashi, or the preparatory run through of the route that will be taken by the main Oiyama race. The route taken is about 4 kilometers in length and just like the main event the race is timed.

July 13th, 15:30

Shudanyamamise, or the showing of the Hakata Yamakasa floats to the other parts of Fukuoka. The showing starts from the Gofukumachi intersection in the Hakata ward and goes all the way up to the city hall building in the Tenjin area of the Chuo, or central ward. Starting with the mayor of Fukuoka many other celebrities ride the Yamakasa at this time. One can enjoy both the outbound and inbound marching of the Yamakasa floats!

July 14th, 16:00

The final Nagarekaki takes place along with any final preparations and adjustments.

The final preparation before the main event. The 2023 edition will feature Doi, Daikoku, Nakasu, Nishi, and Ebisu. For those wishing to savor a glimpse of the Yamakasa spectators can choose to wait close to Yamagoya. Today you can feel the intensity in the air as if it were the real thing.

【2023 MAP】June 14th (Friday): Nagaregaki

July 15th, 4:59

The main event, the Oiyama, takes place. At 4:59 in the morning following the sign given by the beat of an enormous taiko drum, the first Yamakasa is carried into the Kushida shrine premises. The second up to the seventh Yamakasa floats are all then brought inside in set intervals where they then all run out into the streets for a truly stirring and one of a kind scene.

Map of Yamakasa Locations

A map featuring the Oiyama practice, Shudanyamamise, and Oiyama routes (Also features the locations of the Kazariyama and Kakiyamakas that are spread throughout the city!)

*Please check the official website for the latest map.