Though the festival lasts just 15 days, the word “Yamakasa” itself is used as an expression of Hakata spirit—it’s not just an event, it’s a cultural core. Rather than saying “Fukuoka,” we deliberately emphasize “Hakata” here. Locals who live, work, or were born and raised in the area—and even those with only a connection—unite through Yamakasa. Some people start to get restless and excited as soon as Hakata Dontaku ends in early May!

Preparations for Hakata Gion Yamakasa begin on June 1. That’s when the long happi coats are officially permitted and the festival season begins in earnest. Yamakasa is organized around seven core neighborhood associations called nagare, with each nagare operating one kakiyama (portable float). The customs and rules vary slightly by nagare and by the individual towns (each nagare includes 10 to 15 towns). The happi coat designs also differ by town.

From July 1, the main attraction is touring the kazariyama—the decorative floats!
While the lower, portable kakiyama are carried through the streets, the tall kazariyama are for viewing only and first appeared about 130 years ago. Thirteen of them are built around the city, separate from the seven nagare, and are on display to the public from July 1 through the end of the festival.

Both the kakiyama and kazariyama have titles (標題) indicating the themes of their decorations. Crafted by Hakata doll artisans, these often reflect current trends or events and are highly anticipated each year. It is customary to construct the floats so that their front faces Kushida Shrine.

Before you tour the kazariyama, check the event schedule to get the most out of the festival.

A purification ritual where Yamakasa participants cleanse body and spirit. They run about 6 km from Ishido Bridge (Nakagofukumachi, Hakata Ward) to Hakozaki Beach in front of Hakozaki Shrine (Higashi Ward), shouting “Osshoi!” along the way to collect sacred purifying sand (oshioi, or masago). This is a warm-up for the “yamakaki” (carrying of the floats) that begins on July 10. After visiting Hakozaki Shrine, participants walk in procession to pray at Kushida Shrine. The last team (the seventh nagare) usually arrives at Kushida around 7:00 PM.

Each nagare parades their float through their home turf. This is when the festival shifts from “still” to “active.” The kakiyama begin to move.

• 16:00: Chiyo Nagare, Nakasu Nagare
• 17:00: Doi Nagare, Daikoku Nagare, Nishi Nagare
• 18:00: Ebisu Nagare, Higashi Nagare

Just 12 hours after Nagaregaki, early-morning shouts of “Osshoi!” echo across Hakata.
The route is almost the same as the previous day, but these early runs are often more intimate, featuring special touches like inviting senior members, letting children ride the float, or visiting local temples. With fewer spectators and a more local feel, it’s especially recommended for families with young children.

• 5:00: Ebisu, Doi, Daikoku, Nishi, Higashi
• 6:00: Chiyo, Nakasu

This ritual expresses respect by running floats outside one’s own territory. It takes place later on the same day as Asayama. (Note: not all nagare participate in tanagaregaki.)

• 15:00: Nakasu
• 16:00: Chiyo
• 17:00: Daikoku
• 17:30: Higashi

A rehearsal for the grand finale, Oiyama, which takes place on the 15th. The route is nearly identical to the real thing—starting at Kushida Shrine and ending at Narayamachi—except that it's 1 km shorter. Each nagare’s time is officially measured, and competition is fierce.

The only day during the festival that the floats parade into the Tenjin area. Dignitaries including the governor, mayor, business leaders, and celebrities with ties to Fukuoka ride atop the floats in a ritual known as dai-agari.

All seven nagare pass through Gofukumachi intersection, down Meiji-dori, toward a special viewing stand in front of Fukuoka City Hall. There, they sing the celebratory Hakata Iwaimedeta and perform the Hakata Te Ippon hand clap, before turning around and heading back across Nishi Ohashi Bridge toward Seiryūdō near Hakataza.

Twelve hours before the grand finale, five nagare do their final practice runs through their neighborhoods.

• 15:55: Nakasu
• 16:00: Ebisu
• 17:00: Doi, Daikoku, Nishi

The climax of Hakata Gion Yamakasa.
Starting with the first float's Kushida-iri (shrine entrance dedication), all eight floats (7 nagare + Kazariyama from Kamikawabata-dori as the 8th) perform the shrine entry every 5 minutes.

The 112-meter Kushida-iri section is timed, and each nagare gives it their all with their top teams.

After leaving the shrine, the floats continue through the streets of Hakata. The 5 km course is filled with highlights. Each 1-ton float, built without a single nail and secured only with rope, is carried by rotating teams of 26–28 men. The speed and intensity as they charge through narrow lanes or down closed-off main streets is breathtaking. You’ll have a smoother experience if you scout out your viewing location in advance.

Oiyama Tips!!

From around 1:00 AM, the floats begin gathering at Doi-dori Street. They line up in order, and the stretch from Kushida Shrine to Reisen Park becomes a prime viewing zone. This area is packed with excitement and energy just before the Kushida-iri. To access the grandstand-style arena seats within the shrine, a Sajiki Ticket is required—these premium tickets go on sale at Kushida Shrine starting at 9:00 AM on June 26 each year.

All floats and routes are listed here:

Tips for Viewing

• No umbrellas, including parasols. Wear a hat or raincoat instead.
• No strollers or bicycles in crowded areas. Choose wide-open spots if attending with children.
• After the final race, at 6:00 AM, a Shizume-no-Noh (appeasement Noh performance) is held at the Noh stage of Kushida Shrine, calming the spirits stirred by the fierce runs. It’s free to attend.

Though the festival spans two weeks, it ends abruptly—just like the Hakata temperament itself. Make sure to view the kazariyama before the Oiyama. Normally, the rainy season ends when Yamakasa ends, but this year, the rains ended early. Be sure to stay hydrated and take precautions against heatstroke while viewing!