The 2024 iteration of Hakata Gion Yamakasa is set to begin from July 1st! 

13 locations throughout the city will display Kazariyama (huge decorative floats) and there are 7 Kakiyama (floats for racing) planned to be shown during the races. This year Anpanman, Sazae-san, Gundam, and One Piece themed Kazariyama are planned to be showcased.

From July 1st there will be 13 showy Kazariyama (huge decorative floats) set up throughout Fukuoka city, an event that marks the official beginning of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. Then, starting on July 10th the city begins gearing up for the stirring and eagerly anticipated Kakiyama races. 

The main events of the festival take place on July 12th (the Oiyamanarashi or practice race), July 13th (the Shudanyamamise or showing of the Kakiyama to the greater public), and then finally the main event: the Oiyama race which starts at 4:59 AM sharp on July 15th. 

This year from July 13th until July 15th there is a consecutive 3-day holiday planned. We hope that you can come to Hakata, Fukuoka during this time to experience the excitement of this event up close! 

Already from June the Yamakasa preparations are beginning in earnest, with various rituals and ceremonies being performed around the city in connection with the construction of the floats. Each of the floats is designed with a particular theme in mind. Throughout the Hakata area you can see men wearing the traditional Toban Happi (long happi coats) associated with the event. As June winds down the enormous Kazariyama floats are being prepared, and finally from July 1st they are opened to the public. 

2024
~General Schedule of Events~

*NOTE: Depending on the circumstances, the Oshioitori, Nagarekaki, Asayama, and other events may be carried out at times that differ from the ones featured here.

Key dates:

July 1st 2024: The Kazariyama floats are set up
July 12th 2024: The Yamakasa race practice session (Oiyamanarashi)
July 13th 2024: Showing off the Yamakasa floats (Shudanyamamise)
July 15th 2024; The official race (Oiyama)

July 1st (Monday) the Kazariyama are unveiled, the hosting district carries out Oshioitori 

The Kazariyama are unveiled, and the taking of sand (Oshioitori) is carried out at by the hosting district. Kazariyama are made available for public viewing in 13 spots throughout the city, usually sponsored and set up by businesses, train stations, and other Fukuokan establishments. The Kazariyama are impressive sights to behold with their enormous size amplifying the intricate stories told on their edifices. 

This year’s Kazariyama: 

- 2nd Yamakasa: Higashi-Nagare
- 3rd Yamakasa: Nakasu-Nagare
- 8th Yamakasa: Kamikawabata Street (This Kazariyama is raced)
- 9th Yamakasa: Watanabe-dori Avenue 1-chome 
- 10th Yamakasa: Fukuoka Dome
- 11th Yamakasa: Hakata Station Business Association 
- 12th Yamakasa: Canal City Hakata
- 13th Yamakasa: Kawabata Chuo Street
- 14th Yamakasa: Solaria
- 15th Yamakasa: Shintencho
- 16th Yamakasa: Hakata Riverain 
- 17th Yamakasa: Tenjin 1-chome
- Other; Kushida Shrine
*For more detailed information please consult the map. 

July 9th (Tuesday) the remaining districts carry out Oshioitori (17:30)

Oshiotori, the ceremonial taking of sand, is now carried out by the rest of the districts as well.

The purifying ritual of Oshioitori 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. One can hear the strident sound of the men saying “Osshoi, Osshoi!” as they go to collect it. 

July 10th (Wednesday) beginning of Nagarekaki (from 16:00~, exact starting times vary)

Nagaregaki, is when the Kakiyama floats that are to be raced are carried around their respective districts. 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, so please check the map to confirm in advance. 

July 11th (Thursday) Asayama (from 5:00~, exact starting times vary)

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 runners race 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.

July 11th (Thursday) Tanagaregaki (from 16:00~, exact starting times vary)

Tanagaregaki, or where districts carry their Yamakasa through the other districts. Not all participate. 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 Chiyoda are participating. In addition, in preparation for the later Oiyama some practice entering Kushida shrine. NOTE: Chiyo will be doing Nagaregaki in their own district.

July 12th (Friday) Oiyamanarashi (Starts from 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 is timed just like the main race. What makes the Oiyamanarashi special is the presence of the popular 8th Uamakasa, the enormous Kazariyama of Kamikawabata Street (this Kazariyama is only raced from the entrance of Kushida Shrine down to Taihaku-dori Avenue, in front of Tochoji Temple). 
*For more information on the route, please check the overall Yamakasa map.

July 13th (Saturday) Shudanyamamise (starts from 15:30~)

Shudanyamamise, or the showing of the Hakata Yamakasa floats to the other parts of Fukuoka. The demonstration takes a 1.2 kilometer route starting 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. This is the only time one can see the Yamakasa cross over the Naka River. 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 (Sunday) Nagarekaki (starts from 16:00~, time depends on district)

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

The final preparation before the main event. The 2024 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 the main event approaches.

July 15th (Monday・Holiday) Oiyama (starts at 4:59 sharp)

The main event, the Oiyama, finally 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. The route is roughly 5 kilometers long, ending in Susakimachi. 

As with the Oiyamanarashi, the enormous 8th Yamakasa is also raced during this time, but in an altered route that extends from the entrance to Kushida Shrine through Taihaku-dori Avenue in front of Tochoji Temple, all the way until the Kawabata Shopping Arcade. 
*For more information on the route, please check the overall Yamakasa map.

《Overall Yamakasa Map》

Oiyamanarashi, Shudanyamamise, Oiyama course map (You can also see the location of the huts for the Kazariyama and Kakiyama)

≫PDF VERSION

Useful Information

-  The Official Hakata Gion Yamakasa Website (The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Promotion Committee) 
-  Learn more and your viewing pleasure will increase! Hakata Gion Yamakasa Triva (GoFukuoka Article)
-  Yamakasanavi (For real time updates to Yamakasa related schedules)

Duration/Times

Monday, July 1, 2024: Yamakasa Decorations open to the public, Oshioitori in hosting district
Tuesday, July 9, 2024: Oshioitori in all styles (from 17:30)
Wednesday, July 10, 2024: Nagarekaki (from 16:00, varies according to each district)
Thursday, July 11, 2024: Asayama (from 5:00, depending on the district)
Thursday, July 11, 2024: Tanagarekaki (from 15:00, depends on the district)
Friday, July 12, 2024: Oiyamanarashi (from 15:59)
Saturday, July 13, 2024: Shudanyamamise (from 15:30)
Sunday, July 14, 2024: Nagarekaki (from 16:00, varies according to each district)
Monday, July 15, 2024 (National Holiday): Oiyamakasa (from 4:59)

Location

Kazariyama: Throughout Fukuoka City
Kakiyama: Hakata area, Kushida Shrine, others

Access

[To Kushida Shrine]
By Fukuoka City Subway
-    Nanakuma Line: Get off at [Kushida Shrine Station] and walk two minutes
-    Airport Line: Get off at [Gion Station] and walk six minutes
By Nishitetsu Bus
-    Get off at [Canal City Hakata] and walk two minutes
-    Get off at [Kawabatamachi・Hakataza] and walk six minutes

There will be a special temporary train schedule on the morning of July 15th. Please check the transportation agency’s website for more details.
Fukuoka City Subway
Nishitetsu Train
JR Kyushu

Traffic Regulations

The following traffic restrictions will be enforced during the festival:
Traffic Regulations (No Vehicle Passage, etc.) for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival (2024) (Hakata Gion Yamakasa official website)　

Enjoy Yamakasa of previous years

Yamakasa goes from "still" to "moving”. A scene from last year's festival (July 10, 2023) (2023/Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Rehearsal for the Oiyama finale- Oiyamanarashi! (2023 / Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The only day the Kakiyama enter the Fukuoka portion of the city (outside of the Hakata ward), Shudanyamamise. Features celebratory song and the “teippon” clapping ritual. (2023/Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Just before the main Oiyama event! Each district lines up for the race (2023/Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau) 

2022 Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Hakata Gion Yamakasa Project Committee)

2022 Hakata Gion Yamakasa - First Oiyama in 3 years (Hakata Gion Yamakasa Project Committee)

>>Hakata Gion Yamakasa [The Summer Festival for Men] (5・15・30 minute versions)