Main Menu

Our recommendations

festival held in July in Fukuoka City

博多祇園山笠

Two weeks to shake the souls of Hakatakko! Hakata's streets will be decorated with festive festivals!

Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a representative festival of Hakata with a history and tradition of over 780 years, dating back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333). It is a Shinto ritual to dedicate Yamakasa to Kushida Shrine, the chief deity of Hakata, to pray for good health and well-being, and is designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural asset. It was also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.

Every year on July 1, the gorgeous "decorated Yamakasa" (about 10 meters high) are displayed at 14 locations in Fukuoka City, and the city is instantly enveloped in a festive mood. On the other hand, there are a total of seven "kaki-yamakasa" (carrying floats) prepared to carry the floats through the city. Each of the seven districts, called nagare (currents), decides on a theme each year and creates a unique Yamakasa.

The climax of the festival is the "Oishi Yamakasa" held on the last day. The first Yamakasa starts moving at 4:59 in the early morning. With a packed crowd of spectators on the piers and along the streets, the scene of the "Hakata Celebration Song (Celebration Metta)," which only the ichiban yamakasa are allowed to sing, is a must-see. The chorus of spectators joins in, and it is truly a soul-shaking and thrilling moment.
After that, seven streams (nagare) carry the Yamakasa, which weighs one ton, and run energetically along the five-kilometer route to the goal. The heroic and dynamic appearance of the kakite (carrier) is filled with pride in carrying on the long tradition, and it is a moving sight to behold.

Basic Information

Address (Japanese) 812-0026　福岡県福岡市博多区上川端町1-41 櫛田神社および市内各所
Address 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Kushida Shrine and other locations in the city
Telephone Number 092-291-2951（博多祇園山笠振興会）
Fax Number 092-281-7180
Event Days July 1-15: Decorated Yamakasa open to the public
July 12: Oei-Yamakasa Narashi
July 13th: Group Yamakasa Show
July 15 (from 4:59 p.m.) Ooi Yamakasa
Access To Kushida Shrine / 8 min. walk from Fukuoka City Subway Nakasu Kawabata Sta. or Gion Sta.
Website https://www-hakatayamakasa-com.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja&_x_tr_pto=nui
https://www.facebook.com/hakatayamakasa/

＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

Share

Area
Fukuoka Area
Category
Festivals & Traditional Events
Travel Inspiration
Yamakasa festivals all over the place Fukuoka highlights

Neighborhood Sightseeing spots Neighborhood Sightseeing spots

People who viewed this page also viewed these pages. People who viewed this page also viewed these pages.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. See our Cookie Policy for more information.
ページトップへ