Written by JC Team
Hakata Gion Yamasaka is a festival with a 750 year history that features fundoshi — (that ever popular festival garment) clad men race elaborately decorated floats that weigh in at one ton.
What happens?
This event is one of Fukuoka‘s largest, with approximately one million spectators expected to observe the festivities.
Schedule
The main processions take place on July 10, 11, and 14, but there will be events every day.
From July 1, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival kicks off with a series of rituals to purify the town and invite the gods into the floats or yamakasa. Bamboo poles and sacred ropes are set up, priests from Kushida Shrine perform ceremonies, and teams begin preparing the beautifully decorated floats.
On July 1 and 9, participants collect sacred sand from Hakozakihama Beach in a symbolic act of purification. These outings — done in traditional happi coats and loincloths — are part prayer, part performance, and draw large crowds.
From July 10 to 14, the festival comes alive with smaller float processions through the neighbourhoods. Carriers race through narrow alleys, often unannounced. On July 13, a formal parade showcases all the floats together.
Everything builds up to the main event, the Oiyamakasa on July 15 at 4:59 a.m., when seven massive floats race at full speed through the streets of Hakata over a 5km course.
How to get there
The closest station is Tenjin Station, but JR Hakata Station is also within walking distance.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.