Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Every July, the streets of Hakata in Fukuoka are filled with the thunder of running feet, shouts of encouragement, and the dazzling sight of massive festival floats. For two weeks, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa-a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event-transforms the city. The highlight is the pre-dawn “Oiyama” race, where teams of men dash through the city at full speed, carrying one-ton kakiyama floats. Whether you’re a festival enthusiast, a lover of Japanese tradition, or a family seeking a sensory summer adventure, Yamakasa is a must-see spectacle of energy and unity.

At the heart of the festival is Kushida Shrine. Each year, about two million people gather to see the towering, ornate kazariyama floats (over 10 meters tall) and the thrilling Oiyama race. The shouts of the men, splashing water, and sweat-soaked happi coats create a unique atmosphere of excitement and togetherness you won’t find anywhere else.

Oiyama: The Pre-dawn Sprint and Pride of the Men

Kazariyama and Kakiyama: Artistry Meets Power

Happi Coats, Water, and Festival Atmosphere

Hakata Gion Yamakasa traces its origins back over 780 years to the Kamakura period. It began when the Buddhist priest Shoichi Kokushi was carried through the city on a platform, sprinkling holy water to ward off an epidemic. The ritual evolved into a Shinto celebration at Kushida Shrine, praying for health, prosperity, and community unity. Today, it is a symbol of Hakata’s pride and identity, and was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 2016.

For locals, Yamakasa is a rite of passage and a source of neighborhood rivalry and unity. Traditions like months of training, the sand-gathering ceremony, and even the custom of avoiding cucumbers (which resemble the shrine crest) are woven into daily life during the festival season.

I came to see Yamakasa for the first time as a tourist. Even before 5 a.m., the streets were buzzing with excitement and anticipation. When the signal sounded, the men dashed off, drenched in water, carrying the floats at full speed-it was overwhelming. An elderly local next to me explained the history, the rivalries, and the meaning of the happi coats. After the race, we celebrated together at a food stall with Hakata ramen and yakitori. The sweat, water splashes, drumbeats, and local hospitality-every sense was alive. It’s a festival everyone should experience at least once in their life.

• During the festival, many participants avoid eating cucumbers, as their cross-section resembles the shrine crest.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa is held every year from July 1 to 15 throughout Fukuoka’s Hakata district. The highlight Oiyama race takes place early in the morning on the 15th. Don’t miss the decorative floats, Kushida Shrine, and Hakata’s famous food scene while you’re there.