Hakata Gion Yamakasa is held every year from July 1 to 15 in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City.
With a history of over 780 years, this heroic summer festival was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.

During the festival period, 10 or more meters of gorgeous decorated Yamakasa will be lined up at more than 10 locations in the city.
From the latter half of the festival on the 10th, men in loincloths and happi coats will carry the 1-ton Yamakasa and gallantly ride it through the city.

On the 15th, the last day of the festival, many people gather along the streets to watch the finale. At 4:59 a.m., the first Yamakasa float “enters Kushida” with the signal of the big drum, and once it rounds the Kiyomichi flag, the float stops and spectators join in a chorus of the “Hakata Celebration Song”. This is a moment that some people describe as “soul-shaking.

Why don’t you join “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” this summer and shake your heart?

For more information, please visit the official Hakata Gion Yamakasa website.

At Kushida Shrine, decorated Yamakasa floats are displayed all year round except for June. Yamakasa is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset and is rebuilt every year on July 1.