Fukuoka

Get Ready for Yamakasa

Fukuoka's most exciting festival

Tristan Scholze Jul 14, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Participants wear traditional clothing for the race</p>

<p>Children participating with their grandfather; preschoolers generally run ahead of the floats</p>

<p>Chiyo, Team 7, is quick round the turn</p>

<p>Kamikawabata, team 8, approaches the corner</p>

<p>The massive one-ton float flies down the street with a concerted effort</p>

<p>Onward through the streets of Hakata</p>

Hakata Gion Yamakasa originates from 1281 when a local priest, to ward off an epidemic, was carried through the town streets, spreading holy water along the way. Now, one-ton floats called kakiyamakasa are raced down a 5 km course by teams of men known as nagare. The race begins at 4:59 am on July 15, but you can see practices (such as this) during the day from July 1 to July 14. “Oissa! Oissa!” is the chant you’ll hear as water is thrown at the men heaving the floats toward the finish at Kushida Shrine.

博多祇園山笠—Hakata Gion Yamakasa—Hakata Gion Yamakasa
舁き山笠—kakiyamakasa—portable shrines (floats)

More info

Find out more about Kushida Shrine.

Tristan Scholze @tristan.scholze

I'm also known as Faer Out. I love learning about people and nature. I've traveled around the world and throughout Japan, and I hope to continue seeing and experiencing the wonder of this planet as long as I live.Based in Japan for nearly two decades, I'm a Japan Travel expert for Fukuoka and Sag...