Hakata Gion Yamakasa Tours and Travel

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Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Fukuoka Prefecture)

National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
Head to Kyushu in the summer and feel the pulse of passion!

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa signals the arrival of summer in the city of Hakata, Fukuoka.
Boasting a tradition dating back over 760 years, Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a sacred ritual dedicated to Kushida Shrine, the guardian deity of Hakata, and is also a designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

On Jul. 1st, gorgeously decorated floats (Shizuka no Yamakasa) are displayed all over Fukuoka city, and the streets of Fukuoka are transformed into a Yamakasa festival, marking the start of a 15-day period in which stillness and movement collide in a magnificent display.

Water is splashed vigorously on the men carrying the floats, all wearing traditional traditional attire, as they carry the float, weighing up to one ton, yelling bravely, "Oisass! Oisass!"
The sight of the float being pushed vigorously from behind and racing through the streets of Hakata is full of tension and speed.