Why We Love Yamakasa – A Local’s Guide to Fukuoka’s Wildest Festival
From the 1st to the 15th, the city pulses with excitement as the centuries-old Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival takes over the streets of Hakata. It’s loud, fast, chaotic, deeply traditional—and one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Fukuoka.
We’ve watched it, followed it, and sweated through it—and we’re here to help you enjoy it like a local. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve never quite figured out what “Osshoi!” means, this guide is for you. And – for more details, history, maps, links to video – check out our other guide here.
What Is Yamakasa?
Yamakasa isn’t just a festival—it’s a Fukuoka institution.
Held every July as a dedication to Kushida Shrine, it’s been running for more than 780 years. For 15 days, teams of men in traditional clothing race through the streets carrying massive wooden floats called kakiyama, shouting “Osshoi!” and soaking the city (and themselves) in sweat, spirit, and pride.
More than just a race, Yamakasa is about community, tradition, and identity—especially in Hakata. People train for months. Kids grow up dreaming of joining. Businesses decorate their storefronts. Locals plan vacations around it.
Two Types of Floats: Kazariyama and Kakiyama
Before the racing begins, the festival kicks off with a city-wide float display. These are the kazariyama—towering, beautifully decorated floats that go on public display from July 1.
Kazariyama are for viewing only, often more than 10 meters tall and adorned with scenes from samurai legends, historical events, or even pop culture. They’re crafted by Hakata’s traditional artisans and placed at 13 locations around the city.
In contrast, kakiyama are smaller, sturdier floats made for carrying—and running.
The kazariyama are always oriented to face Kushida Shrine, in keeping with tradition.
(For a full list of float locations and key event points, check our 2025 Yamakasa Map.)
Key Events in 2025
July 9 – All-Nagare Purification Run (Oshioitori)
This 6-kilometer run kicks off from Ishido Bridge in Nakagofukumachi and heads to the beach at Hakozaki Shrine, where teams collect sacred purifying sand. Participants chant “Osshoi!” the entire way. After visiting the shrine, they return in procession to Kushida Shrine. The final team usually arrives around 7:00 p.m.
July 10 – Nagarekaki (Neighborhood Runs)
Each nagare (team) runs their float through its home territory. This is the first time the kakiyama move, and the atmosphere shifts from preparation to action.
Start times:
• 16:00: Chiyo, Nakasu
• 17:00: Doi, Daikoku, Nishi
• 18:00: Ebisu, Higashi
July 11 – Asayama (Morning Run)
Just 12 hours later, the teams are at it again—this time before sunrise. The routes are similar to the previous day’s, but these early morning runs are more relaxed and feature children riding on floats and stops at local temples.
Start times:
• 5:00: Ebisu, Doi, Daikoku, Nishi, Higashi
• 6:00: Chiyo, Nakasu
These are good events for families and early risers, with smaller crowds and a more intimate atmosphere.
July 11 (afternoon) – Tanagaregaki (Cross-Neighborhood Runs)
Some teams visit areas outside their own to show respect. Not all nagare participate.
Start times:
• 15:00: Nakasu
• 16:00: Chiyo
• 17:00: Daikoku
• 17:30: Higashi
July 12 – Oiyama narashi (Trial Run)
This is the official rehearsal for the final race. The route is nearly the same as the real thing, just 1 km shorter. The floats start at Kushida Shrine and end at Narayamachi. Times are measured and posted, and teams take it seriously.
• Start time: 15:59 (course map)
July 13 – Shudan yamamise (Group Run through Tenjin)
This is the only day the floats reach Tenjin. All seven nagare parade down Meiji-dori to special viewing stands in front of Fukuoka City Hall. Local dignitaries and celebrities are invited to ride on the floats, in a ritual known as dai-agari. In front of the grandstand, the teams perform the celebratory “Iwaimedeta” chant and a group handclap before turning around and heading back across the river toward Hakataza.
July 14 – Nagare gaki
Each team runs through their home area one last time before the finale early the next morning.
Start times:
• 15:55: Nakasu
• 16:00: Ebisu
• 17:00: Doi, Daikoku, Nishi
July 15 – Oiyama (Grand Finale)
This is it—the climax of the festival.
Start time: 4:59 a.m. sharp at Kushida Shrine.
Teams: All 7 nagare, plus a special decorative float from Kamikawabatadori.
Each team enters the shrine gates every five minutes in a timed sprint. The Kushida-iri section is just 112 meters but highly competitive. After that, the teams run a 5-kilometer route through Hakata, rotating carriers as they go. The floats are roughly one ton, constructed without nails and bound only with rope.
The whole thing wraps up by sunrise.
Local Knowledge
What’s a Nagare?
Nagare are neighborhood-based teams. Each has its own traditions, happi designs, and leadership. There are seven official nagare in the festival.
After the Race
At 6:00 a.m. on July 15, Kushida Shrine holds a Shizume-no-Noh performance—a classical ritual to calm the spirits after the intensity of the race. It’s free to watch and open to the public.
Best Places to Watch
• Doi-dori Street (starting around 1:00 a.m. on July 15, when floats begin to line up)
• In front of Kushida Shrine (sajiki ticket required)
• Meiji-dori near City Hall (July 13 only)
Sajiki Tickets: The Best Seat in the House
If you want to watch the Kushida-iri portion of Oiyama from inside the shrine, you’ll need a reserved sajiki seat. These are limited and highly sought after.
• Sales start: June 26 at 9:00 a.m.
• Location: Kushida Shrine Office
• Price: ¥7,000
Tips for Spectators
• Umbrellas are not allowed. Bring a hat or raincoat instead.
• Avoid bringing strollers or bicycles into crowded areas.
• Bring water and stay hydrated—it’s hot and humid.
• Arrive early if you want a good spot for photos.
• Plan ahead and know your route—there are many blocked roads and dense crowds.
After the Festival
Just as suddenly as it begins, Yamakasa ends. The floats are dismantled, the happi coats are packed away, and the city returns to normal. If you want to see the kazariyama, be sure to do it before July 15—they begin coming down immediately after Oiyama.
More Resources
• Download the Yamakasa 2025 Map (includes all float locations and event highlights)
• Follow @fukuokanow on Instagram for live coverage and photos
Special Train Service on July 15 for Oiyama Viewing
The finale of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, the “Oiyama” starts at 4:59 AM from Kushida Shrine. Major transportation services will operate special trains to accommodate viewers.
JR Kyushu (PDF Schedule for Special Trains)
Special Limited Express Train “Kirameki 91”
• From Mojiko Sta. to Hakata Sta.: 3:01 AM departure → 4:07 AM arrival
Special Local Train “Hakata Yamakasa”
• From Mojiko: 2:20 AM departure → 3:56 AM arrival at Hakata
• From Nogata: 3:10 AM departure → 4:11 AM arrival at Hakata
• From Kurume: 3:24 AM departure → 4:15 AM arrival at Hakata
• From Chikuzen Maebaru: 3:53 AM departure → 4:35 AM arrival at Hakata
Fukuoka City Subway (PDF Schedule: Airport Line / Hakozaki Line / Nanakuma Line)
• Operates every 10-20 minutes from 3 AM to 5 AM
Nishitetsu Train (PDF Schedule)
• Tenjin Omuta Line (Local): From Hanabatake to Fukuoka (Tenjin): 2:59 AM departure → 4:01 AM arrival
• Kaizuka Line (Local) From Nishitetsu Shingu to Kaizuka: 3:42 AM departure → 4:05 AM arrival
Final Thoughts
Yamakasa is more than just a local festival—it’s one of the great traditions of Japan, still alive and evolving in the middle of a modern city. Whether you’re watching for the first time or coming back again, it never fails to move, thrill, and connect people.
We’ll be out there again this year, early in the morning, towel around the neck, cheering with the rest of the city.
See you at Yamakasa.
— The Fukuoka Now Team
