Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Jul. 1 ~

Jul. 15

With a history spanning 785 years, Hakata Gion Yamakasa is Fukuoka’s signature festival, dedicated to Kushida Shrine, Hakata’s grand tutelary shrine. Recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Yama, Hoko, Yatai Float Festivals, the celebration transforms the Hakata district from Jul 1 to 15.

The festival begins on Jul 1 with the unveiling of 13 spectacular kazariyama (decorative floats), each standing more than 10 meters tall, at locations across the city. Seven kakiyama (carrying floats) are also on display. Crafted annually by master Hakata doll makers, the elaborate figure displays can be viewed free of charge and are illuminated after dark.

▶︎ Hakata Gion Yamakasa Kazariyama Guide 2026
The latest bilingual guide to the floats, their locations, and themes.

From Jul 10, the festival’s dynamic carrying-float rituals begin, as teams of men race through the streets carrying kakiyama weighing around one ton. Highlights include Nagaregaki, the opening run within each district; Tanagaregaki, when teams visit other districts; Oiyama-narashi, a full-scale rehearsal for the finale; and Shudan Yamakasa-mise, a procession through central Fukuoka. As the floats approach, children known as sakibashiri run ahead to clear the route, while spectators throw buckets of water (kiyoi-mizu) to cool the runners—a defining spectacle of Yamakasa.

The festival reaches its climax at 4:59 on Jul 15 with Oiyama. Starting from Kushida Shrine at five-minute intervals, each team races the approximately 5.5 km course to the finish point, known as the mawaridome, completing it in around 20–30 minutes. As the final team crosses the finish line, Hakata welcomes the arrival of midsummer.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa, 博多祇園山笠

Jul. 1, 2026 (Wed) ~ Jul. 15, 2026 (Wed)
Kushida Shrine, various places in Fukuoka City (Fukuoka Now Hakata Gion Yamakasa Map 2026)
Hakata Gion Yamakasa Guide 2026
Hakata Gion Yamakasa Kazariyama Guide 2026

Yamakasa Schedule 2026

7/1 (Wed): Kazariyama open to the public & Goshinire (morning), Oshioitori (Fetching the Sea Salt, in Hakozaki-hama beach, evening)
7/9 (Thu) Evening: Oshioitori (Ishido Bridge ~ Hakozaki-hama beach)
7/10 (Fri) 16:00~18:00: Nagaregaki
7/11 (Sat) 5:00~6:00: Asayama; 16:00~17:30: other Nagaregaki
7/12 (Sun) 15:59~: Oiyamanarashi (Kushida Shrine ~ Naraya-machi)
7/13 (Mon) 15:30~: Shudanyamamise (Gofuku-machi intersection ~ Fukuoka City Hall)
7/14 (Tue) approx. 16:00~17:00: Nagaregaki
7/15 (Wed) 4:59~: Oiyama (Kushida Shrine ~ Susaki-machi)

Special Train Service 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