The Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa festival, designated as an Intangible Cultural Property and Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka Prefecture, has a history dating back around 400 years. Highlights include the eve festival “Yamakasa Kyōenkai” on Jul. 18 at 18:00 and the grand finale “Kaisanshiki” on Jul. 21 from 19:00. During the two days in between, floats race through local neighborhoods in dynamic displays known as “Kenkayamakasa,” where the wheeled floats are pulled and spun with great force. The festival’s distinct musical accompaniment, Gionbayashi, is said to draw inspiration from the war drums of the Battle of Sekigahara and features conch shell horns, creating a unique rhythm. The final ceremony features a powerful drum performance and the gathering of all floats, bringing the festival to a rousing close.
• 7/13 (Sun.), 7/18 (Fri.) ~ 7/21 (Mon., hol.)
• Free viewing (event schedule)
• Kurosaki area, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
• https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/yahatanishi/file_0134.html