For more than 780 years, Hakata Gion Yamakasa has been one of Fukuoka’s defining summer traditions. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival has been shaped by the faith and pride of local communities, as well as the craftsmanship of generations of artisans. Behind the festival’s vibrant spectacle are some of Fukuoka’s most celebrated traditional crafts, including Hakata Ningyo (doll), Hakata-ori (Hakata Textiles), and Kurume Kasuri weaving.
This summer, Takumi Gallery at ACROS Fukuoka presents a special exhibition focusing on the traditional crafts that help bring Hakata Gion Yamakasa to life. Through displays of festival attire and Kazariyama (decorative floats) figures, live demonstrations by artisans, and hands-on workshops, visitors can discover the craftsmanship that lies at the heart of one of Japan’s most famous festivals.
Special Exhibition
Traditional crafts used in Hakata Gion Yamakasa will be showcased throughout the exhibition.
1. Festival Attire Display
See traditional attire worn during Hakata Gion Yamakasa, including Toban happi coats worn by festival officials, mizuhappi coats worn by Yamakasa float (Kakiyama) carriers, and traditional tenugui hand towels. English and Japanese panels explain the festival and the significance of these garments.
2. Kakiyama Float Figure Display (Hakata Dolls)
A selection of decorative figures created for the 2025 Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival will be exhibited following the dismantling of those floats. These impressive works originally adorned the festival’s iconic Kakiyama decorative floats.
3. Masterpieces of Hakata-ori and Kurume Kasuri
This exhibition features exceptional works by highly skilled traditional artisans, including rare one-of-a-kind pieces by master Hakata doll makers and works by members of the Kurume Kasuri Preservation Association, whose weaving techniques are recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. Traditional kimono styling displays and representative works by leading craftspeople will also be showcased.
The exhibition also includes a Hakata-ori loom and a wide variety of traditional crafts that showcase Fukuoka’s rich artisanal heritage.
Live Craft Demonstrations
On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during the exhibition period, artisans specializing in Hakata dolls, Hakata-ori, and Kurume Kasuri will demonstrate their craft in person. Visitors can watch the creative process up close while learning about traditional techniques and design motifs through talks accompanied by English, Chinese and Korean interpretation. Those who wish may also have the opportunity to try selected stages of the production process themselves.
- Dates & Times: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays during the exhibition period at 11:00 and 14:00
- Admission: Free
- Venue: Special Exhibition Room (2F)
• June 30 (Tue.): Hakata-ori (13:00 only)
• July 4 (Sat.) & 5 (Sun.): Kurume Kasuri
• July 11 (Sat.) & 12 (Sun.): Hakata-ori
• July 18 (Sat.)–20 (Mon., holiday): Hakata Dolls
Workshops
Create a one-of-a-kind piece while learning directly from master artisans. Visitors can try making traditional crafts using materials and techniques associated with Fukuoka’s craft traditions. No advance reservation is required, and participants may take their completed work home.
- Registration: Same-day registration (no reservation required)
- Venue: Workshop Space, Takumi Gallery 2F
- Details: https://acros.or.jp/takumi/page/32.html
June 30 (Tue.)
Hakata-ori Kaleidoscope Workshop
Times: 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
Duration: 30–40 minutes
Fee: ¥2,000
July 1 (Wed.)–17 (Fri.)
*excluding July 11 & 12
Hakata-ori Keychain Workshop
Times: 12:00 / 15:00
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes
Fee: ¥1,000
Kurume Kasuri Covered Button Workshop (Double-Sided)
Times: 12:00 / 15:00
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes
Fee: ¥1,000
July 11 (Sat.)
Weaving on Canvas with Hakata-ori
Times: 11:00 / 14:00
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Fee: ¥2,000
July 12 (Sun.)
Hakata-ori Covered Button Brooch Workshop
Times: 11:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 14:00
Duration: Approx. 40 minutes
Fee: ¥2,000
July 18 (Sat.)
Hakata Doll Making Experience (Yamakasa Figure)
Times: 12:00 / 15:00
Duration: Approx. 40 minutes
Fee: ¥4,000
July 19 (Sun.)
Hakata Doll Making Experience (Yamakasa Figure)
Times: 11:00 / 14:00
Duration: 90–120 minutes
Fee: ¥4,000
July 20 (Mon., Holiday)
Hakata Doll Painting Experience (Momotaro, Urashima Taro, or Kintaro)
Times: 12:00 / 15:00
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
Fee: ¥1,500
The exhibition area features authentic festival attire, including happi coats and tenugui hand towels used in Hakata Gion Yamakasa, as well as a special display of decorative figures that appeared in the 2025 festival. Visitors can also view outstanding examples of Hakata-ori and Kurume Kasuri, both nationally recognized traditional crafts, along with rare works by master Hakata doll artisans.
More than a chance to experience the excitement of Yamakasa, this exhibition offers a closer look at the craftsmanship and artistic traditions that help bring the festival to life. It is a unique opportunity to discover the connections between the festival, traditional crafts, and Fukuoka’s rich cultural heritage during the height of the Yamakasa season.
Traditional Crafts Behind Hakata Gion Yamakasa
- June 30 (Tue.) – July 20 (Mon., Holiday), 2026
- Time: 10:00–18:00 (until 16:00 on the final day)
- Venue: Takumi Gallery, ACROS Fukuoka (1-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka)
- Admission: Free
- https://www.acros.or.jp/takumi/
