{"id":73317,"date":"2026-07-03T11:08:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T02:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fukuoka-now.com\/?p=62950"},"modified":"2026-07-03T11:08:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T02:08:35","slug":"yamakasa-kazariyama-guide","status":"publish","type":"guide","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/guides\/yamakasa-kazariyama-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Hakata Gion Yamakasa Kazariyama Guide 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hakata Gion Yamakasa, dedicated to Kushida Shrine, is Fukuoka\u2019s most famous festival and has been celebrated for more than 780 years. Held annually from July 1 to 15, it is one of the city\u2019s defining summer traditions, with locals often saying, \u201cSummer begins when Yamakasa ends.\u201d The 2026 festival marks its 785th year.<\/p>\n

The festival is best known for two very different but equally impressive sights: the powerful Yamakasa float (Kakiyama), carried at full speed through the streets of Hakata by teams of men chanting \u201cOisa!,\u201d and the towering Kazariyama (decorative floats) displayed throughout the city. Historically, the large decorative floats were also carried, but today Yamakasa is divided into these two distinct forms.<\/p>\n

Often exceeding 10 metres in height, the kazariyama are monumental works of art created anew each year by master Hakata doll artisans. Their themes range from historical figures and legendary tales to contemporary subjects, with different stories depicted on the front and rear sides of each float. Rich in detail and craftsmanship, they reward close inspection, and many visitors enjoy comparing the unique designs found across the city.<\/p>\n

In 2026, 13 kazariyama will be displayed at locations throughout Fukuoka. Two of these belong to Higashi Nagare and Nakasu Nagare, which also field kakiyama. The kakiyama of the festival\u2019s seven participating nagare districts\u2014Doi, Daikoku, Higashi, Nakasu, Nishi, Chiyo, and Ebisu\u2014can also be viewed at their respective float houses whenever they are not taking part in festival events. For visitors, this offers a rare opportunity to appreciate both the scale and craftsmanship of the floats up close.<\/p>\n

\"Kazariyama<\/p>\n

Locations<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The kazariyama are unveiled across the city on July 1, marking the start of the festival. They remain on display throughout the two-week celebration before being dismantled following Oiyama, the festival\u2019s climactic race held in the early hours of July 15. Walking through Hakata and comparing the different themes, craftsmanship, and stories depicted on each float is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Yamakasa.<\/p>\n

Even after the festival ends, some kazariyama may continue to be displayed at locations such as Kushida Shrine, Kawabata Zenzai Square, Kyushu National Museum, and Fukuoka Airport International Terminal.<\/p>\n

The 2026 kazariyama will be added to this guide once they are unveiled on July 1.<\/p>\n

\u25b7 Fukuoka Now Hakata Gion Yamakasa Map 2026\uff08Google Map\uff09<\/a><\/p>\n

Kazariyama (13)<\/a><\/p>\n