It is a Shinto ritual dedicated to Kushida Shrine, known as the chief deity of the Hakata area of Fukuoka City, and has a long history of about 800 years.
In 2016, it was registered as a World Heritage SiteINtangible Cultural Heritage) by UNESCO, along with 32 other festivals around Japan. Drawing approx. 3.5 million tourists, the festival is the largest in number among Japanese festivals.
During the festival period (July 1-15), huge, colorful, and beautifully decorated floats called “decorated Yamakasa” are displayed at about 10 locations in the town.
From July 10, the last day of the festival, the whole town is filled with excitement as strong men in loincloths and happi coats carry the floats called “Kaki-Yamakasa,” which are several meters high and carry beautifully decorated dolls and statues of gods.
The highlight of the festival is the “Oi Yamakasa” held at dawn on the last day of the festival.
This event started in 1687, and seven teams from different neighborhoods start at five-minute intervals and compete for the fastest time by carrying their floats along a 5-km course.
The fastest time does not win any prize money, but it is a moving sight to see the men give their all for the honor.
