🔥 Nice to catch

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Name: Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Location: Fukuoka, Japan

When	Usually early July 🟠 Approximate
Where	Fukuoka, Japan
Cost	See official source
Booking	Not required to attend

Summary

A centuries-old Shinto festival featuring teams racing ornate wooden floats through Hakata's streets, culminating in a dramatic early-morning run.

The climactic early-morning race (Oiyama) starts around 4:59am on the festival's final day — an unusual hour, but it is the single most photographed moment of the festival.
Teams race while carrying heavy decorated floats through the streets of Hakata, so the atmosphere is intense and fast-paced rather than a slow procession.
Static, non-racing versions of the floats are displayed around the city in the days leading up to the race, giving a closer look at the craftsmanship before the main event.

Kushida Shrine and the surrounding Hakata district streets — The starting point and main route of the early-morning Oiyama race.

Usually mid May

Usually September

Usually late March