Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa (博多祇園山笠) is one of the most interesting festivals in Japan. It is held every year during the first half of July and climaxes with a spectacular time trial race in the early morning hours of July 15. In the race, seven neighborhoods of Fukuoka's Hakata district compete in pushing beautifully decorated festival floats along a five kilometer long course through the city.
The festival features two different types of floats:
The larger kazariyama floats stand over ten meters tall and weigh over two tons. In the past they used to be raced through the streets, however, with the introduction of power lines in the Meiji Period (1868-1912), this became problematic, and today they only serve as decorative floats. 14 of them stand spread out across the city from July 1 to 14, including two at Hakata Station and Canal City Hakata.
For the race, smaller-sized kakiyama floats - about five meters tall and one ton heavy - are used today. There are seven of them, one for each of the neighborhoods participating in the race. The floats do not have wheels and are dragged through the streets, while water is spread in front of the float in order to reduce friction between the float and the road surface (and to cool down the participants).
From July 10 to 14, the seven teams hold several practice runs and parades in preparation for the main race. A good English booklet is available with detailed maps and time schedules for these events which are interesting to watch. On July 15 just after 1am, all teams line up behind the start line, which is located in front of Kushida Shrine, the festival's host shrine.
On July 15 at 4:59am, just before sunrise, the first team starts into the race, followed by the other teams in five minute intervals. Despite the early time of the day, thousands of spectators line the five kilometer long course, which includes several tight turns and long stretches along both narrow lanes and broad streets. It takes each team roughly 30 minutes of intense effort to complete the course.
There is ample of space to see the race along its long course, except around some of the more spectacular sections, e.g. the start area, where people show up hours in advance to reserve good viewing spots. Paid seating is available in the small court yard of Kushida Shrine, where each team has to push its float around a pole, but high competition makes these seats virtually impossible to get.
Getting there and around
The festival takes place in the Hakata district of Fukuoka. Kushida Shrine is located a short walk from Kushida Shrine Station (1 minutes, 210 yen from Hakata by Nanakuma Subway Line) and Canal City Hakata or a 15-20 minute walk from Hakata Station.
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Links and Resources
Hotels around Fukuoka
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Hotel Il PalazzoJust an 8-minute walk from Nakasu Kawabata Station, first project in Japan by internationally recognized Italian architect and designer, Aldo Rossi, ホテル イル パラッツォ features contemporary design and 2 dining options. The hotel offers rooms with free WiFi and a glass-encaged bathroom. The 24-hour reception at Il Palazzo makes guests enjoy a leisurely stay. Il Palazzo is a 5-minute stroll to downtown area Tenjin and a 10-minute walk to entertainment complex Canal City Hakata. Fukuoka Airport is a 20-minute drive away.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Great MorningConveniently located in the Hakata Ward district of Fukuoka, Hotel Great Morning is set 200 metres from Tsunashiki Temman-gu Shrine, 400 metres from Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum and 400 metres from Kawabata Shopping Arcade. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. The property is 400 metres from Reisen Park, and within 3.5 km of the city centre. At the hotel, all rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The rooms come with a kettle, while some rooms also offer a kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave and a stovetop. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Hotel Great Morning include Ryugu-ji Temple, Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum and Zendo-ji Temple. Fukuoka Airport is 4 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Miyako Hotel HakataOpen from September 2019, only 150 metres from JR Hakata Train Station, Miyako Hotel Hakata offers stylish rooms with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The famous Nanzoin Temple is a 30-minute train ride away. The air-conditioned rooms at Miyako Hotel Hakata come with pyjamas and slippers. Guests can relax in the bathtub or watch a pay TV programme. Miyako Hotel Hakata is a 3-minute walk from the popular electronic megastore Yodobashi Hakata, and it is a 15-minute walk from Tocho-ji Temple. The Tenjin area is a 5-minute subway ride from nearby Hakata Station, and Fukuoka Airport is just a 5-minute subway ride away. Fukuoka Castle is 5.5 km away, and the lively Nakasu area is 2.5 km from the property. A bar and cafe lounge are also on site.View on Booking.com
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European House ReisenEuropean House Reisen features accommodation within 3.4 km of the centre of Fukuoka, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. This 2-star aparthotel offers a lift and luggage storage space. The aparthotel has family rooms. Fitted with a terrace, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and slippers. Kitchenware and kettle are also offered. At the aparthotel, units have bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Reisen Park, Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum and Ryugu-ji Temple. Fukuoka Airport is 4 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Marinoa Resort FukuokaLooking over Hakata Bay and a yacht harbor, Hotel Marinoa Resort Fukuoka features spacious guest rooms with an ocean view, a relaxation spa and a stylish French restaurant. This hotel is located right next to Marinoa City Fukuoka outlet shopping mall. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Each room is fitted with a comfortable sofa and a balcony, and in-room facilities include a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. Some rooms feature a DVD player or a coffee machine. Guests can enjoy an ocean view from the balcony or while soaking in a bath. Two complimentary bottles of mineral water are provided daily. Fukuoka Marinoa Resort Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, car rentals and laundry services. Drinks and snacks vending machines are available on site. Free parking is available. The hotel is a 40-minute bus ride from JR Hakata Shinkansen (bullet train) Station. Fukuoka Tower and Momochi Bayside Park can both be reached within a 15-minute bus ride. On-site Bleu Ciel restaurant serves original French dishes prepared with local seafood and other seasonal ingredients.View on Booking.com
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The358 SORAThe358 SORA features a fitness centre, shared lounge, a terrace and restaurant in Fukuoka. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.9 km from Kashihama Beach. At the hotel, every room has a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All units will provide guests with a fridge. The358 SORA provides a range of facilities such as a spa and wellness centre including a sauna. Island City Central Park is 1.3 km from the accommodation, while Najima Castle is 4.5 km away. Fukuoka Airport is 11 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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The Ritz-Carlton FukuokaFeaturing a fitness centre, a restaurant as well as a bar, The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka is set in the centre of Fukuoka, 500 metres from Tenjin Station. This 5-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge service, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests. The hotel offers certain units with city views, and all rooms come with a coffee machine. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Fukuoka, like cycling. Popular points of interest near The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka include The Shops, Iwataya and Solaria Stage. Fukuoka Airport is 5 km away.View on Booking.com
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Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel FukuokaOnly a 3-minute walk from Tenjin Subway Station and offering direct access to it, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka provides Western-style accommodations and free WiFi access. The air-conditioned rooms feature carpeted floors, a flat-screen satellite TV and a air purifier. A fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. Room wears are provided for all guests, while the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Services such as dry cleaning and currency exchange are provided at the 24-hour front desk. Hotel Nishitetsu Solaria is a 10-minute drive from Ohori Park and JR Hakata Train Station. Canal City Hakata is a 5-minute drive away and Fukuoka Airport is a 15-minute drive away.View on Booking.com
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THE BLOSSOM HAKATA PremierIdeally set in the centre of Fukuoka, THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. Well located in the Hakata Ward district, this hotel offers a restaurant, as well as a sauna. Sugawara Shrine is less than 1 km away and Meiji Park is a 9-minute walk from the hotel. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. At THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. The daily breakfast offers buffet, American or Asian options. Non-stop advice is available at the reception, where staff speak English and Japanese. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Fujita Park, Kushida Shrine and Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Fukuoka Airport is 4 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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A.T. Hotel HakataConveniently situated in Fukuoka, A.T. Hotel Hakata provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. The property is around 1.8 km from Ninjin Park, 1.9 km from Hie Park and 1.9 km from Konko Church - Minami Ward. Certain rooms at the property include a balcony with a city view. At the hotel, each room is equipped with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms include a kitchen with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A.T. Hotel Hakata offers 3-star accommodation with a hot tub and terrace. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Higashisumiyoshi Park, Otowa Park and Mizuho Park. Fukuoka Airport is 2 km away.View on Booking.com
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