YAMAKASA FESTIVAL, A SIGHT TO BEHOLD

Yamakasa festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in not only the Hakata region of Fukuoka but also all over Japan. The festival is held every year during the first two weeks of July. The festival constitutes of eight carts that are to be carried by men around designated spots in the Hakata region. The carts are heavily decorated on both sides.

The front side faces the Kushida Jinja Shrine. The odd-numbered yamakasas are called Otoko Yama where Otoko means man in Japanese. While the even-numbered yamakasas are called Onna Yama where Onna means woman. The base of the Yamakasa, called Yamadai, is made entirely of wood.

The seven regions of Hakata participate in the race that stretches along an area of around 5 kilometers. This is referred to as the Hakata race that takes place on the last day of the festival early in the morning. The heavily decorated carts are carried by the men on their shoulders it is a sight to behold. The men sitting on the float splash water from the float. This act is associated with the historical event related to Sho Ichi Kokushi. It is believed that during the time of Sho Ichi Kokushi, a Buddhist monk of Jotenji Temple, the people of Hakata were going through an outbreak of disease so the monk decided to make a float that resembles the Hakata floats of today. He splashed water on the streets of Hakata that cured people of the disease. Hence, it is known as the origin of the Yamakasa festival.

Watching men carry such huge and heavy floats on their shoulders was a sight to behold. I was glad to have decided to stay all night outside my hostel and watch this specter. The people who were present as the participants of this festival and those who were present as spectators were full of great enthusiasm. The festival is counted among UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.

I am glad I could witness this amazing festival that is being celebrated by the people of Hakata for the last 700 years. 

PS: My phone camera broke so pictures are not good.