UNESCO / Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan

In cities and towns throughout Japan, float festivals are held by communities annually to

pray to the gods for peace and protection from natural disasters.

The element of Yama, Hoko and Yatai float festivals encompasses 33 representative

examples in various regions throughout Japan showcasing the diversity of local cultures.

Five Festivals in Kyushu are registered on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

One of the most exciting summer festivals in Kyushu.

The festival has a lot of energy and is very dynamic as is the case with festivals such as the

Hakata Gion Yamagasa，with young men wearing the happi (festival costume) and hachimaki

(head band)， carrying the Yamagasa (festival float) and walking around the town shouting
“yoitosa yoitosa”.

One of the most exciting summer festival in Japan
takes place from July 1 to 15 and is held at Kushida-jinja Shrine in Hakata.

There are two kinds of festival floats called Yamagasa. One is Kazari-yamagasa

with 15 meters high, a gorgeously decorated festival float which is decked with

elaborate dolls and castles.

Karatsu Kunchi Hikiyama Festival

Hita Gion Hikiyama Festival

Yatsushiro Myoken Festival