[2025 Fukuoka ] Travel Guide for Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival (Updated Jul)

This year, the Yamakasa decorations at Hakata Station are still themed after One Piece. From July 1st to 15th, you can see beautifully decorated themed yamakasa in the following 13 places: 1. Toryu: 2nd yamakasa 2. Nakasu-ryu: 3rd yamakasa 3. Kamikawabata-dori: 8th yamakasa ([推しの子]! It was the location of Gundam last year, but there is no Gundam this year!) 4. Watanabe-dori 1-chome: 9th yamakasa 5. Fukuoka Department Store: 10th yamakasa 6. Hakata Station Store Association: 11th yamakasa 7. Hakata Canal City: 12th yamakasa 8. Kawabata Central Street: 13th yamakasa 9. Tenjin Solaria: 14th yamakasa 10. Shinten-cho: 15th yamakasa 11. Hakata Rebar Line: 16th yamakasa 12. Tenjin 1-chome: 17th yamakasa (Anpanman) 13. Kushida Shrine: Extra Each yamakasa is decorated with a gorgeous human figure created by a Hakata artist, the "front" is usually a samurai, and the "back" is based on a fairy tale or TV animation. Event schedule: July 1st Shime Shimae: The first day of the festival, 13 decorated yamakasa are unveiled July 9th Zenryu Oshioi Tori (Yugata, Hakozakihama) July 10th Ryugata (5-6pm) July 11th Chaoyamakasa (5-6am, Figure 5, 3-5pm) The only day with two yamakasa parades. ‼ ️July 12th This day is a rehearsal, starting at 3:59pm, departing from Kushida Shrine. July 13 Group Yamakasa Show 3:30pm July 14 Ryuga (4-5pm) ‼ ️July 15 Chasing Yamakasa　At 4:59am, the first Yamakasa set off with the sound of drums in the morning, and the 5km distance (5km from Kushida Shrine to Susaki Town) was completed in 30 minutes! 🌟The best place to chase Yamakasa is near Kushida Shrine. There will be a lot of people on the 15th, and the scene on both sides of the road will be very lively. Don't miss it when you travel to Fukuoka in summer!

#summervacay Perfect for foodies • beach lovers • night owls 🍜 DAY 1: Hakata Flavors & Canal City Magic ✈️ 9AM: Arrive at Fukuoka Airport → Subway to Hakata Station (5min) 🏨 11AM: Drop bags at The Blossom Hakata Premier (sky pool views) 🌶️ 12PM: Yatai hopping at Nakasu Kawabata (try: Mentaiko spaghetti at Yatai Barakamon Hakata ramen at Daruma Cool break: Canal City’s dancing water show 🏯 3PM: Tocho-ji Temple (giant wooden Buddha + rotating sutra library) Kawabata Shopping Arcade (get a yukata for ¥3,000) 🌃 7PM: Night cruise on the Naka River Late-night snacks: Motsunabe at Motsu Shabu Zen 🏝️ DAY 2: Island Time & Seaside Thrills ⛴️ 8AM: Ferry to Nokonoshima (30min → flower fields & beach clubs) Breakfast: Fresh peach smoothie at Island Cafe 🏄 11AM: Paddleboarding at Keya Beach Lunch: Seafood donburi at Umi no Eki 🎆 4PM: Return to Momochi Seaside Park (stroll the artificial beach) Fukuoka Tower sunset (234m observation deck) 🍻 8PM: Oyafuko-dori izakaya crawl Karaoke at Big Echo Hakata 🛍️ DAY 3: Cultural Souvenirs ☕ 9AM: Hakata Isshidō matcha at Wafu Café Last-minute shopping: Hakata dolls at Rakusuien Mentaiko packs at Yanagibashi Market 🚆 12PM: Shinkansen to Osaka with full belly 📸 Must-Capture Summer Moments: Yatai lanterns reflected in the river Nokonoshima sunflower fields (July-Aug) Fukuoka Tower at golden hour Fireworks over Hakata Bay (July 25) 💡 Pro Tips: ✔️ Gion Yamakasa Festival (July 1-15) – see massive floats! ✔️ Cool down in JR Hakata City’s AC ✔️ Buy: Shiokara (fermented squid) for brave foodies #FukuokaSummer #HakataEats #IslandVibes #YataiNights 🎆 “Where ramen steam meets sea breeze”

#cityplaybook #localguides #postandearn Fukuoka, the largest city on Japan’s Kyushu Island, is a vibrant urban hub where modern convenience meets rich history and warm hospitality. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, delectable street food, and coastal charm, Fukuoka is a favorite among both domestic and international travelers. Modern City, Ancient Roots Fukuoka’s history dates back to ancient times when it was a major port for trade with Korea and China. The city's fusion of past and present is evident in sites like Fukuoka Castle Ruins in Maizuru Park and the serene Tocho-ji Temple, home to a giant wooden Buddha statue. Wander through Hakata Old Town to experience traditional temples, shrines, and workshops that tell the story of the city’s cultural heritage. Foodie Paradise Fukuoka is renowned as the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, a rich pork-based noodle soup. A must-visit experience is trying a bowl at one of the city’s iconic yatai (street food stalls), which come alive after sunset along the riverside in Nakasu. From fresh seafood to mentaiko (spicy cod roe), Fukuoka is a culinary delight. Beaches & Green Spaces The city's seaside location offers quick access to beaches like Momochi Seaside Park and the futuristic Fukuoka Tower. For nature lovers, Ohori Park provides a peaceful retreat with a large pond, walking trails, and a traditional Japanese garden. Festivals and Culture The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in July is one of Japan’s most dynamic traditional events, drawing thousands to witness teams racing massive floats through the streets. The energy and community spirit make this a truly unforgettable cultural experience. Access Fukuoka is easily accessible via the Shinkansen (bullet train) and boasts an international airport just minutes from the city center. #Fukuoka #VisitJapan #KyushuTravel #TonkotsuRamen #HakataCulture #YataiExperience #JapaneseFestivals #FukuokaCastle #OhoriPark #MomochiBeach