This festival is said to originate from the legend that the founder of Jotenji Temple scattered sacred water on the street to get rid of plague. Come the 1st of July, the town of Hakata takes on a festive mood, with floats over 10m high exhibited at 14 spots around town. The climax of the festival is right before 5 o’clock on the 15th of July. At the sign of a drum, men carrying the Yamakasa float dash out briskly into the streets of Hakata. This lively festival, designated a national intangible folk heritage, is one that everyone must see.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
