Frequently asked questions / FaQs
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that you might find helpful and interesting.
We have compiled a list of inquiries about sightseeing that are frequently sent to the Yamakasa Navi editorial office.
Please take advantage of this service for your Yamakasa sightseeing.
What is the schedule of events for this year’s Yamakasa?
A. The same event takes place on the same day every year.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a festival with fixed dates, so the dates do not change from year to year. Oiyamakasa is always held on July 15, Oiyamakasa-narashi is always held on July 12, etc., and major events are held even on weekdays.
Therefore, when popular events coincide with weekends and holidays, more spectators crowd the area.
Rain is in the forecast, but will the event be held?
A. Yamakasa will be held
Hakata Gions Yamakasa, held in the middle of the rainy season, has never been canceled due to bad weather (*Excluding Kodomo-yamakasa).
No matter how heavy the rain or a typhoon is approaching, the Yamakasa event is always held on a fixed date regardless of the weather.。
*However, in the past, there have been cases where the decorative Yamakasa was removed earlier than scheduled due to an approaching typhoon.
*No events have ever been cancelled due to inclement weather.
However, a decision will be made as to what the policy will be in the future when the matter arises.
How can I watch Oiyamakasa at Sajikiseki of Kushida Shrine?
A. Sajikiseki tickets, which go on sale on June 26 every year, are required.
To enter the pier, you need to obtain a “Sajikiseki ticket”.
Sajikiseki tickets are sold at Kushida Shrine from 9:00 a.m. on June 26 every year. On this day, 300 sajikiseki tickets for “Oiyamakasa-narashi” on July 12 and 300 sajikiseki tickets for “Oiyamakasa” on July 15 will be sold. Since they are sold on a fixed date and can only be obtained at Kushida Shrine, they are popular “tickets” that many people line up to purchase every year. Popular seats for “Oiyamakasa” are sold out within 15 minutes after the start of sales.。
Learn more about “Sajikiseki / Sajikiseki ticket”
Is it possible to watch the show from the sajikiseki?
A. Free admission except July 12 and July 15.
After the pier seats are completed, admission to the sajikiseki will be restricted only on two days, July 12 (Oiyamakasa-narashi) and July 15 (Oiyamakasa), and will be open free of charge during the rest of the festival. The Kushida-iri practice of each school held on days other than the above can be viewed at your favorite seat for free.
I saw Hakata Yamakasa and want to participate in Yamakasa. How can I participate?
A. Several conditions must be met to participate.
As the Hakata Gions Yamakasa festival is originally held in the Hakata area, participation is by “town” units, and therefore, in principle, non-local residents are not allowed to participate in the festival.
For this reason, the simplest way is to live in the Yamakasa area. However, for most people this is not practical.
Currently, the most practical way to participate in Yamakasa is to be introduced by someone who is already participating in Yamakasa. Although detailed arrangements and conditions for participation differ from one school to another, you can participate in Yamakasa after being introduced by an existing participant, greeting the higher-ups, submitting a list of participants, and attending a Yoriai meeting in advance.
First of all, good luck with the hurdle of finding referrals.(*Yamakasa Navi does not provide introductions.)
How can I get my child to participate in Yamakasa?
A.
Children from outside the Hakata area can also participate in the Kodomo-yamakasa.
Kodomo-yamakasa is held in Chiyo Elementary School District, Hakata Elementary School District and Tenjin Shintenmachi District for the purpose of passing on Yamakasa culture. However, the Kodomo-yamakasa in Chiyo Elementary School District, Hakata Elementary School District and Tenjin Shintenmachi District are basically only for children from the same school district.
Children’s Yamakasa for the general public is the “Hakata Kodomo-yamakasa Class” organized by RKB Fukuoka Broadcasting Co. Children from outside the area can also participate.
Applications will be accepted from around early June each year, so please check the RKB Fukuoka Broadcasting website from late May.