Oiyama (Final Race)

About this event

The Oiyama is the spectacular climax of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, in which teams of men sprint a 5km course from Kushida Shrine through downtown Hakata carrying enormous decorated floats. Starting before dawn on July 15th, each team races against the clock in a heart-pounding display of strength, speed, and civic pride. It is one of the most electrifying events in the Japanese festival calendar, drawing massive crowds to cheer the runners on.