Tobata Gion Oyamagasa Festival

This traditional event, affectionately known as "Lantern Mountain" and one of the three major summer festivals in Fukuoka Prefecture, boasts a history of over 220 years. In 2016, it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of the "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float festivals in Japan."

The undeniable highlight at this event is the parade of eight "Nobori Yamagasa” floats as they make their glorious procession. The "Go-dan Age" transformation as the floats are raised up into Lantern Mountains is particularly breathtaking. During this transformation, decorations such as banners and drapes are removed, a square tower is built on top of the Yamagasa base, and five levels of quadrangular pyramid-shaped lanterns are raised simultaneously. Then, lanterns attached to a wooden frame are assembled in succession. You may be particularly enthralled at the sight of how fast but precisely the lanterns come together.

The Lantern Mountains stand about 10 meters tall and weigh 2.5 tons, carried by approximately 80 bearers. Watch in sheer awe as they march to the boom of the gongs and drums, chanting "Yoitosa, Yoitosa." The flickering candle flames within the lanterns sway with the movement of the Yamagasa, creating a fantastic whimsy that can’t be reproduced anywhere else. The Kagura music performed from the Yamagasa enhances the festival's extraordinary ambiance.