Hita Gion Yamahoko 2026: Oita’s Towering Float Festival

Kyushu-Okinawa · OitaFestival

Nine ornate floats up to ten metres tall roll through the old river town of Hita on a summer night.

Overview

The Hita Gion Festival is a three-century-old summer rite in the historic river town of Hita, in western Oita. Held to pray for protection from plague and disaster, it centres on tall, richly decorated floats called yamahoko that are hauled through the streets to flutes, taiko drums and shamisen. Like Kyoto’s Gion tradition, it belongs to Japan’s UNESCO-listed family of float festivals.

When & Where

In 2026 the main festival is held on July 25 and 26, preceded by a group display of the floats on July 19. Events take place around three shrines in Hita City—Mameda Yasaka, Kuma Yasaka and Takeda Wakamiya. Nearest station: JR Hita (Kyudai Main Line).

Getting There

Hita is reached on the JR Kyudai Main Line, roughly an hour and a half from Kurume or Fukuoka with a change, or by highway bus from Fukuoka. From Hita Station the float districts are a walk or short taxi ride away. Rural trains are infrequent late at night, so confirm your return service or plan to stay locally.

What to Expect

Nine yamahoko, some reaching around ten metres, are paraded by neighbourhood teams, their tiers adorned with intricate figures and fabric. The nighttime segment, when the floats are lit and hauled through the lantern-lined streets, is the highlight. Traditional hayashi music accompanies the procession, echoing off the town’s preserved merchant houses.

Tickets & Access

The festival is free to watch, with no ticket needed for the street processions or the pre-festival float display. Paid or reserved viewing is not generally required. Food stalls line the routes on the main evenings.

Access and Map

Source: Visit Oita (Oita Prefecture Official Tourism)
Image: Photo: mukai / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)