This is Hakata; Yamakasa season has come! and about Motsu-nabe

From July 1st to July 15th is the hottest season of Hakata, the traditional merchant town of Fukuoka.
It’s the season of Gion Yamakasa Festival.

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It’s related to Shintoism.
Hakata merchants are protected by Kamisama (`God’ in Shintoism, existing in every natural things, such as tree, land, fire, mountain, sky, etc.).

They show special respect by praying in Kushida Shrine, the local shrine of Hakata, whici has 1,250 years of history.

Here in Yamakasa festival, Kamisama is invited into each Yama.
On July 15th, people carry these Yamas, which means, people bring Kamisamas.

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Yama (the carriage) in Kawabata Shopping mall.

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During the festival season, for 15 days, Yama (festival carriage) are displayed here and there in Hakata town.
They are made by Hakata Doll makers, with deep respect and care, every year.
After festival, they are broken into pieces, which represents Hakata spirit.



Yama in Solaria Plaza, in the shopping district Tenjin.

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Yama in front of Hakata Station.

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Now I will introduce another Hakata thing…FOOD!!

If you know, Hakata is a food paradice, that’s another main reason people love to live in Hakata!
Even Tokyo people envy us for good food !



This is Motsu-Nabe.
Motsu is made of pork offal, and Motsu-Nabe is a a hot pot filled with motsu and vegetables (cabbage, garlic chives.
It’s very healthy and warms you up.



After eating up motsu and vegetables, you can put Champon noodles in the pot.
It’s very delicious!



This is a menu written in Japanese.
Doesn’t it look very local and warm?

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EVENT GUIDE

Why not join Yamakasa? Hakata local will guide you !

See Get together to see Hakata Gion Yamakasa!!!