🎎 Tobata Gion Ohyamakasa戸畑祇園大山笠

With a proud history of over 220 years, this traditional event is nicknamed "Chochin Yama" and is one of the "Three Major Summer Festivals of Fukuoka Prefecture." In 2016, it was registered as part of the "Yama, Hoko, Yatai Events" as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The most spectacular part is the competition where eight Chochin Yama gather together. The Chochin Yama instantly transforms into the "Five-Stage Rise," where flags and banners are removed, and a square tower is assembled on the Yamakasa platform, lifting a five-tiered lantern shaped like a pyramid. The lanterns hanging on the wooden frame are then quickly assembled. The precise and swift actions of assembling the lanterns in succession are definitely worth watching. The height of the Chochin Yama is about 10 meters, weighing 2.5 tons, with around 80 bearers moving in sync with the accompaniment of drums and bells, shouting "YOITOSA, YOITOSA" as they advance. The flickering candlelight swaying with the Yamakasa creates a dreamy atmosphere. The Kagura music performed on the Yamakasa also envelops the entire festival in an extraordinary ambiance.

The Chōyama Festival parades through the Hobataku area, filled with passionate energy. The highlight is the competition featuring eight Chōyama floats coming together. Adorned with lanterns, the Chōyama floats transform into the stunning lantern floats during the night, showcasing the "Five-tiered Ascension" that should not be missed.