is a Japanese festival celebrated from 1-15 July in Hakata

Hakata-ku, Fukuoka

is one of the seven wards of Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is best known as the location of Fukuoka's main train station, Hakata Station.-Geography:...

, Fukuoka

Fukuoka

Fukuoka most often refers to the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture.It can also refer to:-Locations:* Fukuoka, Gifu, a town in Gifu Prefecture, Japan* Fukuoka, Toyama, a town in Toyama Prefecture, Japan...

. Its rites centre on Kushida Jinja

Kushida-jinja (Fukuoka)

is a Shinto shrine located in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan. Dedicated to Amaterasu and Susanoo, it is said to have been founded in 757. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is centred on the shrine.-See also:*List of Shinto shrines*Hakata Gion Yamakasa*Matsuri...

. Famous for its one ton float

Float (parade)

A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one, which is a component of many festive parades, such as those of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Carnival of Viareggio, the Maltese Carnival, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Key West Fantasy Fest parade, the...

-racing, it has a seven hundred and fifty year history, attracts up to a million spectators, and in 1979 was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The sound of the Kaki Yamakasa has been selected by the Ministry of the Environment

Ministry of the Environment (Japan)

The ' of Japan was formed in 2001 from the sub-cabinet level Environmental Agency established in 1971. The minister is a member of the Cabinet and is chosen by the Prime Minister, usually from the Diet., the current is Goshi Hosono...

 as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan

100 Soundscapes of Japan

In 1996, as part of its efforts to combat noise pollution and to protect and promote the environment, the Ministry of the Environment designated the . 738 submissions were received from all over the country and the 100 'best' were selected after examination by the Japan Soundscape Study Group...

.

See also

• Matsuri
• Gion Matsuri
  Gion Matsuri
  The takes place annually in Kyoto and is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. It spans the entire month of July and is crowned by a parade, the on July 17. It takes its name from Kyoto's Gion district....
  
  
• List of Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties
• Important Intangible Cultural Properties
  Important Intangible Cultural Properties
  The Important Intangible Cultural Properties are aspects of intangible culture that the government of South Korea has officially designated for preservation since the inception of the program in 1964...
  
  
• 100 Soundscapes of Japan
  100 Soundscapes of Japan
  In 1996, as part of its efforts to combat noise pollution and to protect and promote the environment, the Ministry of the Environment designated the . 738 submissions were received from all over the country and the 100 'best' were selected after examination by the Japan Soundscape Study Group...
  
  

External links

Hakata Gion Yamakasa homepage