The Tobata Gion Oyamakasa is a unique festival that shows completely different expressions in the daytime and at night. During the day, the luxurious nobori yamakasa (banner float), embroidered with gold thread on a 1.8-meter-high stand, parade through the area, and at night, the decorations are removed, and it transforms into a huge chochin yamakasa (lantern float) about 10 meters high consisting of 12 tiers and 309 lanterns. The sight of this magnificent pyramid of light advancing while chanting “Yoitosa, Yoitosa” is truly overwhelming. In 2016, it was also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and its historical and cultural importance has been recognized.
Highlights
The highlight of the festival is the “Tobata Gion Oyamakasa Kyouen Kai” (Competition of Tobata Gion Oyamakasa) held on the evening of the second day. The sight of a total of 8 yamakasa, including 4 Oyamakasa from the East, West, Nakahara, and Tenraiji districts, and 4 small Wakayama-kasa carried by junior high school students, gathered together is truly spectacular. The moment it transforms from the gorgeous “nobori” yamakasa during the day to the fantastic “chochin” yamakasa at night is a moving experience that can only be enjoyed at this festival.
Tobata Gion Oyamakasa Basic Information
| Item | Information |
| Venue | In front of Tobata Ward Office and throughout Tobata Ward |
| Date | Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28, 2024 |
| Time | Tobata Gion Oyamakasa Kyouen Kai: Saturday, July 27, 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
| Access | About a 10-minute walk from JR Tobata Station |
| Fees | See official website No reservation required (paid seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Tobata Ward Office from Monday, July 1) |
| Contact | 093-871-2316 Tobata Gion Oyamakasa Promotion Association Secretariat |
| Parking | None (traffic restrictions around the venue) |
| Official Website | https://tobatagion.jp/ |
The Tobata Gion Oyamakasa is a festival of light that colors the summer night sky. Its overwhelming scale and beauty will be deeply engraved in the hearts of visitors. Please come and experience this emotion for yourself.