Hita Gion Festival
A Vibrant Celebration that Suffuses the Streets of Hita with the Sounds of Traditional Instruments
The Hita Gion Festival is a summer tradition held annually in July at three shrines in Hita City: Mameda Yasaka Shrine, Kuma Yasaka Shrine, and Takeda Wakamiya Shrine. This ritual, which has been celebrated for over 300 years, prays for safety, health, and protection from illness and disasters. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016, it stands as a testament to the region’s enduring traditions.
The festival's highlight is the yamahoko procession. Yamahoko are large floats mounted on wooden wheels and adorned with intricate, colorful decorations. Accompanied by the melodies of traditional instruments such as flutes, taiko drums, and the shamisen, these majestic floats are paraded through the streets. Each neighborhood crafts its own uniquely designed yamahoko every year, with some reaching heights of 10 meters, offering a spectacular sight.
At night, the yamahoko are illuminated by chochin, traditional Japanese lanterns, which creates a magical and enchanting atmosphere that draws countless visitors to admire this breathtaking display.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Category
Basic Information
- Event period
- [Hita Gion Yamahoko Group Display]
July 20 (Sunday), 2025, around 18:30
Held annually on the Sunday one week before the Hita Gion Festival
[Hita Gion Festival]
July 26 (Saturday) and July 27 (Sunday), 2025 (Tentative) - Event venue
- [Hita Gion Yamaboko Group Display]
In front of JR Hita Station (Kyudai Main Line)
[Hita Gion Festival]:
-Mameda Yasaka Shrine (4 Marunouchi-machi, Hita City)
-Kuma Yasaka Shrine (2-8-30 Kuma, Hita City)
-Takeda Wakamiya Shrine (3-78 Wakamiya-machi, Hita City) - Address (Japanese)
- 大分県日田市
- Address
- Hita City, Oita
- Telephone Number
- 0973-22-8210（Hita Festival Promotion Council Office (within Hita City Tourism Division)）
- Prices
- Free
- Car Park
- Please use nearby parking lots
- Access
- [Mameda Yasaka Shrine]
Approximately 25 minutes on foot from JR Hita Station
[Kuma Yasaka Shrine]
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Hita Station
[Takeda Wakamiya Shrine]
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Hita Station - Website
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
