Hakatagionyamakasa

Introduction to Viewing the Oiyama Race

1 Kushida Shrine The Starting Point of Yamakasa

Kushida Shrine is not just the spiritual heart of the festival; it's also where the Oiyama race kicks off at 4:59 AM sharp. The atmosphere here is electric, thick with anticipation as the teams make their final preparations. You'll witness the dramatic "Kushida-iri," where each team races around a marker within the shrine grounds before heading out onto the main course.

Why it's great:

• Witness the Rituals: You'll be right in the middle of the pre-race rituals and ceremonies, offering a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions of the festival.
• See the Kakiyama Up Close: This is your chance to get a really good look at the intricate details of the Kakiyama before they're racing at full speed.
• Experience the Energy: The raw energy of the teams and the roar of the crowd at the starting line is truly unforgettable.

• Arrive Early: Seriously early. Like, 2:00 AM or even earlier to secure a spot, especially if you want to be close to the action.
• Bring a Small Stool or Cushion: You'll be standing for a while, so something to sit on during the wait will be a lifesaver.
• Respect the Space: Kushida Shrine is a sacred place. Be mindful of your surroundings and follow any instructions from festival staff.

• Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens (around 24-70mm) will help you capture the grandeur of the shrine and the assembled teams. Consider something like the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM (around $2,400) or the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM (around $2,300). These lenses offer excellent image quality and versatility.
• Fast Shutter Speed: To freeze the action, you'll want a fast shutter speed (1/500s or faster).
• High ISO: Since it'll be early morning, you'll need to bump up your ISO (likely to 1600 or higher) to get a good exposure.

2 Along the Streets of Hakata The Heart of Yamakasa Action

The 5-kilometer race course winds through the streets of Hakata, offering numerous spots to catch the action. While the exact route can vary slightly from year to year, it generally includes major thoroughfares like Taihaku-dori and Meiji-dori.

Why it's great:

• Feel the Rush: As the Kakiyama thunder past, you'll feel the ground vibrate and the rush of wind. It's an incredibly visceral experience.
• See the Teams in Full Stride: This is where you'll witness the teams' endurance and determination as they push their Kakiyama through the streets.
• Experience the Local Vibe: You'll be surrounded by locals cheering on their teams, creating an authentic and immersive atmosphere.

• Check the Official Route Map: The exact route is usually published a few weeks before the festival. Study it carefully to plan your spot.
• Stake Out Your Spot Early: Popular stretches get crowded quickly. Arrive at least an hour or two before the race to claim your space.
• Look for Elevated Positions: If possible, try to find a slightly elevated spot, like a set of stairs or a small platform, for a better view.
• Stay Hydrated and Sun Protected: July in Fukuoka is hot and humid. Bring water and wear sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing.

• Portable Fan: A small, handheld fan like the Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan (around $15-$20) can be a lifesaver in the heat. These are rechargeable and often come with multiple speed settings.
• Sun Hat: A wide-brimmed hat like the Coolibar UPF 50+ Sun Hat (around $40-$50) will provide excellent sun protection.
• Lightweight Backpack: A compact backpack like the Osprey Daylite Pack (around $65) is perfect for carrying your essentials without being bulky.

3 Nakaroku The Narrow Challenge of Yamakasa

This section of the course, located in the Nakasu area, is known for its extremely narrow streets. It presents a unique challenge for the teams as they navigate the tight turns with their massive floats.

Why it's great:

• See the Skill of the Teams: Witnessing the teams maneuver their Kakiyama through such a confined space is a testament to their skill and coordination.
• Get Incredibly Close to the Action: You'll be just a few feet away from the Kakiyama as they pass by, offering an unparalleled sense of proximity.
• Experience the Intensity: The narrowness of the street amplifies the sounds and energy of the race, creating an intense and exciting atmosphere.

• Be Prepared for Crowds: This is a very popular spot, so expect it to be packed. Arrive extra early to secure a decent position.
• Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: With the Kakiyama moving quickly through such a narrow space, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and stay out of the way.
• Don't Block the Path: Be considerate of other spectators and avoid blocking their view or obstructing the race route.

• Consider a Periscope: A handheld periscope like the Carson OPMOD PO-300 Periscope (around $30-$40) can help you see over the heads of the crowd.
• Use a Monopod: A monopod like the Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum Monopod (around $70) can provide stability for your camera without taking up as much space as a tripod.

4 Higashi-nagare The Midpoint of Yamakasa Energy

This area, represented by the Higashi-nagare team, is roughly the midpoint of the race. It's a great place to see the teams' stamina and determination put to the test.

Why it's great:

• Witness the Local Support: The Higashi-nagare team enjoys strong local support, creating a vibrant and encouraging atmosphere along this part of the route.
• See the Teams Pushing Their Limits: By this point in the race, the teams are starting to feel the strain, making it a great place to witness their perseverance.
• Enjoy a Slightly Less Crowded Experience: While still popular, this area might be slightly less crowded than the starting point or Nakaroku.

• Learn a Few Cheers: Familiarize yourself with some of the common cheers used to encourage the teams. It's a great way to engage with the locals and show your support.
• Look for Local Businesses: Many local businesses along the route offer refreshments or special viewing areas.
• Take Advantage of Rest Areas: There are often small parks or rest areas along this stretch where you can take a break from standing.

5 Tenjin The Modern Backdrop of Yamakasa

The Tenjin area, known for its modern architecture and shopping malls, offers a unique backdrop to the traditional race. It's a great spot to see the contrast between old and new in Fukuoka.

Why it's great:

• Unique Photo Opportunities: The juxtaposition of the traditional Kakiyama against the modern cityscape creates some striking photo opportunities.
• Access to Amenities: Tenjin is a major commercial hub, so you'll have easy access to restrooms, food, and drinks.
• Combine Sightseeing with the Festival: You can easily combine your festival experience with some shopping or exploring in Tenjin before or after the race.

• Look for Elevated Viewpoints: Some of the department stores or office buildings in Tenjin might offer elevated viewing areas. Check in advance if any are open to the public during the race.
• Use the Subway for Easy Access: Tenjin is well-connected by subway, making it easy to get to and from other parts of the city.
• Be Aware of Traffic Restrictions: Roads in Tenjin will be closed during the race. Plan your transportation accordingly.
• Consider a Polarizing Filter: If shooting towards the glass buildings, a circular polarizing filter like the B+W XS-Pro HTC Kaesemann Circular Polarizer (around $80-$100) can help reduce reflections and enhance colors.

6 Gofukumachi The Turn for the Finish

This area marks a crucial turning point in the race, where the teams make a sharp turn onto the final stretch towards the finish line.

Why it's great:

• See the Teams Maneuver a Key Turn: This is another opportunity to witness the skill and coordination required to navigate the Kakiyama around a tight corner.
• Feel the Excitement Build: As the teams approach the finish line, the excitement in the crowd reaches fever pitch.
• Capture the Sprint to the Finish: This is a great spot to photograph the teams as they make their final push for victory.

• Position Yourself Strategically: Try to find a spot on the outside of the turn to get the best view of the Kakiyama as they round the corner.
• Be Prepared for a Surge in the Crowd: As the teams approach the finish line, the crowd in this area will likely swell.
• Listen for Announcements: Keep an ear out for announcements about the race progress, so you know when the teams are approaching.

7 The Finish Line A Celebration of Yamakasa Spirit

The finish line is back near Kushida Shrine, although the exact spot can vary. The atmosphere here is one of pure exhilaration as the winning team crosses the line and the crowd erupts in cheers. The teams will then slowly return to Kushida Shrine one by one to report their result and pay their respect.

Why it's great:

• Witness the Culmination of the Race: This is where all the hard work and dedication of the teams pay off.
• Experience the Joy of Victory: The celebration of the winning team is a truly infectious moment.
• See the Kakiyama Return to Kushida Shrine: After the race, the teams return their Kakiyama to Kushida Shrine, offering a final chance to see these magnificent floats up close.

• Arrive Early (Again!): The finish line is an incredibly popular spot, so be prepared to arrive very early to secure a good position.
• Be Patient: There will likely be a delay between the first team crossing the line and the official announcement of the results.
• Stay to See the Return to Kushida Shrine: While you will have seen it at the start, the return of the teams to Kushida Shrine after finishing the race is another sight to behold.

• Telephoto Lens: A telephoto lens (70-200mm or 100-400mm) is essential for capturing the action from a distance. The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM (around $2,800) or the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS(around $2,600) are excellent choices. These lenses offer superb image quality, fast autofocus, and image stabilization, which is crucial when shooting handheld in a crowd.
• Camera with Fast Continuous Shooting: You'll want a camera that can shoot at a high frame rate (at least 7-10 frames per second) to capture the fast-paced action. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II (around $2,500) and the Sony a7 IV (around $2,500) are both excellent choices, boasting impressive autofocus performance and burst shooting capabilities.
• Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: You'll be doing a lot of shooting, so make sure you have plenty of extra batteries and memory cards.