What is the Yosakoi Festival?
The Yosakoi Festival in Kochi Prefecture is a large-scale dance festival held every year from August 9–12,
known as one of Japan’s three major Yosakoi festivals.
More than 20,000 dancers gather from across the country,
and about 200 teams parade through Kochi City while dancing in an impressive display!
Vivid costumes, powerful dances holding naruko (wooden clappers),
and energetic music that fills the venues captivate everyone who watches.
History and Origins of the Yosakoi Festival
A festival born from postwar reconstruction
The Yosakoi Festival began in 1954 (Showa 29),
created to promote postwar recovery and revitalize the region.
Aiming for a dance festival that tourists could join, like Awa Odori (Tokushima),
a new style was born: “dance freely while carrying naruko”.
What does “Yosakoi” mean?
“Yosakoi” is said to derive from “yosa-koi” (come at night),
and carries a sense of openness and “let’s all have fun!”
Highlights of the Yosakoi Festival
1. Spectacular street performances
At a dozen or more performance and competition venues around Kochi City,
each team shows its own dance performance!
The top recommended viewing spots are the following three.
Central Park Competition Stage – the powerful main stage
Otesuji Main Competition Stage – a large-scale performance using about 1 km of street
Obiyamachi Performance Stage – elegant dances in the covered arcade
2. Dance that blends tradition and evolution
- Teams that incorporate traditional Japanese-style dances
- Teams that incorporate hip-hop and jazz dance
- Teams with samba or Latin-style arrangements blending other cultures
All teams follow the rule of “using naruko”,
and they liven up the festival with highly creative performances!
3. The night finale: “After-Festival”
On August 12 the “After-Festival” is held,
where award-winning teams give spectacular performances.
Fireworks are also launched at the finale,
beautifully coloring the end of the festival.
Practical information for travelers
1. Dates and schedule
August 9 (Eve) – performances by well-known teams
August 10–11 (Main festival) – teams parade and dance through the city
August 12 (After-Festival) – announcement of award-winning teams & finale
2. Clothing and what to bring
- Comfortable clothes (August is very hot!)
- Hat & sunglasses (the sun is strong, so essential)
- Towel & folding fan (useful for preventing heatstroke)
- Camera & smartphone (to capture the powerful dances)
3. Transport access
Shinkansen + limited express: from Osaka or Tokyo to Kochi Station (about 5–7 hours)
Plane: from Haneda or Kansai International Airport to Kochi Ryoma Airport (about 1.5 hours)
Getting around the city: trams (streetcars) and temporary shuttle buses are convenient
4. Yosakoi festival–only food
You can also enjoy Kochi’s famous festival stall food!
- Seared bonito (katsuo no tataki) (delicious served with salt or ponzu)
- Stall sushi (inaka-zushi) (pressed vegetable-style sushi)
- Buntan juice (juice from Kochi’s famous citrus)
- Ice-crin (Showa-era retro-style ice cream)
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- The Yosakoi Festival is one of Japan’s most energetic dance festivals
- Held August 9–12 with around 20,000 participants from across Japan
- The appeal is the fusion of tradition and modern arrangements!
- In addition to dancing, you can enjoy festival food stalls and fireworks
- Prepare for the heat and wear comfortable clothes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take part in the Yosakoi Festival?
A: Some teams allow impromptu participation (“walk-on” participation)!
However, some require prior registration, so check the official website.
Q: Do I need a reservation to watch?
A: Viewing is generally free! However, some areas like the Central Park Competition Stage have paid reserved seats (reservation required).
Q: Is it enjoyable with small children?
A: Yes! There are child-friendly dance teams, and the festival is family-friendly.
Note that moving with a stroller can be difficult during crowded times, so a baby carrier is convenient.
Q: What other sightseeing spots are there besides the festival?
A: Recommended spots include Katsurahama (statue of Sakamoto Ryoma), Hirome Market (Kochi food market), and the Shimanto River (nature experiences)!
Kochi’s summer tradition: the Yosakoi Festival
Whether you love dancing or watching,
be sure to experience this energetic festival!
