The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is one of the most interesting summer festivals in Japan. It is held annually from the 10th of July and climaxes with a spectacular time trial race in the early morning hours of July 15. In the race, seven neighborhoods of Fukuoka's Hakata district compete in racing 1-ton floats along a five-kilometer-long course through the city. Water is thrown on the teams to reduce friction and cool everyone down.

The days before the race, the seven racing teams put their floats on display in their respective districts. The floats on display are massive and ornately decorated with flashy stuff. They are much larger than the floats actually used in the race. The days leading up to the race, July 10 to 14, feature parades and practice runs by each district. The sounds of the festival were selected as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan, a collection of sounds that represent Japanese culture.