What it is
The Yosakoi Matsuri was started in 1954 by Kōchi’s chamber of commerce to lift the city’s spirits during an economic slump. A local composer, Takemasa Eisaku, wrote its song and suggested that dancers carry naruko, the wooden clappers farmers used to scare birds.
The rules have always been loose, and teams create their own costumes, music and choreography, from traditional to rock and hip-hop. Today around 190 teams and some 20,000 dancers take part, and the style has spread across Japan, inspiring hundreds of Yosakoi festivals elsewhere.
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The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Aug 9 | Eve festival: Performances by last year's prize-winning teams |
| Aug 10–11 | Main festival: Teams dance through the streets and on stages across the city |
| Aug 12 | National contest and after-party: Teams from across Japan compete, and the winners dance again |
Which day should you go?
Aug 10 or 11
The main days: walk from venue to venue and watch many teams in one afternoon.
What to look for
Naruko
Every dancer holds wooden clappers, once used to scare birds from rice fields.
Jikatasha
Decorated trucks with musicians and speakers lead each team.
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Free styles
Teams create their own costumes, music and moves; only the clappers and a phrase of the original song are required.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Fly from Haneda to Kōchi Ryōma Airport, then airport bus to the city | about 2 h |
| Okayama | JR Limited Express Nanpū to Kōchi | about 2 h 30 min |
| Osaka | Highway bus to Kōchi | about 5 h |
On the day. The main venues are along Ōtesuji and in the shopping arcades, a short walk or tram ride from Kōchi Station.
Crowds. The city is packed for four days. Book flights and trains early, as the festival overlaps the Obon travel peak.
Where to stay
Central Kōchi
Walk between venues and to Hirome Market.
Kōchi Station area
Easy arrival by train and bus, a short tram ride from the venues.
When to book. Hotels in Kōchi fill for August 9–12. Book 4–6 months ahead.
Book ahead
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Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Make a day of it
Kōchi Castle 高知城
One of only twelve castles in Japan with its original keep, and the only one that also keeps its original main palace. It stands on a hill above the festival's main street, Ōtesuji. Open 9:00–17:00.
Hirome Market ひろめ市場
A covered food hall near the castle with dozens of stalls, where you sit at shared tables. Try katsuo no tataki, seared bonito, Kōchi's famous dish.
Opening hours change by season. Check before you go.
Practical tips
- Heat. Kōchi in August is very hot. Rest in the shopping arcades between performances.
- Food. Try katsuo no tataki, seared bonito, at Hirome Market in the city centre.
Glossary
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
Yukata浴衣
A light cotton kimono worn in summer, especially to festivals and fireworks displays.
References
- Yosakoi Matsuri Promotion Association and Kōchi City tourism: festival information.
- Kōchi University of Technology theses: background on the festival.
- Kōchi Castle: visitor information.
Last checked 2026-10-16.