Kochi’s Yosakoi teams dance with wooden naruko clappers. Music and costumes differ between teams, making one performance ground a useful place to compare several groups.
Kochi Yosakoi Festival dates
Usually August 9–12; main programme around August 10–11
Usual annual timing
Dates and times use JST. Usual timing is not a confirmed next-edition schedule. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Kochi · 高知
Multiple central venues, including Otesuji, Central Park and Obiyamachi
高知市内競演場・中央公園
Venues include the Otesuji street arena, Central Park stage, Obiyamachi and Harimayabashi. Teams move between venues on different schedules, not one shared start-to-finish parade.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Take the Nanpu limited express from Okayama to Kochi. Walk or use Tosaden trams to the central performance grounds; check a team’s next venue before following it.
Planning your visit
Stay for a few teams at one venue instead of assuming there is one city-wide parade start. Choose another ground only after checking its programme.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Naruko clappers
- Team costumes
- Multiple street and stage venues
History and traditions
The festival began in 1954 to bring energy and development to Kochi and later inspired Yosakoi events elsewhere.
Photo: 工房 やまもも · CC BY 2.0. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Kochi Castle · 高知城
Historic castle buildings and a keep above the city.
Fit a daytime visit between performances, allowing for stairs and a rest before more walking.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Kochi Yosakoi Festival questions
When is Kochi Yosakoi Festival?
Usually August 9–12; main programme around August 10–11. Usual annual timing is not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I reach Kochi Yosakoi Festival by public transport?
Take the Nanpu limited express from Okayama to Kochi. Walk or use Tosaden trams to the central performance grounds; check a team’s next venue before following it.
Is this the same festival as Sapporo’s Yosakoi Soran?
No. Kochi Yosakoi and Sapporo Yosakoi Soran are separate festivals in different cities. Kochi’s event began in 1954 and uses several central performance grounds.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · www.cciweb.or.jp ↗
- Official reference · smt.yosakoi.com ↗
- Official reference · www.pref.kochi.lg.jp ↗
- Official reference · welcome-kochi.jp ↗
- Official reference · kochipark.jp ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.