About the festival
Kochi Yosakoi Festival is the birthplace of the modern Yosakoi dance tradition. Groups perform at multiple city venues, with naruko clappers and varied costumes.
Who is it for?
Dance fans interested in the original Yosakoi festival and different team styles.
Photo: 工房 やまもも · CC BY 2.0
Original date: 2005. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
Usually 9–12 August; main performances on 10–11 August
Usual season; next dates not confirmed. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Kochi · 高知
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.
高知市内競演場・中央公園
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Take the JR Limited Express Nanpu from Okayama to Kochi. Walk or use Tosaden trams for downtown venues.
What to see
- Naruko clappers
- Team costumes
- Multiple street and stage venues
History and origins
The festival began in 1954 to bring energy and development to Kochi and later inspired Yosakoi events elsewhere.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Choose a venue to compare groups, or use your favorite team's timetable if you want to follow it.
Places to visit nearby
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.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Kochi Yosakoi Festival: common questions
When is Kochi Yosakoi Festival?
Usually 9–12 August; main performances on 10–11 August This is the usual season, rather than a confirmed timetable for the next edition. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Kochi Yosakoi Festival take place?
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.
How do I get to Kochi Yosakoi Festival by public transport?
Take the JR Limited Express Nanpu from Okayama to Kochi. Walk or use Tosaden trams for downtown venues.
Is this the same event as Sapporo's Yosakoi Soran?
They are different festivals. Kochi's Yosakoi began in 1954 and inspired later events in other cities.
Official sources
- Festival and visitor guide 1 (www.cciweb.or.jp) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 2 (smt.yosakoi.com) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 3 (www.pref.kochi.lg.jp) ↗
Sources reviewed: .