Yosakoi Festival

• Kochi
• Sightseeing
• Festivals & Events
• Summer

The "Yosakoi Festival," held every August in Kochi City, is a major carnival Kochi proudly presents to the world, boasting some of the highest thermal energy and dynamism in Japan. About 20,000 dancers advance powerfully dancing through performance venues throughout the city while fiercely clicking traditional wooden instruments called "Naruko" in both hands. From traditional Japanese elements to cutting-edge rock, pop, and hip-hop, the gorgeous costumes and music which differ team by team alongside perfectly unified dynamic dances completely overwhelm spectators. Because there is a "Tobiri-ren" troupe allowing anyone to join on the spot, the top charm is that international travelers can get enthusiastic together with local people. It is the ultimate entertainment where southern Tosa's energy explodes, letting you experience the evolved form of Japanese festival culture firsthand.