Yosakoi Festival in Kochi: History, Highlights, and How to Join the Excitement in 2025

A Festival Born from Resilience

The Yosakoi Festival began in 1954, during a time when Kochi was struggling to recover from the aftermath of World War II. To lift local spirits and boost the economy, the Kochi Chamber of Commerce organized the first Yosakoi Festival over two days — August 10 and 11.

Nearly 70 years later, it has grown into Kochi’s signature summer event, attracting dancers and spectators from across Japan and beyond.

What Makes Yosakoi Unique?

At its heart, Yosakoi is about dancing in teams to upbeat music, each dancer holding wooden clappers called naruko. Despite its simple rules, each team brings its own flair — from costumes to choreography — making every performance unique and captivating.

There are only two basic rules:

1. Dancers must move forward while using naruko.
2. The music must include the phrase “Yosakoi Naruko Odori.”

That’s it — the rest is up to the teams’ creativity. Many also feature elaborately decorated trucks called jikata-sha, which lead the dancers with live music or speakers.

This creative freedom is part of what makes Yosakoi so appealing. Over the years, it has inspired festivals across Japan, including the famous “YOSAKOI Soran Festival” in Hokkaido, and was even featured in the Nice Carnival in France in 1972.

2025 Festival Schedule and Highlights

The 72nd Yosakoi Festival will be held from August 9 to 12, 2025. As of June, 188 teams are expected to participate — 120 from Kochi Prefecture and 68 from other regions of Japan.

August 9 (Sat) – Pre-Festival Events

・17:00–21:30: Safety Ceremony & Pre-Festival Celebration (Toyo Denka Central Park)
・11:00–15:00: Tosa Student Yosakoi Festival (Kochi Castle)
・19:45–21:00: Kochi City Fireworks Festival (Kagamigawa River)

August 10–11 (Sun & Mon/Holiday) – Main Festival

Over a dozen locations throughout Kochi City will host dancing, including:

・11:00–22:00: Obiyamachi Arcade
・11:30–22:00: Central Park
・12:30–21:30: Various neighborhoods: Kamimachi, Masugata, Mama, Atago, Saenba, Umenotsuji, Harimayabashi, Kyomachi, Hata, Kochi Castle, Kochi Station
・13:15–21:30: Otesuji Main Competition Stage (day & evening sessions)
・17:30–21:30: Yanagimachi (local teams only, Aug 11)

⚠️ Note: Times and locations may change. Please check official updates closer to the event.

August 12 (Tue) – National Yosakoi Competition & Closing Ceremony

・12:30: Opening Ceremony (Kochi Castle)
・13:00–18:00: National Yosakoi Competition (Central Park)
・13:15–22:00: Performances at Kochi Castle, Otesuji, and Obiyamachi
・18:30–22:00: Awards Ceremony & Closing Celebration (Central Park)

Competition vs. Exhibition Venues

Competition stages (10 venues): Otesuji, Atago, Central Park, Kamimachi, Mamma, Harimayabashi, Masugata, Umenotsuji, Saenba, Kochi Station (new for 2025!)
Exhibition stages: Yanagimachi, Hata, Obiyamachi, Kyomachi, Kochi Castle, Kochi University

⚠️ Note: Asahi Stage will be closed in 2025 due to renovations at the nearby Aeon shopping center.

Want to Dance? Join On-the-Spot Teams!

Want to Dance? Join On-the-Spot Teams!

Citizens’ Charter Yosakoi Team (Free)

・Organized by Kochi City Hall
・Open to anyone — no experience required
・Practice starts at 2:30 PM at Kochi Otemae High School (August 10 & 11)
・Performances: Otesuji (5 PM), Obiyamachi (6:30 PM), Central Park (7:30 PM)
・No registration needed; just show up!

▶️ Check more!

Attaka Kochi Team (Pre-book or walk-in)

・Organized by Kochi Hotel & Ryokan Association
・Participation fee: ¥5,000 adults / ¥3,500 kids (¥500 discount if you bring naruko)
・August 10 & 11 only
・Registration starts 5 PM, followed by multiple performances

▶️ Check more!

Best Places to Watch (and Eat!)

Make the most of your Yosakoi experience by enjoying Kochi’s delicious local cuisine near the major stages.

1.Otesuji Main Competition Stage

One of the main stages, where you can witness powerful and dynamic performances up close.

＜Gourmet Place around Otesuji Main Competition Stage＞

■Hirome Market: Local food, souvenirs, and craft shops in a vibrant indoor market.

Address：Obiyamachi 2-3-1, Kochi City
TEL：088-822-5287

■Ramen Chonmage Kochi Main Branch: Known for ramen and flavorful fried rice.

Address： Otesuji 1-8-15, Kochi City
TEL：088-871-0588

■Bar Yumebakari (SAKE BAR): Elegant sake bar run by Hamakawa Brewery.

Address：Otesuji 1-10-1, Koch City
TEL：088-803-7221

2. Kochi Central Park Competition Stage

A temporary stage and large video screens bring an energetic, live-show atmosphere to every performance.

＜Gourmet Place around  Kochi Central Park Competition Stage＞

■Hobotan Izakaya: A bustling spot with local dishes and warm hospitality.

Address：Sakaimachi 2-21, Kochi City
TEL：088-872-1330

■Unagi HASHIMOTO: Famous for perfectly grilled eel. Reservation recommended.

Address：Sakaimachi 1-12, Kochi City
TEL：088-856-7422

■Kikuzushi: A beloved sushi spot with over 70 years of history.

Address：Obiyamachi 1-7-19, Kochi City
TEL：088-823-8400

3.Obiyamachi Arcade Stage

Set in a covered shopping arcade, this venue lets you experience the heat and excitement of the festival right beside the dancers.

＜Gourmet Place around Obiyamachi Arcade Stage＞

■Tanishi Ochazuke: A cozy local favorite serving rice in tea broth and snacks.

Address：Obiyamachi 1-9-19, Kochi City
TEL：088-824-2276

■Yuukiya: Top-notch sashimi that will change how you think about fish.

Address : Obiyamachi 1-9-25, Kochi City
TEL：088-873-0388

Track Your Favorite Teams in Real Time

Wondering where your favorite team is performing next? Use the “Dokoiko” mobile service to check the real-time locations of dancers and upcoming team schedules.

📱 No registration needed. Available in English and Japanese

▶️ Dokoiko Service

Kochi’s Yosakoi Festival is more than just a dance event — it’s a powerful expression of local pride, community spirit, and creative joy. Whether you come to dance or just watch, you’re sure to feel the rhythm and warmth of this unforgettable summer celebration.