Gatalympics, which is the blended word of higata (GATA: the area in Saga) + Olympics. It has been an annual event at the end of May since 1985. In 2018, the event is going to be the 34th since it was created.
Facebook で見るOne of the games in the Kashima Gayalympics: swinging competition
There are multiple competitions in the Gatalympics in the mudflats of the Ariake Sea around Saga Prefecture. One of the popular competitions is land swinging. You can try to swing as far as much and fall down in the mud. When we were young, everyone should have experience playing in the mud. The Gatalympics provide you a great chance of re-experiencing with many silly, fun sports in the mud. The Gatalympics provide a great chance re-experience many silly, fun sports in the mud.
How far can you go cycling on a muddy on a muddy road?
The event consists of seven different kinds of silly, fun competitions that if you participate in any of them, you will definitely be covered with mud. In the picture above, the game is called “gatacycle” where the person who rides the fastest on the muddy road wins the game. To participate in one game, the fee is JPY2000. Some games are welcomed for little children from 3 years. For visitors, of course, it is free for entrance! Until now, many foreigners flied to japan to join the Gatalympics. Until now, many foreigners flew to Japan to join the Gatalympics.
Hakkeyoi games (Gatasumo game) : wrestling on the floating tire in the mud
One of the games representing the traditional Japanese cultural event is the hakkeyoi game. The women stood in the floating tire and whoever stays and remains on the tire wins. In Japanese, the term "Hakkeyoi" is used often in a sumo wrestling game. They yell it when they reach a standoff and the coach is trying to encourage the sumo to put more spirit into it. The game of Hakkeyoi requires more technical skills instead of strength and heavyweight.
Come join at this unique Gatalympics in Japan
To participate, the fee is JPY2000 per game. Some games welcome little children from 3 years old. It is also possible to join as a group for some games, such as one called Gatalympics, where four people are in a group; they have to pass all the obstacles on a muddy path. The first team reaching the finish line wins. If you want to challenge your friends and family, you should join the Gatalympics. For visitors, of course, it is free for entrance!
How to visit?
The place is held around the area that is nearest at the Hizen-Nanaura station in Saga prefecture. It takes about 2 hours and half from Tokyo to Fukuoka. And then it’s about 15 mins by train from Hakata station in Fukuoka. Or you can take a Yutoku bus bound for kentai at Kashima bus center in Kashima. The event is held around the area that is nearest the Hizen-Nanaura station in Saga Prefecture. It takes about two and a half hours from Tokyo to Fukuoka. And then it's about 15 minutes by train from Hakata station in Fukuoka. You can also take a Yutoku bus bound for Kenai at Kashima bus center in Kashima. ### Reference listhttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashima_Gatalympics
http://www.gatalympic.com/gaiyo.html
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_sumo_terms
