Gion Festival
1 - July 31, Tuesday – Thursday
Kyoto
Historical Background
The festival is closely associated with the Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. It began as a religious ceremony to ward off plagues and disasters. Over the centuries, it evolved into a grand celebration featuring elaborate floats, traditional music, and community participation.
Main Events
The Gion Festival features several key events throughout July, including:
- Yamaboko Junko (Float Processions): These are the main parades held on July 17 and July 24. The floats, known as "yama" and "hoko," are beautifully decorated and pulled through the streets by teams of people.
- Yoiyama Evenings: Held on the nights leading up to the float processions (especially July 14–16 and July 21–23), these evenings are filled with festive street stalls, traditional music, and illuminated floats.
- Mikoshi Togyo: A sacred ritual where portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried through the streets to transfer the deity from Yasaka Shrine to a temporary resting place and back.
Festival Floats
The floats are the highlight of the festival. There are two types:
- Hoko: Large, towering floats that can be up to 25 meters tall and weigh around 12 tons. They are pulled by dozens of people and often feature musicians playing traditional instruments.
- Yama: Smaller floats that are carried rather than pulled. They are decorated with tapestries, carvings, and often feature scenes from Japanese mythology.
Cultural Significance
The Gion Festival is not only a religious event but also a showcase of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. It brings together traditional arts, crafts, and community spirit. Many of the floats are adorned with priceless textiles and artifacts, some of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Visiting the Festival
Visitors to the Gion Festival can enjoy:
- Traditional street food and local delicacies sold at stalls during Yoiyama.
- Viewing the floats up close during the evenings before the parades.
- Experiencing Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere, as many locals wear yukata (summer kimono) during the festivities.