The Gion Festival is one of the most spectacular events held annually in Kyoto throughout July. Originating over a thousand years ago as a religious ritual to appease the gods during an epidemic, it has evolved into one of Japan’s most internationally famous and elaborate festivals.
Featuring magnificent float processions, traditional music, and community participation, it draws huge crowds of visitors, both locals and from abroad, into its lively celebration. All of them eager to see highlights such as the grand parades of floats, known as Yamaboko Junkō, on July 17 and July 24. So if you’re planning to visit Kyoto around these dates, keep reading for all the details!
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What is the Gion Festival?
The Gion Festival, known in Japanese as Gion Matsuri (祇園祭), is one of Japan’s most historic and renowned festivals, taking place annually in Kyoto. This grand event has its origins in the year 869 AD when it began as a religious ceremony seeking spiritual purification against evil spirits that were seen as the cause of a mysterious epidemic. It was initiated by the people of Kyoto under imperial decree to pray for deliverance from plague and has been held almost every year since, evolving significantly over the centuries.
Traditionally centered around the Yasaka Shrine, the festival has grown to encompass a whole month of various events, peaking with the spectacular parade of floats known as “Yamaboko Junko”. These floats, classified into two types—Yama and Hoko—are towering wooden constructions adorned with the most exquisite craftsmanship. The floats are constructed without the use of nails and are pulled through the streets of Kyoto by teams of men in traditional attire, demonstrating feats of engineering and artistry from ancient Japan.
The Gion Festival is deeply intertwined with the local community. Leading up to the main parades, Kyoto’s downtown area is transformed into a lively festival ground, where local families display valuable family heirlooms and traditional artworks in their homes. The evenings before the parade see the streets filled with stalls selling traditional foods and goods, while locals and visitors alike don traditional yukata robes to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
When is the Gion Festival Held?
The Gion Festival takes place throughout July. The major highlights are the grand float processions on July 17 (Saki Matsuri) and July 24 (Ato Matsuri), preceded by festive evenings (Yoiyama).
Where is the Gion Festival Held?
Primarily centered around central Kyoto and Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) in the Gion district. The float processions traverse the main streets of Kyoto, turning the city into a vibrant festival ground.
Getting to Gion Festival
Yasaka Shrine is located 9-min on foot from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line or 12-min on foot from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu-Kyoto Line. The parade areas and the festival’s main activities are focused around Shijo, Kawaramachi, and Oike streets in Kyoto, which can be easily reachable from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu-Kyoto Line, Karasuma Oike STation on the Karasuma and Tozai lines or Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Tozai Line.
What to see at the Gion Festival
The Gion Festival is a spectacle of culture, tradition, and community spirit, offering a plethora of sights that attract millions of visitors. Here’s an expanded list of things to see during the festival:
Yamaboko Junkō (山鉾巡行): The highlight of the festival, these grand parades feature large, elaborately decorated floats known as Yamaboko. Each float is a masterpiece of traditional Kyoto craftsmanship, adorned with intricate tapestries and carvings.
Yoiyama (宵山): On the three nights leading up to the parade, the streets of Kyoto come alive with lights, music, and crowds. Each evening is called yoiyoiyoiyama (宵々々山), yoiyoiyama (宵々山) and yoiyama (宵山), respectively. The floats are displayed in the streets, beautifully lit up, allowing up-close views and interaction.
Byobu Matsuri (屏風祭り): During Yoiyama evenings, local families open their homes to the public for a “folding screen festival”, displaying valuable family heirlooms and folding screens. This provides a unique glimpse into the private and historical artworks of Kyoto.