Gion Matsuri

Gion Matsuri (祇園祭), Kyoto’s most famous festival, takes place throughout July, with its main highlight being the spectacular Yamaboko Junko float processions on July 17 and 24. Towering up to 25 meters and weighing as much as 12 tons, these elaborately decorated floats are masterpieces of traditional craftsmanship. The nights leading up to the parades, known as Yoiyama, fill the streets with lively crowds, food stalls, festive music, and illuminated floats, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Originating over a thousand years ago as a religious ritual to appease the gods and ward off plagues, Gion Matsuri remains a vivid display of Kyoto's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

In addition to the grand parades, visitors can enjoy other unique aspects of the festival, such as watching the intricate float construction, visiting private residences that open their doors during Byobu Matsuri to showcase treasured family heirlooms, and witnessing the solemn mikoshi processions on July 17 and 24, when the deity of Yasaka Shrine is carried through the streets. Centered mainly around Karasuma and Shijo streets, Gion Matsuri offers a fascinating blend of tradition, pageantry, and community spirit, making it one of Japan’s most unforgettable summer experiences.