Gion-matsuri Festival

The Gion Festival, which engulfs Kyoto in a whirl of excitement every July, is one of the largest and most famous festivals in Japan. Its name comes from the renowned Gion district of Kyoto, where Yasaka Shrine, the main focus of the festival, is located. Alongside Osaka's Tenjin Festival and Tokyo's Kanda Festival, it is counted among the "Three Great Festivals of Japan," and together with the Aoi and Jidai Festivals, it is also one of the "Three Great Festivals of Kyoto." It is truly a quintessential summer tradition representing Japan.

The festival lasts from July 1st to 31st, with the grand processions of floats on July 17th and 24th being the main highlights. In 2009, the Yamahoko procession of the Kyoto Gion Festival was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, gaining worldwide recognition for its cultural value.

The history of the Gion Festival dates back to the early Heian period. In 869, when epidemics spread throughout Kyoto and other parts of Japan, 66 halberds were erected to match the number of provinces at the time, and the portable shrine of Gion Shrine (now Yasaka Shrine) was sent to Shinsen-en to contain the plague. This is said to be the origin of the festival.

From 970, the festival was held annually on June 14th, later changing to July. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), townspeople who had gained economic power created lavish floats, and the festival developed into a more spectacular event.

The Gion Festival is held every year from July 1st to 31st, lasting about a month. The main schedule for 2025 is as follows:

Saki Matsuri (First Festival)

• Yoiyama: July 14–16
• Yamahoko Procession: July 17, from 9:00

Ato Matsuri (Later Festival)

• Yoiyama: July 21–23
• Yamahoko Procession: July 24, from 9:30

The floats for the Saki Matsuri are built from July 10th to 14th, and for the Ato Matsuri from July 18th to 21st.

The Gion Festival takes place across a wide area in central Kyoto. The main venues are as follows:

• Yamahoko Procession Route: Shijo Street, Kawaramachi Street, Oike Street
• Each Yamahoko Town: Each neighborhood in Nakagyo and Shimogyo wards
• Yasaka Shrine: The central shrine of the festival
• Otabisho: Place where the portable shrine stays

The Saki Matsuri procession starts from Shijo Karasuma, and the Ato Matsuri procession starts from Karasuma Oike.

The biggest highlight of the Gion Festival is the "Yamahoko Procession." In the Saki Matsuri, 23 floats parade through the city, and in the Ato Matsuri, 11 floats do the same. The sight of floats weighing up to 12 tons being pulled by 40 to 50 people is truly impressive.

During "Yoiyama," the festival eve before the Yamahoko Procession, the floats are lit up with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. On the 15th and 16th of the Saki Matsuri, Shijo and Karasuma streets become pedestrian zones, lined with food stalls.

At the Ato Matsuri's Yoiyama, there are no food stalls, allowing visitors to enjoy the festival's original atmosphere1.

On the morning of July 24th, alongside the Ato Matsuri's Yamahoko Procession, the "Hanagasa Procession" takes place. Centered around about 10 flower umbrellas, said to recreate the old style of floats, people in gorgeous costumes such as maiko, geiko, heron dancers, and lion dancers parade in a line, making it a parade rich in performing arts. This offers a different, more elegant side of the Gion Festival compared to the Yamahoko Procession.

On the nights of Yoiyama, many food stalls open in central Kyoto, offering traditional Japanese festival foods. Typical menu items include:

• Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers, seasoned with salt or sauce.
• Takoyaki: Round snacks with octopus inside, flavored with sauce or mayonnaise.
• Okonomiyaki: Savory pancakes with cabbage, meat, and seafood, cooked on a griddle.
• Yakisoba: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat.
• Taiyaki: Fish-shaped sweets filled with sweet red bean paste.
• Kakigori: Shaved ice with syrup, perfect for summer.

There are also popular game stalls for children, float viewing, strolling in yukata, and various other activities to enjoy.

Due to traffic restrictions during the Gion Festival, public transportation is recommended.

• Keihan Railway: 1 minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
• Hankyu Railway: 5 minute walk from Kawaramachi Station
• Subway: Transfer to the Tozai Line at Karasuma Oike Station on the Karasuma Line, get off at Higashiyama Station, about 8 minutes on foot

From Kyoto Station, the subway is the most reliable and fastest way to access the festival.

• Advance Reservations: As this is a popular festival, book accommodations and paid viewing seats several months in advance.
• Arrive Early: Secure a good viewing spot for the procession by arriving early in the morning.
• Join in Yukata: Wearing a yukata enhances the festival atmosphere. Rentals are available in Kyoto.
• Stay Hydrated: Kyoto in July is hot, so drink water frequently.
• Enjoy Yoiyama: Head out early in the evening to enjoy the food stalls and float viewing during Yoiyama.
• Float Viewing: Some floats allow you to enter inside for a valuable experience.
• Crowd Measures: As there are large crowds, take care of your valuables.
• Public Transportation: Due to traffic restrictions, use trains or buses instead of cars.
• Check the Weather: Sudden rain is possible in Kyoto in summer, so bring rain gear.
• Learn the History: Knowing the background of the festival will give you a deeper experience.

• Q. Is the Gion Festival free?
  A. Yes, the processions and Yoiyama are free to attend. Paid viewing seats are also available.
• Q. When are the highlights?
  A. The Yamahoko processions on July 17th and 24th, and Yoiyama on July 14–16 and 21–23 are especially popular.
• Q. Is there information in English?
  A. English pamphlets and maps are available at Kyoto tourist information centers, and some floats have English-speaking volunteers.
• Q. Can I participate in the festival?
  A. The main rituals are performed by local residents, but tourists can enjoy watching, eating at food stalls, and viewing the floats.
• Q. Is it enjoyable for families with children?
  A. Yes, there are plenty of activities for children, such as game stalls and float viewing.
• Q. What should I wear?
  A. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Wearing a yukata enhances the festival atmosphere.
• Q. What should I be careful about?
  A. Respect the cultural significance of the festival, follow staff instructions, and be considerate when taking photos.
• Q. How crowded does it get?
  A. The processions and Yoiyama are extremely crowded. Arrive early and take care of your valuables.

For the latest schedule and detailed information, please check the following websites:

• Yasaka Shrine: http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/
• Gion Festival Yamahoko Association: http://www.gionmatsuri.or.jp/
• Kyoto City Tourism Association (Paid Viewing Seats Info, etc.): https://ja.kyoto.travel/