The meaning of Matsuri is ‘festival’. Japan Matsuri can be both religious and secular celebrations. They are most notably sponsored by Shinto shrines but there are also many festivals unrelated to shrines. Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, is the festival of the Yasaka shrine. It is arguably the most well-known Japanese festival and one of the largest as well. The festival takes its name from Kyoto’s Gion district.

Below we have put together an overview of the Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto to help you plan your participation in this great event.

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What is Gion Matsuri?

The Gion Matsuri festival has a history of over 1100 years old having originated in 869 when it was performed as a ritual of purification to stave off the plague. The high points of the festival are the processions, called Yamahoko Junko, on the 17^th and 24^th July. Yamahoko (or Yamaboko) describes the two types of floats in the parade: the smaller ‘yama’ floats and the larger ‘hoko’ floats. They are made of ornately covered wood decorated with rich textiles and covered with treasures that are hundreds of years old. They are like portable museums paraded through the city streets of Kyoto. The floats are designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property and the Yamahoka events are considered to be a UNESCO cultural heritage.

The smaller yama floats are about 6 metres tall and weigh about 1 200 kg. It takes a team of up to 24 people to pull them. The hoko floats are about 8 metres tall from ground to roof or about 25 metres tall when measured to the tip of the central poles. They weigh up to 12 000 kg (approx. 12 ton) with wheels that are almost 2 metres tall (over 6 feet) and can take a team of up to about 40 people to pull them. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see them travel along the street, particularly when they take a 90 degree turn at street corners. The revelry is heightened by the musicians singing and chanting aboard the yama and hoko.

When and Where is Gion Matsuri

Gion Matsuri is a month long festival. The main event or Saki (‘early’) Matsuri takes place on 17^th July with a massive parade of 24 floats called the Yamahoko Junko. The procession starts from the Shijo-Karasama intersection at 9am. It then heads east along Shijo-dori (‘dori’ means ‘street’), then turns north along Kawaramachi-dori. The parade then turns west on Oiki-dori before finishing at the Oike-Karasama intersection at around 1pm. Click on this link for more information on Saki Matsuri including details of the floats.

There is also a smaller procession of 11 floats called the Ato (‘later’ or ‘after’) Matsuri on 24^th July. It follows the same route as the Saki Matsuri but goes in the opposite direction. The Ato Matsuri starts at around 9:30am and finishes around noon. Click on this link for more information on Ato Matsuri including details of the floats.

Click on this link for route maps of both the Saki Matsuri and Ato Matsuri.

A great option to watch the processions is to purchase reserved seating for Gion Matsuri, including an English audio guide and optional lunch package through Voyagin.  The seats are located on Oike-dori Street, so you can see the floats up close and in comfort. For the Saki Matsuri there are three different options: 1) Reserved seating only; 2) Reserved seating plus English audio guide. For the Ato Matsuri there is only the one option (for reserved seating).

Be aware that this tour package usually sells out so get in quickly. If you are planning to be in Kyoto on either date then ensure that you pre-book to lock in your booking and get the best experience.

Click on this link to see the details for both the Saki and Ato Matsuri and to make your booking through Voyagin.

 

Yoiyama

Yoiyama, the pre-parties, are held in the 3 nights before each of the processions (14^th-16^th July and 21^st-23^rd July). On these nights, festival area streets are closed to traffic. These street parties are a terrific part of the Gion Matsuri experience. The street parties begin at around 6pm and finish at around 11pm each night. The streets get more and more crowded over the first two hours of each night and crowds begin to ease a little around 9pm. During the Yoiyama, the floats are on display. Many locals dress in their yakuta and if you want to join the fun you could rent a yakuta. There is also festival music filling the air and stalls selling great street food.

Another attraction during the Yoiyama is Byobu Matsuri. Families in the neighbourhood display their private treasures and works of art (such as screens and kimonos) to the public by putting them in their front rooms.

For a great insight into Japanese culture, if you are in or near Kyoto in July, make sure you take the time to be part of the Gion Matsuri experience.

 

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Disclaimer:  This article contains affiliate links.  If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.