Kyoto’s 1100-Year-Old Gion Festival

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The Gion Matsuri, or Gion Festival, is an annual traditional Japanese festival held in Kyoto, Japan. With a history spanning over 1,100 years, it is one of the most famous and enduring celebrations in the country. The festival is held throughout the month of July, with the main events taking place in the latter half of the month.

Here are some key features and aspects of the Gion Festival:

  1. Origin and History: The Gion Matsuri originated in 869 AD when Kyoto experienced a series of plagues, and the festival was organized to appease the gods and seek their protection. Over the centuries, it evolved into an elaborate and grand event, showcasing Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
  2. Yamahoko Parade: One of the main highlights of the Gion Festival is the Yamahoko Junko, a procession of beautifully decorated floats known as “yamahoko.” These floats are adorned with intricate tapestries, curtains, and other traditional ornaments. The parade takes place on July 17th and features participants dressed in traditional costumes.
  3. Yoiyama and Yoiyoiyama: The festival is divided into three parts: “Yoiyama,” “Yoiyoiyama,” and the main procession. Yoiyama and Yoiyoiyama refer to the evenings leading up to the main parade, during which the streets of Kyoto are illuminated with paper lanterns, and the yamahoko floats are open for public viewing.


GionFestival.org is the best website for Japan’s most famous festival. This 1100-year-old festival takes place every year over the whole month of July. Learn more here- https://www.gionfestival.org/blog/japans-most-famous-festival-2/



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