Among the many floats of Kyoto’s Gion Festival, Hachiman Yama stands out for its deep spiritual meaning. It is dedicated to Hachiman, the Japanese god of war and protection, often linked with archery and symbolized by the dove.
On the float, you’ll find a small gilded shrine to Hachiman, along with historic treasures such as a 17th-century folding screen showing scenes of the festival. These details make Hachiman Yama not only a visual highlight but also a reminder of Kyoto’s long connection to faith, history, and artistry.
For visitors, watching Hachiman Yama in the procession is like witnessing a moving shrine—honoring the guardian deity of warriors while celebrating the living traditions of the Gion Festival.
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