Kankō Boko is a remarkable float in the Saki Matsuri (July 10-17) segment of Gion Matsuri. Its name comes from the historic Hangu Pass (函谷關) in China’s Shanxi Province—a strategic stronghold on the Great Wall.
According to legend, during a crisis, a man imitated a rooster’s crow so precisely at the pass gate that the guards opened it, allowing escape. That story inspired the theme of the float.
What makes Kankō Boko even more modern is its community’s attitude: it has openly included women in its musical troupe and even experimented with 3-D video to share the parade experience online.
Walking alongside Kankō Boko during the festival you’re not just watching a parade—you’re witnessing a float that carries ancient legend, cultural connection, and progressive spirit all at once.
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