Iwato Yama is one of the most symbolic floats of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, especially during Saki Matsuri. This float is dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Japanese sun goddess central to Japan’s creation mythology. The story connected with Iwato Yama tells how Amaterasu, after a conflict with her brother Susanoo, hides herself inside a cave. Her withdrawal plunges the world into darkness, stopping life, ritual, and order. The gods then gather outside the cave, perform rituals, dance, and finally succeed in drawing her out, bringing sunlight back to the world.
This powerful myth is beautifully expressed in the design of the Iwato Yama float. Decorations, figures, and symbolic elements reflect the moment of light returning after darkness. The float serves as both a moving work of art and a reminder of renewal, balance, and harmony in nature and society. Elements related to other deities such as Izanagi no Mikoto, the father of Amaterasu in mythology, also appear in connection with this narrative, reinforcing themes of origin and cosmic order.
During the festival, Iwato Yama is admired not only for its religious symbolism but also for its craftsmanship — intricate textiles, carvings, and ornaments made with traditional Kyoto techniques. Watching Iwato Yama during the Yamaboko procession feels like witnessing myth in motion. It connects past and present, reminding viewers that Gion Matsuri is more than a parade: it is a living expression of Japan’s stories, beliefs, and artistic heritage that continue to inspire people today. Visit : https://www.gionfestival.org/yamaboko-floats/saki-matsuri/
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