Gion Matsuri in Kyoto

Around the beginning of July, after the Tsuyu (rain season) is over, the real summer begins in Japan.

As you know, Japan is a vast island country, with huge north-south latitudes and large climate differences. The weather varies greatly from region to region, but the summer festivals are everywhere, no matter which kind of weather it is. 

If you travel to Japan in summer, there are countless festivals you could visit. 

Gion Matsuri is the one you should not miss! 

What is Gion Matsuri? 

Gion is from the name of Gion Shrine, and the recent name is Yasaka Shrine, one of most famous Shrines in Japan.   

Matsuri is Japanese for “Festival”, and it generally refers to celebrations in which the local shrine's kami (Shinto deity) is carried through the town in mikoshi (palanquins). It is the only time of the year when the kami leaves the shrine to be carried around town.

Gion Matsuri originated during an epidemic in 869 as part of a purification ritual to appease the gods thought to cause fire, floods and earthquakes. At that time, rituals were held only when there was a plague. By the year 1000, the festival became an annual event. 

Gion Matsuri has been celebrated annually for more than a thousand years, but it was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19… 

When is the exact date of Gion Matsuri? 

It takes place over the entire month of July. 

There are many different events, but the grand procession of floats (Yamaboko Junko) on the day time of July 17 is particularly spectacular. And the festive evenings preceding the procession (Yoiyama) are also very enjoyable. 

The Gion Matsuri peaks on July 24 with a floats procession, in which the main three Gion Festival deities in their mikoshi mobile shrines are taken back to Yasaka Shrine. Many visitors love to join in accompanying the deities to their home.

What can you experience at Gion Matsuri? 

• “The Kimono Festival” : It is tradition to wear yukata (summer kimono) and kimono to walk around the Gion Matsuri. The reason is because for centuries kimono merchants were major sponsors of the festival floats!  During the festival it looks just like a kimono fashion show! 

• Impressive floats parade: The big floats (called hoko), which are up to 25 metres tall and weighing up to 12 tons, are pulled by people during the parade. To have a good sit to watch the parade you could make a reservation on Kyoto city website, it costs around 35Euro.  

• Night food market: The streets are lined with night stalls selling food such as yakitori (barbecued chicken on skewers), taiyaki, takoyaki (fried octopus balls), okonomiyaki, traditional Japanese sweets, and many other culinary delights, from July 14–16. 

Any tips for joining Gion Matsuri? 

• Make a hotel reservation well in advance. Gion Matsuri is one of the top 3 festivals of Japan, not only Japanese visitors but also tourists from all over the world come to participate in this event, so the hotels are very crowed.   

• Visit the festival at the cooler times of day or evening, as Kyoto’s summer has high temperatures and humidity. 

• Carry enough cash for souvenirs and food stalls. 

If you have a long holiday in summer, visit Japan! Enjoying many summer festivals and fireworks events will be an unforgettable cultural experience. 

Need more advice or ideas? 

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