Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)

The Gion Matsuri is a festival that takes place in Kyoto every July. It is one of the most famous festivals in Japan and is a celebration of the Yasaka Shrine, which is located in the Gion district of Kyoto. The festival has a history that dates back over 1,100 years and is a symbol of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.

The festival is known for its massive floats, which are called yamaboko. There are two types of yamaboko: the yama, which is a large, stationary float, and the hoko, which is a smaller, more mobile float. The floats are decorated with intricate designs and are pulled through the streets of Kyoto during the festival.

The Gion Matsuri takes place over the course of the entire month of July, with the main events taking place on July 17th and 24th. The festival is divided into two parts: the yoiyama, which takes place on the evenings leading up to the main events, and the main events themselves.

During the yoiyama, the streets of Kyoto are lined with food and craft stalls, and the floats are on display for visitors to see. The main events take place on July 17th and 24th and are known as the yamaboko junko. During these events, the floats are pulled through the streets of Kyoto in a grand procession.

The festival is a major event in Kyoto, and it is estimated that over 1 million people attend the festival each year. It is recommended that you arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the procession.

In conclusion, the Gion Matsuri is a must-see festival during your Japan trip. It is a celebration of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage and is known for its massive floats and intricate designs.

1. Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)
2. Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)
3. Tanabata Matsuri (Various locations)
4. Awa Odori (Tokushima)
5. Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo)
6. Takayama Matsuri (Takayama)
7. Obon Festival (Nationwide)
8. Hadaka Matsuri (Various locations)
9. Cherry Blossom Festival (Hanami)
10. Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai)
11. Obon Festival
12. Setsubun Festival
13. New Year Celebrations (Shogatsu)