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Things You Should Know About Gion Matsuri

Although the Gion festival in Kyoto is well documented, you should know the important aspects and features of the festival that would enable you to appreciate and enjoy this festival more. Read this blog to find out intriguing and interesting aspects of Japanu2019s most popular festival.

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Things You Should Know About Gion Matsuri

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  1. Things You Should Know About Gion Matsuri Started in 869 and held every year in July, Gion Matsuriis Japan’s biggest festival that is held in Central Kyoto. It was started with the purpose to appease the Gods that brought nature’s wrath as fire, earthquakes, and floods, or any epidemic. It turned to be the most famous festival, celebrating Kyoto pride and culture. This month-long festival is marked with main procession of floats, parades, and street parties and the folding screen festival that takes place during the Yoiyama days of the festival. Although the Gion festival in Kyoto is well documented, you should know the important aspects and features of the festival that would enable you to appreciate and enjoy this festival more. Read this blog to find out intriguing and interesting aspects of Japan’s most popular festival. #1. Saki Matsuri (July 10-17)

  2. Saki Matsuri, also known as the ‘Early Festival’ marks Kyoto people welcoming the Yasaka shrine deities who are believed to come and purify downtown Kyoto. It features a series of float processions that start on July 10 and peak on July 17. Construction and decoration of floats start at the area near Karasuma Shijo Intersection, with another festival shinkosai celebrated at Yasaka Shrine in the Gion neighborhood. Yasaka Shrine is the main site of worship that gave birth to this festival of Gion Matsuri. On 17th July, thousands of men carry the shrines of Mikoshi on their shoulders and bring Yasaka Jinja deities to downtown Kyoto to stay there for a week. #2. Ato Matsuri (July 18-24) Ato Matsuri is a ritual in which thousands of people bid farewell to the deities before the Gods go back to the Yasaka shrine. The Yamaboko floats are designed, and from July 19th, large Yamas are built on which different communities according to their schedules take out the procession and display their treasure. The closing of the Ato Matsuri schedule marks local residents and companies displaying their private treasure in a festival called Byobu Matsuri.

  3. #3. Expression of Local Pride The Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Parade has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’—a festival that maintains cultural diversity amid globalization, the festival makes an enduring appeal as something marking expression of local pride. Enjoy the parade, float procession, hamo eel, and various Japanese cuisines, and the Folding festival during the Gion festival that will fill you with the warmth of love, pride, and joy.

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