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Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival is one of the three most popular local festivals in Japan. The other two grand festivals are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. This 1100-year-old festival centered on Yasaka Shrine, originated in the 9th c in Kyoto, which was then the capital city of Japan. Legend has it that a terrible plague wrecked havoc on the city. One of the priests of Yasaka shrine who are also known as Gion wanted to appease the Shnto gods. He led the people in a procession through Kyoto. The plague ended by the grace of the gods. Features of Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival in Japan - Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival is observed annually from July 1 to 29 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Shrine.
- Various events and religious services are held from July 1 to 31 with the main attraction of this celebration taking place from 9 am to 1 pm on the 17th of July.
- On the night of the 16th, Yoiyama, a Gion-Bayashi form of music is played while many beautifully decorated Yamahoko or floats are taken out in a joyful procession.
- The impressive procession features a huge 6mt. high float accompanied by musicians and people dressed in traditional costumes of geishas and samurais.
- The parade of 32 floats is demonstrated along the main streets of the city.
- The Yamahoko Junko is the parade of the floats around the town and Naginata-hoko leads the parade on the 17th.
- The large floats are called Hoko and Yama and these are decorated with beautiful tapestries and legendary figures.
- There are 23 Yama and 8 Hoko in the parade.
- Preparations start weeks before the festival with making the floats.
- Turning the float requires a lot of strength, skill and help of wood strips.
- The Hoko is very heavy and has big wooden wheels and takes lots of energy to pull it.
- The Yama is carried on long poles by about 16 men. Season of Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival in Japan July is the month when Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival in Japan is celebrated.
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