Gion Festival, 1 Jul – 31 Jul 16

Gion Festival is one of Japan's three largest festivals. The festival lasts for a month and is famous for its large scale and the big procession events. Gion Festival has become an important part of Kyoto life and is the quintessential embodiment of the Japan's summer festival.

The origin of the festival began about 1,100 years ago. When bad plaque spread around the capital, people pray for getting rid of the illness by establishing 66 floats which is the same number of the provinces in Japan in those days.

The main highlight of the festival is the Yama Hoko Junko grand procession of these floats.

The big processions take place between 9:00 and 11:30 on 17th and 24th Some paid seating is provided in front of the city hall (3180 yen: advance booking required), however, many good viewing points can be found along the 3 km course without difficulty.

Gion Festival is one of Japan's three largest festivals which belong to Yasaka Shrine. Having extremely long history, and the festival lasts for about a month-long, and its gorgeousness and large scale size are all well recognized throughout Japan. Gion Festival has been developed with life of Kyoto people. Gion Festival is the representative of Japan's summer festival.

The best highlight of the festival is the Yama Hoko Junko grand procession. From the 2014, for the first time in almost half a century, the Preceding Festival (Saki Matsuri) procession on 17th, and Latter Festival (Ato Matsuri) procession on 24th were held. 29 floats out of 33 are designated as the important intangible cultural properties. People compete to decorate the float with beautiful tapestry, carpet and fabrics. This magnificent scene is often called as a "moving museum."

Gion Matsuri Festival Parade Viewing Seats

Saki Matsuri Festival (July 17th) Parade: from June 7th (Tue.), 2016
Ato Matsuri Festival (July 24th) Parade: from June 14th (Tue.), 2016
3,180yen for July 17th or 24th
To view this Gion Matsuri Festival,especially its gorgeous Yama Hoko procession in a relaxed manner,the Gion Matsuri Festival parade viewing seat tickets are available.
Venue : Oike Street
July 17th; Saki-Matsuri Former Festival Parade Course (pdf)
July 24th; Ato-Matsuri Latter Festival Parade Course (pdf)

Ticket Available at
Visitor Information Center
・KYOTO TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER "KYO NAVI"
JR Kyoto station 2F <8:30 19:00="" daily="" to="">
TEL (+81)-75-343-0548