Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto

The Littlest Samurai, Gion Matsuri

In 869 a plague was killing the citizens of Kyoto, so a priest named Enjo from Yasaka Jinja led a procession through the streets of the city, welcoming the god who prevents disease. This was the beginning of the Gion Matsuri, which has become one of the three largest festivals in Japan.

There are many activities throughout the month of July, starting with a meeting of the townspeople to draw lots for the order of the 32 floats in the parade on the 17^th . The floats themselves are built between the 10^th and 14^th using traditional methods. The huge creations are mobile works of art weighing several tons and held together with rope, no nails. Several dozen musicians or performers can sit in each one.

Fune Boko (船鉾) Gion Matsuri

The days leading up to the parade, July 14-16, are full of activities. Called Yoi-yama, the floats are on display in the streets, and stalls spring up selling all types of food and souvenirs. There are musicians and performers in traditional clothing, and the festival lasts into the night with floats lit up with paper lanterns.

Naginata Boko (長刀鉾) Gion Matsuri

During the Yoi-yama, local residents open their homes to the public and display family treasures such as folding screens, paintings, and kimono. This part of the festival is called the Byobu Matsuri.

Schedule of events

Following is a list of selected events of Gion Matsuri every year.

• July 1 through 5: Kippuiri, opening ceremony of festival, in each participating neighbourhood
• July 2: Kujitorishiki, lottery for the parade order, in the municipal assembly hall
• July 7: Shrine visit by chigo children of Ayagasaboko
• July 10: Lantern parade to welcome mikoshi portable shrines
• July 10: Mikoshi arai, cleansing of mikoshi by sacred water from the Kamo River
• July 10 through 13: Building-up of floats
• July 13 a.m.: Shrine visit by chigo children of Naginataboko
• July 13 p.m.: Shrine visit by chigo children of Kuse Shrine
• July 14: Yoiyoiyoiyama
• July 15: Yoiyoiyama
• July 16: Yoiyama
• July 16: Yoimiya shinshin hono shinji, dedicative art performances
• July 17: Parade of yamaboko floats
• July 17: Parade of mikoshi from Yasaka Shrine to the city
• July 24: Parade of hanagasa or “flower parasols”
• July 24: Parade of mikoshi from the city to Yasaka Shrine
• July 28: Mikoshi arai, cleansing of mikoshi by sacred water from the Kamo river
• July 31: Closing service at Eki Shrine

Though Kyoto is packed with tourists during that time, the Gion Matsuri is a special event well worth attending. The website has information in both Japanese and English: http://www.gionmatsuri.jp/manu/manual.html

photos by: MShades & MShades, MShades