The Gion Festival, a 1,000-year-old festival held to pray for the elimination of epidemics

The Gion Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals, is a festival held at Yasaka Shrine in Gion, Kyoto. It began in 869 (Jogan 11) during the early Heian period. It is said to have originated from the fact that to quell an epidemic that was spreading throughout the country, 66 spears, the number of provinces at the time, were erected, and a portable shrine was sent to Shinsen-en, a garden in Heian-kyo, to pray for the plague. The highlights of the festival are the Yamahoko Junko and Mikoshi Togyo, which take place on July 17th and 24th. The Yamahoko procession, a magnificent and huge pageant, is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

"Gion Festival" Calendar

Here is a schedule of the most important rituals and events of the Gion Festival, which takes place throughout July. The schedule is for the usual year, but as the content may change, please check the details on Yasaka Shrine, the Yamahoko Association, and the Kyoto Tourism Official Website before going out.

Learn more

Magnificent! The Yamahoko parade, known as a "moving art museum"

The main event of the Gion Festival is the Mikoshi Togyo. Meanwhile, the other main event, the Yamahoko Junko, is said to have the role of purifying the streets of Miyako before welcoming the mikoshi carrying the gods of Yasaka Shrine. Its appeal lies in the splendor of the Yamahoko, which have been lavishly constructed by successive generations of townspeople, competing with each other to create the best. They are adorned with masterpieces such as metalwork, embroidery, and textiles from all over the world and throughout history, with superb lacquering techniques. The sight of the Yamahoko gracefully marching down Miyako no Oji to the tune of chants of "Enyaraya" and the tune of Gion music is breathtakingly beautiful. This is why it is called a "moving art museum."

There are two chances to see the Yamahoko procession: on July 17th during the Sakimatsuri (early festival) and on the 24th during the Atomatsuri (late festival). 23 floats appear during the Sakimatsuri and 11 during the Atomatsuri. Don't miss the history and unique designs of each float, such as the Naginata Hoko, which is ridden by a young boy who is a messenger of the gods and leads the Sakimatsuri, the boat-shaped Fune Hoko, and the Toroyama, which features a praying mantis moved by a mechanism. Paid viewing seats will be set up along Oike-dori.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of "Yoiyama"

Yoiyama, held one to three days before the Yamahoko procession, is also an essential part of the Gion Festival. It is an event held on the eve of the festival, during which each Hokocho unveils its beautifully decorated Yamahoko. Hanging ornaments and sacred dolls are displayed, and warding off evil spirits with chimaki (charms made from bamboo) and temple seals are given out. It is also fun to stroll through the Yamahokocho streets, accompanied by the tunes of Gion music and children's nursery rhymes that can be heard from all over the place. The Komagata lanterns that light up in the twilight are also fantastical. On the 15th and 16th of July every year, the area around Karasuma and Shijo-dori becomes a pedestrian precinct. Street stalls are lined up, and the excitement reaches its peak.

The highlight of the festival is the dynamic "Mikoshi Togyo"

The Mikoshi Togyo is a spectacular, fierce event that contrasts with the graceful Yamahoko parade. On the evening of the day of the parade, three mikoshi carrying the deity of Yasaka Shrine go around the town to purify it. The sight of the parishioners swinging the mikoshi, which weighs over two tons, as they carry it is a powerful sight, to the chant "Hoit Hoit!" The mikoshi, shining with a dazzling glow, is also divine. The gradually rising enthusiasm and the sense of elation that is created as the carriers and the spectators along the road become one is a one-of-a-kind Experience. It would be a waste to just see the Yamahoko and then go home. Be sure to visit both.

Enjoy the "Kyoto Ohayashi Boat" at HOSHINOYA Kyoto

HOSHINOYA offers an overwhelmingly extraordinary experience with each Property 's original theme. Hoshinoya Kyoto, an inn located in Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, where all rooms have a river view, will hold the Kyoto HOSHINOYA Kyoto Boat Ride, an event to elegantly enjoy the summer in Kyoto, for four days on June 21, 22, 28, and 29, 2025. This event offers a different atmosphere from the Gion bayashi music you hear in the city, and allows you to elegantly enjoy the sound of the Konchikichin reverberating through the Rankyo Gorge. Takayama will move the stage from the Yamahoko to a houseboat and play Gion bayashi music on the HOSHINOYA Kyoto. After watching the Gion bayashi music, participants can enjoy a rare Experience of playing an ensemble with the musicians. This event allows you to elegantly enjoy the arrival of summer in Kyoto, just like the Heian aristocrats who once enjoyed boating on the Oigawa River.
→For more information on "Kyoto Ohayashi Boats," click here