Kyoto is host to three of Japan’s most anticipated festivals, fondly called the ‘Three Great Festivals’ – Aoi Matsuri, Jidai Matsuri, and Gion Matsuri. The latter takes place in the entire month of July and promises to be an extravagant celebration of Japan’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Here’s all the information you need to know about the Gion Matsuri Festival.
History Of The Gion Matsuri
The festival is more than 1000 years old and despite that, has managed to remain one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals even today. Its history dates back to the year 869 AD during the Heian period when it started as a ritual to ward off epidemics in the Kyoto and neighboring regions.
Over the years, this ritual evolved into a full-fledged festival honoring Kyoto’s local culture and craftsmanship. In fact, UNESCO recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, helping it gain global recognition.
How Gion Matsuri Is Celebrated
Yamaboko Junko
While a number of festivities are held throughout the month of July, Yamaboko Junko, the main procession, will be held on two days, Saki matsuri (early procession) and Eto matsuri (latter procession).
In 2025, these will be held on July 17 and July 24 respectively and the Karasuma and Shijo streets are where most of the festivities take place.
During this procession, you’ll notice giant and elaborately decorated floats carried around in great fanfare by the locals.
These are known as the Yamaboko and each neighborhood in Kyoto brings out their grandest Yamaboko during this procession, signifying Kyoto’s signature craftsmanship.
These floats can be as tall as 25 meters and some can even weigh up to 12 tons! Enthusiastic participants come together to pull these floats as they are accompanied by a jolly mix of music and dance.
It is also thought that these floats symbolize purification and protection from evil forces as the procession is said to purify the streets before the Mikoshi Togyo.
Yoiyama Nights
While Yamaboko Junko is definitely the highlight of the month-long festival, what are also quite exciting are the Yoiyama festive nights! These nights lead up to the Saki and Eto matsuris and are known for their vibrant celebrations.
You’ll find many neighborhoods in Kyoto, including the Kyoto Downtown, turning into pedestrian-only zones in the evenings.
Street vendors open food and drink stalls selling festival staples like okonomiyaki, taiyaki, takoyaki, and yakitori among other delicious bites. Visitors can also closely observe the festival floats that are neatly stationed along the procession route in advance.
These evenings are a warm celebration involving delicious food, bright lights, and an ambiance that’s best experienced in Kyoto!
In 2025, you can experience Yoiyama nights from the 14th to the 16th and then from the 21st to the 23rd of July.
Mikoshi Togyo
This is a small yet significant ceremony held during the Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto. In 2025, it will be organized on July 17 and July 24, after the two Yamaboko Junko processions conclude on those two days.
On July 17, volunteers will carry three portable shrines called ‘mikoshi’ from Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine to the ‘otabisho’, a temporary resting place situated in downtown Kyoto for the gods. On the eve of July 24, these shrines will be carried back to the Yasaka Shrine.
Tips And Etiquette When Participating In The Gion Matsuri
- You’ll find significant crowds during the peak hours of the Yamaboko Junko and Yoiyama nights. During Yamaboko Junko, the time between 8 AM and 11 AM is when you’ll find the most crowd. On the other hand, during Yoiyama nights, 6 PM to 8 PM is when you’ll find the streets packed! Reach early and plan your day to enjoy the festival ceremonies in a better way.
- Pedestrian traffic will likely increase during the processions. Make sure that you follow instructions and guidelines laid out by local traffic instructors. Also, do not obstruct any pathway that might be an inconvenience to others.
- As the festival takes place during the peak summer months in Japan, it is advisable to carry ample water, protective goggles, caps, and hats for better sun protection.
- Respect their customs and traditions – and in case you are unaware of these, always ask other visitors and locals!
- If you’ve booked a seat along the procession route, make sure you don’t end up obstructing the view of those sitting behind you. Avoid placing large tripods, frequently swapping seats, or any other behavior that will make the overall experience unpleasant for others.
- Dispose off trash properly! Do not litter the streets, parks, or any other place that you visit.
Reaching The Gion Matsuri Festival Sites
Most of the festivities of this festival take place on two of Kyoto’s most iconic streets – the Karasuma and Shijo streets. And thanks to Japan’s well-laid public transport, it is quite easy to reach these destinations.
Here are the three main rail lines that you can take to reach these streets:
- Hankyu Kyoto Line – Karasuma Station
- Subway Karasuma Line – Shijo Station
- Keihan Main Line – Gion-Shijo Station
Alternatively, you can also take a Kyoto city bus taking you towards Shijo-Karasuma.
Important Dates Of The Gion Matsuri 2025 At A Glance
Summing Up
Along with the Aoi Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri, the Gion Matsuri Festival of Kyoto is a part of the city’s intangible cultural heritage.
The festival that will take place in the entire month of July will promise to be a fun experience for those looking to get a glimpse of Kyoto and Japan’s culture.
So, when are you planning to visit this festival?
FAQs
How Long Does Gion Matsuri Last?
Gion Matsuri lasts for the entire month of July, from July 1 to July 31.
What To Wear At Gion Matsuri?
While you can wear a traditional yukata outfit to blend in more with the traditional atmosphere during the festival, you can also wear comfortable western clothes as the festival takes place in Japan’s peak summer!
Is Gion Better At Night?
The best time to visit the Gion Matsuri celebrations depends on the kind of experience you’re seeking. If you’re more into visiting the temples and adoring the architecture, it is best to visit it in daytime. And on the other hand, if you’re more into getting a taste of the local life (including delicious food and drinks), night time is the best for you!
