Gion Matsuri is an ancient festival in Kyoto and a great time to visit Japan. Enjoy Japanese traditions and interact with the locals. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Gion Matsuri 2024.

Introduction to Gion Matsuri

Origins and Significance of Gion Matsuri

The Gion Matsuri began to honor the gods during an epidemic, choosing a local boy as the god’s messenger. From 13 July until the first parade ends on 17 July, he sits on one of the many elaborate floats with his feet off the ground.

Matsuri meaning

Matsuri means festival in Japanese. In general, any of a wide variety of civil and religious ceremonies in Japan.

The Evolution of Gion Matsuri Through the Centuries

The festival began in 869 AD as a plague ceremony and has changed from a spiritual event to a big celebration of Kyoto’s culture. The festival grew during the Edo period, faced challenges during the Meiji Restoration, and revived after WWII. Gion Matsuri represents Kyoto’s heritage.

Main Events and Highlights

Yamahoko Junko: The Grand Float Processions

The Yamaboko Junko is the festival’s main event, with huge floats decorated with beautiful ornaments. They also have statues of scenes from Shinto and Buddhism.

Traditional Ceremonies and Rituals

Yoiyama evenings: Before the Yamahoko Junko, locals display family heirlooms and decorate their homes.

Mikoshi Togyo: A key ritual where portable shrines (mikoshi) carrying deities are paraded from Yasaka Shrine to purify the city and bless the residents.

Nagoshisai: A purification ritual that allows participants to walk through a ring of woven grass to cleanse themselves of misfortune.

Cultural Activities and Local Involvement

Community Efforts to Preserve the Festival

Yamaboko Preservation Societies: Each yamaboko is maintained by neighborhood associations responsible for preserving the floats and teaching construction, decoration, and parade protocols.

Participate in Traditional Music and Dance: Traditional music and dance make the events fun and showcase old traditions. While the parade takes place, musicians play flutes and drums on floats, performing lively Gion Bayashi music.

Volunteer Participation: The Gion Matsuri relies on local volunteers to help with the festival, ensuring the event runs smoothly and traditional rituals are followed.

Crowdfunding and Donations: Locals and businesses have turned to crowdfunding to help with festival maintenance and activities.

Travel Tips and Visitor Information

Navigating Kyoto during Gion Matsuri

The main events of Gion Matsuri take place on July 17 and July 24. During these periods, certain streets near the festival are closed to traffic, and public transportation may become more congested.

Although some major roads are closed to vehicles during the parade and Yoiyama evenings, pedestrian-only zones allow walking and enjoying the floats and festivities.

Key stations on the Karasuma and Tozai subway lines are ideal for avoiding street closures and traffic jams.

Tip: Check the Gion Matsuri Festival Map for the best route during the event.

Gion Matsuri 2024 Schedule and Key Dates

The Gion Festival is from July 1 to July 31, 2024.

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Stay connected anytime and anywhere with an eSIM. Yoho Mobile provides the best eSIM to suit all your travel needs. Use the free streets during the parade or discover interesting places to visit at the festival. Don’t miss the opportunity!