Gion Matsuri (also called Gion San) began in 869 as a ritual to appease the god of plague. Over the years, it has evolved into a carnival with traditional rituals as its core. A grand parade of decorated floats called the Yama Hoko Junko is the biggest attraction of this festival held in July. The grand parade –  fondly called the ‘moving museum’ – takes place on July 17 and 24.  From July 14-16 and from July 21-23, the assembled floats are put on display and look especially interesting at night when all the floats are lit up. During the float parade, you can opt for paid seating areas for which you have to contact the Kyoto City Tourism Association (Tel: 075-752-7070). The month-long festival includes many other interesting events such as carrying and receiving of the portable shrines of the Yasaka temple (also called Gion shrine), traditional theatrical and musical performances, the Byobu Matsuri or the Folding Screen Festival, the Hanagasa Flower Procession, etc.
 
What: Gion Matsuri
Where: Kyoto, Japan
When: July 1-31, 2015
Contact: www.kyoto.travel/en/







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