Kyoto

Gion Matsuri Procession

Traditional Kyoto festival over a thousand years old!

Cathy Cawood Jul 05, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Gorgeously dressed doll in one of the floats</p>

<p>The floats are pulled along by lines of strong men</p>

<p>Gorgeous tapestries and brocades cover the floats</p>

<p>The guys on top help steady the tall float</p>

<p>Two men stood on the front of this float waving their fans around</p>

<p>The tall top of a flat appears above a street sign</p>

<p>Huge mechanical praying mantis - it looked as if it was alive!</p>

<p>My favorite float was shaped like a boat</p>

<p>Musicians playing matsuri music perch on the sides of the floats</p>

<p>All dressed up in yukata for the occasion  </p>

Gion Matsuri is Kyoto's biggest festival. It began in 869 as a kind of purification ritual to appease the gods in response to a plague that was ravaging Kyoto, and was made an annual event in 970. It consists of many events spread throughout the month of July, but the climax is undoubtedly the procession of thirty-two ornate and impressive floats through the streets of the main business district. The floats are decorated with valuable tapestries and brocades, and the largest carry traditional artists and musicians. Smaller floats carry models of famous historical characters. The procession takes place on July 17.

More info

Find out more about Yasaka Shrine.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...