GION MATSURI

Gion Matsuri or Gion Festival is one of the three great festivals in Kyoto which is held with various events from July 1 through July 31. Gion Matsuri is honored by Yasaka Shrine which was originally called "Gion-sha" but changed into the current name during the Meiji Restoration. The festival has a history of 1100 years. The festival started in the 9th century when a plague was prevailed across the nation. The original purpose for the festival is, therefore, to sooth evil spirits which people at that time believed the origin of the plague.


Highlight
The highlight of the festival is on July 15, 16 and 17. The days of 15 and 16 are called "Yoi-yoi-yama" (two days before the great parade" and "yoi-yama" (a day before the parade) respectively. Gion-bayashi musicians for each float play traditional bells, dramas, and flutes on July 15 and 16. On the afternoon of July 16, many machi or districts also displays their historical treasures at their houses, and they are worth watching (and they are not so crowded!!). On July 17 a great parade of all the 32 floats (called "Yama" or "hoko") accompanied by the instruments is held along the main street, starting at 9:00 a.m. and lasting about 5 hours. Each float is decorated with beautiful tapestries, dolls, or other beautiful decorations, many of which are designated as important cultural assets.


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