2024 Ato-Matsuri - Gion Festival Yoiyama Official Guide

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Scene at the time of the parade People transfer the deity of a local shrine, Hachiman-gu Shrine, to the float during the festival period. The deity is enshrined and well taken care of in the local community hall the rest of the year. The shrine hall attached to the float is shiny and elegant as it is completely covered in real gold leaves. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 7th ＜　JOMYO YAMA 9th ENNOGYOJA YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade The figure on this float represents the legendary female, Suzuka Gongen, who warded off an evil goblin on Suzuka Mountain in Ise province(present - day Mie Prefecture) that was causing suffering to the local people. The figure has a female appearance with a tall gold hat and a large sword in her hand. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 4th ＜　KOI YAMA 6th MINAMIKANNON YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade Three deities are enshrined together on this float: Ennogyoja (Buddhist monk; 634-701), Hitokotonushi and Katsuragi (Japanese gods). It is based on the legend that Ennogyoja made a bridge between the mountains of Katsuragi and Omine, manipulating Hitokotonushi with his mysterious power. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 8th ＜　HACHIMAN YAMA 10th TAKA YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade Based on a classical Japanese song, "Shiga," the figure on the float represents the Heian-period poet, Kuronushi Otomo, as he observes and admires a large cherry blossom tree. It is believed that hanging the cherry blossom decorations from this float at a house entrance can keep away misfortune. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 2nd ＜　KITAKANNON YAMA 4th KOI YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade This float is based on the ancient historical record, the Heike Monogatari. The figures on the float represent the scene when the Buddhist soldier, Jomyo, tried to reach the battle ground via the Uji River, while another Buddhist soldier, Ichirai, jumped over him and arrived first. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 6th ＜　MINAMIKANNON YAMA 8th HACHIMAN YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade There is an ancient legend in China that a carp can transform into a powerful dragon if it can reach the top of a steep and dangerous waterfall. The float design represents this legend and depicts the figure of a brave carp. There is a vermillion lacquered shrine gate and a small shrine hall on the float where the deity, Susano-o is enshrined. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 3rd ＜　KURONUSHI YAMA 5th SUZUKA YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade The figures on this float represent two famous historical figures in Japanese history: the Buddhist soldier, Benkei, and his master, Ushiwakamaru. It depicts a scene when Benkei, wearing armor with a large sword in hand, and Ushiwakamaru, also with a sword in his right hand, battled each other on the Gojo Bridge. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 2nd KITAKANNON YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade This pull-style float has two deities: Yoryu Kannon and Idaten. The float is decorated with willow branches for the procession. Two patterns of tapestry, Kannon Karakusa and Unryu, are used for decorating the pillars in alternate years. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 1st ＜　HASHIBENKEI YAMA 3rd KURONUSHI YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade The deity enshrined on the float is the statue of a Buddhist monk from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) sitting in meditation. There are large willow branches set on the float and wooden medicinal balls on the four corners, which are believed to ward off illnesses. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 5th ＜　SUZUKA YAMA 7th JOMYO YAMA　＞

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Scene at the time of the parade The Fune Hoko float in the Saki Matsuri(Early) Procession is regarded as the ship going to battle, while this Ofune Hoko float is the ship returning from battle. The Ofun Hoko float was damaged in the civil war that broke out in Kyoto on August 20, 1864, and since 1865 this float has not been able to participate in the procession. But the float was successfully revived in 2014, thanks to the great efforts and wishes of the local community. What is the Gion Matsuri Festival？ The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three greatest local festivals in Japan.The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Among these the Gion Matsuri may be said to be the largest and most luxurious festival. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as the midsummer celebration of Yasaka Jinja Shrine.The highlights of this celebration take place on the 17th (Former or Saki Matsuri Festival) and the 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival) when the processions of total 34 floats are demonstrated along the main streets of the city. All of Kyoto is in festive mood during this period. Houses along the route of procession are usually open to the public where people can enjoy many screens and other treasures of true Japanese culture which have been handed down through generations on display.Hence, this event is also called Byobu Matsuri, the Screen Festival. KYOTO CITY OFFICIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Let's visit the Gion Festval! Press the image to open in a new window. It is a Manga to introduce the Gion festival 10th ＜　TAKA YAMA