The story behind the Gion Matsuri festival
Have you heard about the popular Gion Matsuri festival in Japan? If not, we will tell you everything about the festival and the fascinating story behind the ceremony.
In 869 AD, which is more than 1100 years ago, a terrible pandemic swept across Japan. The outbreak cost many lives, and people believed it was because of the evil spirits. To get rid of those spirits and pray for protection, they held a religious ceremony at Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine. Likewise, people have celebrated the Gion Matsuri for generations, and today it is a cultural festival that honours the city’s traditions and history. If you are planning a Japan tour package from Sri Lanka, you cannot miss this vibrant Kyoto summer festival.
Gion Matsuri: Kyoto’s grand parade of traditional floats
If you ask what the most highlighted art of the entire Gion Matsuri festival is, without doubt it is the massive wooden floats. Hence, the festival features 34 handcrafted floats, which are known in Japanese as ‘yamaboko’. These beautiful wooden floats represent the historic neighbourhoods of Kyoto. However, the speciality of these floats is that they are built entirely without nails. These floats are of two categories.
- Hoko Floats: These are gigantic multi-story wooden structures with a height of 25 meters and a weight of approximately 12 tonnes. If you participate in the Gion Matsuri festival, you’ll see how people pull these structures with thick ropes.
- Yama Floats: These floats are usually smaller than the above ones. Further, Yama floats are mostly life-sized structures that carry historical and mythical figures. You will enjoy watching them and how beautifully they are decorated.
Traditional rituals and celebrations of Gion Matsuri
The Gion Matsuri festival is not only a seasonal Japan travel experience but also filled with many traditions and rituals. If you plan to travel to Japan this summer in July, you will catch sight of these rituals during your tour.
- Shinto purification ceremony: The event is held in Yasaka Shrine, where the opening ceremony begins. Here you will witness how priests perform their sacred religious rituals to welcome the gods. Moreover, the locals who offer prayers will give you a beautiful picture of their preserved religion.
- Yoiyama evening celebrations: The Kyoto neighbourhood is one of the major highlights that you shouldn’t miss. During the Kyoto summer festival, you can leisurely visit the neighbourhood to simply admire the intricate designs on the floats, the beautiful glowing lanterns and the locals wearing the beautiful kimonos.
- Chigo economy: This is another meaningful tradition that you can experience, where a young boy is chosen to represent a divine figure. Basically, what happens here is that he rides on the main float during the parade, playing the divine role.
What to expect during the Gion Matsuri festival
The Gion Matsuri festival is one of the best opportunities to explore a bit of Japanese culture through Kyoto. If you are planning to include the Kyoto summer festival in your Japan tour package itinerary, then make sure to expect the following.
- Crowded streets: Visitors will fill the streets in the Kyoto neighbourhood. Moreover, the impressive floats will be a big highlight to attract many visitors. Therefore, make sure to arrive at the festival as early as possible.
- Cultural experience: The entire Gion Matsuri festival is a celebration packed with rituals, traditions and cultures. Hence, you’ll be fascinated with their art and simply adore the beauty of Japanese art and craft.
- Street food stalls: Japanese street food stands are a must-see at any festival in the country. Japan is known for its street food, so Kyoto streets will be filled with such stalls. Hence, the festival will be a fantastic opportunity for you to experience all the delicious street food in one place.
Tips to make the most of your Gion Matsuri experience
- Always wear comfortable summer clothes and shoes, as you will likely walk long distances on crowded paths
- Use public transport for travel, as you may not be able to take your vehicle on roads near the festival area.
- For smaller crowds, visit during the weekday evenings
- Respect local customs by following crowd instructions and avoiding blocking ceremonies.
- Most importantly, carry water, as July in Kyoto can be hot and humid.
Plan your Gion Matsuri experience with Travelco Holidays
Summer is the best time to visit Japan and explore its beauty. Hence, Kyoto’s Summer Festival is one of the most vibrant festivals that take place every summer. If you are willing to book a Japan tour package from Sri Lanka, Travelco Holidays is there to help you. Our travel consultants will assist you from the moment you book your flight and accommodation until your return. So, you have nothing to worry about; just pack your bag and be ready to fly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do people do during Gion Matsuri?
Many people come to the streets at that time to witness the glowing lanterns and the massive floats and to simply admire the beauty of the festival.
What do people wear in Gion Matsuri?
The most comfortable summer cotton Kimonos paired with wooden sandals.
Editorial Staff at Travelco are experts in Global Tourism.