About the festival
Gion Matsuri's richly decorated yamahoko floats show off Kyoto's textiles and craftsmanship. The evening Yoiyama displays and daytime processions offer different ways to see them.
Who is it for?
Travelers interested in Kyoto's neighborhood traditions, textiles and elaborate floats.
Photo: Z3144228 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Original date: 2011-07-17 11:55:16. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
Usually 1–31 July; float processions on 17 and 24 July
Usual season; next dates not confirmed. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Kyoto · 京都
17 July: Shijo Karasuma → Shijo Kawaramachi → Kawaramachi Oike → Shinmachi Oike. 24 July: Karasuma Oike → Kawaramachi Oike → Shijo Kawaramachi → Shijo Karasuma. Yasaka Shrine rituals and neighborhood Yoiyama displays are separate events.
四条烏丸周辺・山鉾巡行ルート
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma subway to Shijo. From Osaka, Hankyu's Karasuma Station is convenient for the float neighborhoods.
What to see
- Yamahoko processions
- Yoiyama evening displays
- Float textiles and carvings
History and origins
The festival traces its origin to a ritual held in 869 to quell an epidemic. Neighborhoods developed and maintained the float traditions.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Choose Yoiyama for close-up decorations and the procession for the floats in motion. The two dates use different routes, so choose your viewing street after choosing your day.
Places to visit nearby
Kyoto Nishiki Food Market
錦市場
A market with Kyoto vegetables, yuba and prepared-food shops.
Visit before evening Yoiyama, while shops are open; eat purchases where the shop permits.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Gion Matsuri: common questions
When is Gion Matsuri?
Usually 1–31 July; float processions on 17 and 24 July This is the usual season, rather than a confirmed timetable for the next edition. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Gion Matsuri take place?
17 July: Shijo Karasuma → Shijo Kawaramachi → Kawaramachi Oike → Shinmachi Oike. 24 July: Karasuma Oike → Kawaramachi Oike → Shijo Kawaramachi → Shijo Karasuma. Yasaka Shrine rituals and neighborhood Yoiyama displays are separate events.
How do I get to Gion Matsuri by public transport?
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma subway to Shijo. From Osaka, Hankyu's Karasuma Station is convenient for the float neighborhoods.
Do both float processions follow the same route?
No. The 17 July procession starts at Shijo Karasuma; the 24 July procession starts at Karasuma Oike and ends toward Shijo Karasuma.
Official sources
- Festival and visitor guide 1 (www.japan.travel) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 2 (kyoto.travel) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 3 (www.gionmatsuri.or.jp) ↗
Sources reviewed: .