Gion Matsuri: Dates, Location & Travel

Kyoto’s decorated yamahoko floats are displayed in their neighborhoods before the daytime processions. Yoiyama evenings offer close-up decorations and festival music; the processions show the floats moving through the city.

Gion Matsuri: Gion Matsuri. Archive or venue photo, not a view of the current edition.
Photo: Z3144228 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Original date label: 2011-07-17 11:55:16. Original or supplied resized image; no additional editing.

Gion Matsuri dates

Usually July 1–31; major float processions on July 17 and 24

Usual annual season · exact next dates not confirmed

Event dates and times use Japan Standard Time (JST). Usual annual dates are not a confirmed booking schedule for the next edition. Check the organizer’s notices for daily times, admission and weather-related changes.

Where to watch

Kyoto · 京都

Shijo–Karasuma neighborhoods and the downtown procession routes
四条烏丸周辺・山鉾巡行ルート

The map marks one reference point, not the entire route or every entrance. For village rites or moving processions, use the organizer’s venue map.

View reference location on Google Maps ↗

Getting there by train or bus

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma subway line to Shijo. From Osaka, Hankyu Karasuma Station is convenient for the float neighborhoods. Yasaka Shrine is a separate stop.

History and traditions

The festival traces its origins to a ritual held in 869 to appease an epidemic. Neighborhood communities later developed the float traditions.

Nearby places to consider

These sights can help you plan the rest of your visit. Check each location’s opening hours and access separately; festival road closures may affect the journey.

Kyoto Nishiki Food Market

錦市場

Kyoto Nishiki Food Market: official visitor information ↗Find Kyoto Nishiki Food Market on Google Maps ↗

Before you visit Gion Matsuri

When is Gion Matsuri?

Usually July 1–31; major float processions on July 17 and 24. These are the usual seasonal dates, not a confirmed schedule for the next edition. Check the linked organizer for times and changes.

How do I get to Gion Matsuri by public transportation?

From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma subway line to Shijo. From Osaka, Hankyu Karasuma Station is convenient for the float neighborhoods. Yasaka Shrine is a separate stop.

What should I plan before visiting Gion Matsuri?

For float decorations, choose Yoiyama; for movement and corner turns, choose a procession. Consult the map for the selected date: the July 17 and July 24 routes are not identical.

These planning suggestions are JapanLiveNow’s editorial advice. Admission and operating arrangements follow the organizer’s current program.

Official program and visitor information

This guide uses the shared festival source register reviewed on October 3, 2026. Official notices take priority over archive photos and previous editions.