Gion Matsuri (Yamaboko Festival)
Gion Matsuri (祇園祭)
Fee required
Japan's largest, oldest, and most famous annual festival, featuring a grand procession of elaborate floats, dating back to 869.

📜 Month-long festival in Kyoto, Japan, centered around elaborate float processions.
🔍 Originally held to appease gods during an epidemic in 869.

Why Go

✨ Witness Japan's largest and oldest festival
🎭 See gigantic, elaborately decorated floats
🎉 Experience lively street parties (Yoiyama)
👘 Observe locals in traditional yukata robes

Why Avoid

🚶‍♀️ Extremely crowded, especially on main procession days
🏨 Accommodation needs to be booked months in advance

Tips

🗓️ Main float processions on July 17 and 24.
🌙 Enjoy Yoiyama evening street parties on July 14-16 and 21-23.
📍 Floats are displayed near Karasuma and Shijo streets.

Cost

💰 Free to attend, paid seating for processions available (from 4600 yen).

Hours

🕒 Entire month of July, main events July 14-17 and July 21-24.

Last updated 8 days ago

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