What is special about Gion Matsuri?

Gion Matsuri (祇園祭), the festival of Yasaka Shrine, is the most famous festival in Japan. It takes place over the entire month of July. From 2014, a second procession of floats was reintroduced on July 24 after a hiatus of 48 years. The second procession features fewer and smaller floats than the one on July 17.

What does Gion Matsuri do?

There are many ceremonies held during the festival, but it is best known for its two Yamaboko Junkō (山鉾巡行) processions of floats, which take place on July 17th and 24th. Many festival events take place in the historic kimono district in central Kyoto, and at the Yasaka Shrine.

Why is Gion Matsuri important?

The Gion Matsuri is the festival of the Yasaka Shrine, which was founded over 1,350 years ago. The festival itself also dates back over one thousand years. The original purpose of the Gion Matsuri was to pray for deliverance from a plague of sickness in 869. Prayers were ordered by the emperor.

What religion does Gion Matsuri celebrate in Japan?

Gion Matsuri is a festival celebrated by practioners of Shinto, an ancient religion that originated in Japan. Most Shinto adherents live in Japan, but small communities also exist in Europe, Latin America, North America, and in the Pacific island nations. The name Shinto was first employed during the sixth century C .

Where does the Gion Matsuri take place in Japan?

What is the Gion Matsuri? The Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) which takes place every year in July is one of the largest and most historical festivals in Japan. Most of the events are held near Kyoto’s Gion district which is also where the festival got its name from. It has a long history and the floats used in the parade are breathtaking.

Are there any road closures for Gion Matsuri?

These festive evenings leading up to the procession are known as Yoiyama (July 16), Yoiyoiyama (July 15) and Yoiyoiyoiyama (July 14). Note that road closures in 2019 happen only on the 15th and 16th.

Why are Yama and Hoko important at Gion Matsuri?

Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated and represent unique themes. The procession on July 17 features 23 yama and hoko, including most of the particularly impressive hoko, while the procession on July 24 features the remaining ten yama and hoko. Another reason for the festival’s impressiveness is its long and almost uninterrupted history.

Where did the Gion Matsuri parade get its name?

It takes its name from the Gion district of the city. Kyoto’s downtown area is reserved for pedestrian traffic on the three nights leading up to the massive parade. These nights are known as yoiyama (宵山) on July 16 and July 23, yoiyoiyama (宵々山) on July 15 and July 22, and yoiyoiyoiyama (宵々々山) on July 14 and July 21.