Recommended by Rental Kimono Okamoto: How to Enjoy Japan’s Three Great Festivals — Gion Matsuri!

Gion Matsuri, held every July in Kyoto, is counted among Japan’s three great festivals alongside Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri.
When you think of Kyoto, kimono naturally comes to mind. Be sure to wear a kimono and enjoy the festivities of Gion Matsuri!
In 2009, Gion Matsuri was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The massive “Yamaboko” floats that parade through the city center are a beloved symbol of Kyoto’s summer.

Gion Matsuri is originally a festival dedicated to Yasaka Shrine. Its history dates back over 1,000 years.
In that year, a widespread epidemic struck all over Japan, causing many deaths.
To quell the epidemic, a festival called “Goryo-e” was held.
This is said to be the origin of Gion Matsuri.

Gion Matsuri is scheduled to be held from Tuesday, July 1st to Thursday, July 31st, 2025.
・Yoiyama (Pre-Festival Nights): Monday, July 14th – Wednesday, July 16th
・Stalls and Food Stands: Tuesday, July 15th – Wednesday, July 16th
・Yoiyama (Post-Festival Nights): Monday, July 21st – Wednesday, July 23rd
・Yamaboko Parade (Pre-Festival): Thursday, July 17th
・Yamaboko Parade (Post-Festival): Thursday, July 24th

On July 17th (Pre-Festival), the parade starts from Shijo-Karasuma, and on July 24th (Post-Festival), it starts from Karasuma Oike. Please note that along Oike Street, there are designated paid seats for viewing the parade.
The floats mainly travel along Shijo Street (from Kawaramachi Station to Karasuma Station), Kawaramachi Street (from Kawaramachi Station to Kyoto City Hall Station), and Oike Street (from Kyoto City Hall Station to Karasuma Oike).

On July 15th and 16th, during Yoiyama, the main streets—Shijo Street and Karasuma Street—become pedestrian-only zones. Karasuma Street, in particular, is lined with many stalls and food vendors, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Each Yamaboko float is pulled by a group of 40 to 50 people. One of the most impressive sights is the “Tsuji-mawashi,” a maneuver where the float is turned at a right angle using only human power. Be sure to watch this spectacular moment!
On top of the floats, another 40 to 50 people ride and perform traditional festival music called “Gion Bayashi,” using drums, flutes, and shō (a type of Japanese mouth organ). The sounds of these instruments really heighten the festive atmosphere.
Note: The Yamaboko floats are assembled each year specifically for the festival and are dismantled once the event is over.

How to Get to Gion Matsuri
The nearest train stations are Hankyu Karasuma Station and Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, as well as Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.
You can also take Kyoto City Bus No. 206 from JR Kyoto Station and get off at the Gion stop.
Alternatively, it’s within walking distance from Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Oike Station and Shijo Station.

・Pre-Festival (July 17th):
The Yamaboko procession follows Shijo Street, Kawaramachi Street, and Oike Street.
At Shijo Sakaimachi, the order of the floats is confirmed (Kujiaratame),
at Shijo Fuyacho, the sacred rope (Shimenawa) is cut,
and dramatic “Tsuji-mawashi” (90-degree turns) take place at Shijo Kawaramachi and Kawaramachi Oike.

・ Post-Festival (July 24th):
The procession route includes Oike Street, Kawaramachi Street, and Shijo Street.
The Kujiaratame is held at Kyoto City Hall,
and Tsuji-mawashi occurs at Kawaramachi Oike and Shijo Kawaramachi.
Note: On the same day as the Post-Festival Yamaboko procession, the Hanagasa Procession is also held, and some sections of the route overlap. You can enjoy both events at different times along the route.

Kimono Rental at Rental Kimono Okamoto
At Rental Kimono Okamoto, you can make a reservation in advance through our website, or come directly to the shop on the day of your visit. (Same-day reservations are accepted depending on availability by time slot.)
Right now, you can choose between kimono or yukata, whichever you prefer!
The rental process is simple:
Visit our shop →Choose your kimono or yukata→ We’ll help you change and do your hair styling
→ Head out and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto!
Return Options:
Return to the shop by 6:00 PM on the same day
Or choose from: hotel return, next-day return, or return at a different branch (additional fees may apply)
For more details, feel free to ask our staff or visit our website:
🌐 https://www.okamoto-kimono.com
📍The closest Rental Kimono Okamoto branch to Yasaka Shrine is our Yasaka Shrine Store.

One of Gion Matsuri’s Famous Items: The "Chimaki"
The word "chimaki" usually refers to a traditional Japanese sweet made with sticky rice, often enjoyed during the Boys’ Festival in May.
However, at Gion Matsuri, the chimaki is not something you eat.
Instead, it is a protective talisman given out during the Yoiyama nights. People hang it at the entrance of their homes as a charm to ward off misfortune for the coming year.
In Kyoto, it's common to see these Gion chimaki displayed at the doorways of local houses — a symbol of tradition and protection.

Enjoy Gion Matsuri with Goshuin Stamp Collecting During the Yoiyama Nights
One of the unique ways to enjoy Gion Matsuri is by collecting Goshuin (temple and shrine stamps) as you visit the Yamahoko float houses (Kaisho) during the Yoiyama period.
We recommend bringing a Goshuincho (stamp book) in advance, but if you don't have one, you can also purchase one at the Hakurakuten-yama Kaisho.
Please note that some Goshuin require a small fee, so it's helpful to bring plenty of 100-yen coins with you.

If you’re planning to visit Kyoto or are considering a future trip, don’t miss the chance to experience the breathtaking Gion Matsuri — a festival unlike any other!

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