Kyoto in July-Gion matsuri

Talking about Kyoto's summer, we will talk about the three major ceremonies in Kyoto.
One is Gion matsuri which hold by Yasaka Shrine, and it is from the beginning of the Heian period (AD869)
The earliest was the Kyoto epidemic and other serious disasters, so they built yama to pray.

Later, it came with war and other reasons that have been interrupted for a long time, however; it relied on the efforts of the resident in Kyoto and keep continuing.

Start from July 1 to 31, there will be a whole month of gion matsuri.

One of the most pedestrian on the street which is yoiyama, before matsuri eve and the parade.

This period is the busiest time of Kyoto. It is hot, but it is the charm of Kyoto.

Last year I also participated in, so I wonder I am very lucky that looking at the yama and think of I also can participate in this year.

It will also start on July 10 every year to build Yama around Shijo Karasuma area. (as shown).

There are a lot of things to be prepared, so the whole city of Kyoto will be lively up this period.

But especially, on July 17 (before festival) and July 24 (after festival) is the most people come.

They will bring family together to see the Yama in this period, and it can also listen to the traditional music playing which called Hayashi accompaniment, feel the atmosphere of Kyoto summer festival.

Share the following pictures of during the parade(before festival)and(after festival).

This is the photo of Jomyoyama(in Yoiyama of after festival).
* Yoiyama is so-called before parade starting 14^th~16^th, festival eve.

This one is during the parade.

This is Hokaboko (before festival) which is also one of large Yama.

The Hoko is represented Sun, Moon, and Star.

However, the photo looks a little dark.

And this is Shijokasahoko.

This is also considered the one of the earliest Yama.

It looks like umbrella, and on the top of it with the coins and wakame to do decoration.

They were playing the Hayashi accompaniment when I took pictures.

Before the parade, many people would go to see Yama in the front.

One of the point to see is that all Yama are without any nails, completely fixed with a rope.

When I go to see nearby, I think it’s so powerful because the Yama moves it all rely on this to pull.  Thus, this tie is also very important.

Kyoto is hot during this period, but when you look at the crowds, you can feel the passion of it. After a brief introduction of Gion matsuri, the following is a photo of the parade.

The first Yama is Naginataboko which has a long knife.

Naginataboko is "no need to draw " to determine the order during the parade from the past to the present. It starts at the first one every year, and now it’s also only one sitting on a real child inside.

It is also the largest Yama among them.

Then, it’s Kankoboko 

This one is Niwatorihoko.

And the final on is Funaboko.

One of the most people to see when it makes turn.

Now it turns into after festival.
My working place is really nearby the one of Yama-Hashibenkei-san, so I started to show the photo while it is built.

It usually takes the days to finish 2 to 3 days after the before festival.

I took the photo because I think it’s so quick to build like this in a day.

Also, this is during this time the house which will become a display space.

The bridge of Hashibenkei.

These are Benkei and Ushiwakamaru which are the historical figures in Japan,

It is mostly put the staff on the Yama during the after festival.

There were hanging with the lanterns in front of Yama during the after festival eve, and name on it.

After the festival parade, there are also Hanagasa parades.

Just see model diagram of the procession on the road.
How cute are they!

Just passed by Kawahara-machi and shijo tori intersection, there are Hanagasa parade.

I think it’s one of the quietest in Japanese ceremonies.

Then come to share the photos after festival.

The first one of the after festival is Hashibenkei-yama.

Then, Kitakannon-yama, Minamikannonsan, which are two of the largest in after festival.

Then, Koiyama

There is a very big carp on the Yama.

There are one of Yama called Kuronushiyama.

Put on a cheery tree on this Yama.

There are also big boat-Ofuneboko.

It’s not over yet.

On July 28, there is one ceremony is called Reunion One piece of shrine Mikoshi arai on Shijyo Bridge.
Mikoshiarai which means wishing the Yama to thank it to go smoothly.

Far away from the fire hood, they will take back and forth from Shijyo Bridge. to the Yasaka Shrine.

After seeing this, it also means it’s time to the end.
it may be a bit long hold on a festival in one month, but it is absolutely enough for you to feel the summer of Kyoto.