Gion Matsuri Japan

           CODE:F-Gion

Where : Kyoto, Japan  When: July  How Long : 10 Days

Gion Matsuri is one of the largest festivals in Japan. During the month of July, the ancient capital city of Kyoto seems to travel back in time.

Kyoto, approximately 200 miles west of Tokyo and next to Osaka, is one of the few Japanese cities left where you can still see what Japan looked like many years ago. There are over 1800 temples and shrines in Kyoto, with many of them hundreds of years old. Kyoto is the perfect place to visit if you are interested in ancient Japanese history and Gion Matsuri is the time to visit Kyoto.

The month long celebration starts start July 1st. Throughout July, there are street fairs with games and Japanese festival food like takoyaki (balls of egg battered octopus) and tomorokoshi (grilled ears of corn brushed with soy sauce.) The parade floats are also constructed on the city streets and some floats can be toured. Many festival goers dress in yukata (light summer kimonos) and geta (high wooden shoes.)

Gion Matsuri actually started under very oppressive circumstances in 869 when a plague raged through Kyoto. A priest of the Yasaka (or Gion) shrine led a procession of people through kyoto in an attempt to appease the Shinto gods. The plague soon ended but this event became a popular festival with large floats (Hoko & Yama) now being paraded through Kyoto.

Gion Matsuri reaches a high point on the 17th during Yamahoko Junko when 32 Yama & Hoko floats are paraded through downtown Kyoto. The floats, some of which weigh over 10 tons are very elaborate and many are decorated with Dutch and Turkish tapestries from the 15th century.

Each of the large Hoko floats carries musicians and truly looks a couple of centuries out of place as it is pulled through the streets. The Hoko floats are so big that they must be pulled by a large team of attendants.

One the most interesting sights during Gion Matsuri is to watch the floats being turned. The Hoko and Yama are pivoted using blocks of wood in an elaborate maneuver to get them to turn at right angles.

Yamahoko Junko is the one part of Gion Matsuri that visitors shouldn't miss. It is truly like no other parade you will ever see.

After Yamahoko Junko, there is still plenty to do in Kyoto. The parade goes right through Kyoto's downtown shopping district, which has large department stores like Takashimaya and markets like Nishiki-Koji.

There are also many nearby temples and shrines that are worth visiting. Many temples are very close to each other which makes for perfect walking tours. Between temple tours, energy can be replenished at Kyoto's many tachigui. These are stand-up noodle bars where you can get a bowl of soba or udon for a couple of dollars.

Search and Book Hotels & Resorts Worldwide !

Online reservation system Accommodation offered in more than 59 countries including (mountains, cities, coasts and islands). Services in destination including airport-hotel transfers and tickets to major theme parks   You can book the most extensive accommodation products worldwide including, hotels apartments, villas and rural hotels, all this simplified with an online confirmation and voucher print-off. Making it possible to make and confirm a reservation in under a minute in more than 59 countries.   Hotels & apartments: you can check for availability in all our destinations in coasts, cities and mountains and make your bookings online Transfers: reserve all your transfer needs for airports, port of calls and train stations - in destination from our online booking engine. Excursions: consult and book your excursions in all our different destinations. Ticket Extras: You may reserve additional products such as Theme Parks with our online booking system and save your clients time and money.     Visit HERE to search and book Online.

 *CLICK THE BOX BELOW TO SEARCH ONLINE FOR FLIGHTS ,

   HOTELS & ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES

                  WE`LL TAKE YOU THERE

Amazingetaways does not promote or represent any event(s) listed under "World Festivals ". All World Festival listings on our website are for information purposes only. Some events may require tickets and may also require you to purchase tickets in advance. We strongly recommend to make your travel arrangements well in advance and to make your Hotel arrangements up to 6 months prior.

Amazinggetaways is affiliated with Travel Professionals International, whose travel arrangements are handled by a licensed and bonded Ontario travel agency. As members of TICO, Travel Professionals International (TPI) arranges itineraries and travel details for Amazingetaways with leading suppliers of hotels, airlines, railroads, cruise-lines, and other providers of accommodation, transportation or other services. Amazingetaways and TPI make every effort to ensure that the quality of the services rendered by the suppliers is consistent with the descriptions provided. Please note that pictures and photographs are not intended to be guarantees of all the attributes represented. From time to time, specific services may not be available for reasons beyond the control of Amazingetaways.

All coupons, exchange orders, receipts, contracts and tickets ("the travel documents") are issued subject to any and all tariffs, terms and conditions under which such services are provided by the suppliers. Your acceptance and use of such travel documents shall also evidence your consent to the conditions.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
It is your responsibility to have your passport, travel visa, or other documentation in proper order. Many countries now want to see that your passport is valid for 6 months past your departure date from that country.

All images and material on this page are copyrighted to the respectful photographers whose work was gathered through research for information purposes only. We do not claim any ownership to any images that are posted in this page.  All images are true work of their owners without any alteration or editing.

Photos By