It all started as a means to appease the gods who wrought chaos by way of fire, floods and earthquakes, but these days, it’s a little more light-hearted and certainly a huge tourist magnet.
Widely considered to be the summer festival in Japan, Gion Matsuri is more than 1000 years old. It all started as a means to appease the gods who wrought chaos by way of fire, floods and earthquakes, but these days, it’s a little more light-hearted and certainly a huge tourist magnet. A highlight of the Kyoto festival is the Yamahoko Float Procession, featuring floats akin to beautifully intricate works of art. Also, expect to be awed by the three festive evenings leading up to the procession known as the ‘Yoiyama’ (festival eve) a spectacle of ethereal-looking lanterns and an all-round atmosphere of excitement with free-flowing sake and food stalls.