Yamahoko, the float ceremony of the Kyoto Gion festival
Japanese name: 京都祇園祭の山鉾行事（きょうとぎおんまつりのやまほこぎょうじ）
Kyoto, Kyoto
2027
Wed, Jul 14 – Fri, Jul 16
Saki Matsuri yoiyama
Sat, Jul 17
Saki Matsuri yamahoko procession
Wed, Jul 21 – Fri, Jul 23
Ato Matsuri yoiyama
Sat, Jul 24
Ato Matsuri yamahoko procession
Thu, Jul 1 – Sat, Jul 31
Festival period
About the festival
This festival of Yasaka Shrine is said to originate in the Gion Goryoe of 869, held to pray for the end of an epidemic. Around the Muromachi period it took shape as a festival of processing yama and hoko floats, which later came to be decorated with lavish textiles and metal fittings. A total of 34 yamahoko floats process in the Saki Matsuri (first) and Ato Matsuri (latter) festivals, supported by organizations in each neighborhood.
Yoiyama evenings, with komagata lanterns lit and Gion-bayashi music playing
The procession of yamahoko decorated with splendid woven hangings
Sacred doll figures and hangings displayed in the neighborhood halls
Photos
Key facts
- Category
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals
- Location
- Kyoto, Kyoto
- Main venue
- Yasaka Shrine and the yamahoko neighborhoods around Shijo-Karasuma
- Getting there
- The yamahoko neighborhoods are around Shijo Station on the Karasuma subway line and Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line.
This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.
Nearby and similar festivals
FAQ
- When is Yamahoko, the float ceremony of the Kyoto Gion festival held in 2027?
- In 2027, it is scheduled for Thu, Jul 1 – Sat, Jul 31 (Calculated from the usual rule).
- Where is Yamahoko, the float ceremony of the Kyoto Gion festival held?
- It is held in Kyoto, Kyoto. The main venue is Yasaka Shrine and the yamahoko neighborhoods around Shijo-Karasuma.
- How are the dates of Yamahoko, the float ceremony of the Kyoto Gion festival set?
- July 1 to 31. Saki Matsuri yoiyama July 14 to 16, Saki Matsuri yamahoko procession July 17. Ato Matsuri yoiyama July 21 to 23, Ato Matsuri yamahoko procession July 24.