Gion Matsuri is a well-known festival that happens every July in Kyoto, Japan. One of Japan’s three biggest festivals, it is held to honour the Yasaka Shrine. The festival has been going on for more than 1100 years and is one of Japan’s most important cultural events.

The festival lasts all of July, but the main events happen on July 17 and July 24. On these days, the streets of Kyoto are filled with huge floats called yamaboko. The yamaboko are pulled by groups of men dressed in traditional clothes and have beautiful tapestries on them.

There are two kinds of yamaboko. The ones that are bigger and more detailed are called hoko, and the ones that are smaller and simpler are called yama. The hoko are made of wood and can reach up to 25 metres in height. They have beautiful paper lanterns on them, and it takes about 60 people to pull one through the streets.

In addition to the yamaboko parade, there are many other events and activities during the festival. These include traditional Japanese music and dance performances, food stands selling local food, and religious ceremonies at the Yasaka Shrine. The festival is a popular place for tourists to go, and people come from all over the world to see it.

The Gion Matsuri festival has been going on since the 9th century, when it was used to pray against plagues and other disasters. Today, it is a celebration of Kyoto’s rich cultural history and a sign of how the city’s traditions have stood the test of time.

Also, read – Famous festivals in Japan

Sure, here’s some more information about the Gion Matsuri festival in Japan:

• The festival has its roots in the purification rituals that were performed at Yasaka Shrine in the 9th century. The shrine was believed to be able to protect the city from disasters such as epidemics and fires, and the festival was originally held to appease the gods and ask for their protection.
• The yamaboko floats used in the festival are decorated with elaborate tapestries, which are hand-woven by skilled artisans. The designs often depict scenes from traditional Japanese folklore, history, or mythology. Some of the tapestries used on the hoko floats can be several centuries old and are considered valuable works of art.
• The festival has been cancelled several times throughout history, including during wars and epidemics. It was also cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in 75 years that the festival was not held.
• In addition to the main events on July 17th and 24th, there are also smaller events and activities held throughout the month of July. These include a children’s parade, a traditional tea ceremony, and a display of portable shrines.
• The festival attracts millions of visitors to Kyoto each year, making it one of the largest and most famous festivals in Japan. The streets are crowded with people enjoying the festivities, and many restaurants and shops in the city offer special festival-themed menus and souvenirs.

The Gion Matsuri festival has a significant impact on Kyoto City in several ways. Here are some examples:

1. Economic Impact: The festival is a major tourist attraction and draws millions of visitors to Kyoto each year, which boosts the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses in the city see an increase in business during the festival, as visitors spend money on accommodations, food, souvenirs, and other items.
2. Cultural Preservation: The Gion Matsuri festival is an important part of Kyoto’s cultural heritage, and it helps to preserve and promote traditional Japanese culture. The festival features traditional music, dance, costumes, and other cultural elements, which are passed down from generation to generation.
3. Community Involvement: The festival is organized and run by the local community, which creates a sense of unity and pride among the residents of Kyoto. Many people participate in the festival as volunteers, helping to build and decorate the yamaboko floats, or performing in the various events.
4. Promotion of Tourism: The festival helps to promote tourism in Kyoto and raises awareness of the city’s many attractions. Many visitors who come to Kyoto for the festival return in subsequent years to explore the city’s other cultural, historical, and natural sites.