The Kyoto Gion Matsuri

How exciting to be in Kyoto for the Gion Matsuri Festival!  Our participation in the NCTA study tour was over and now we were spending some extra days in Kyoto to be a part of the Gion Matsuri Festival.  The word matsuri means festival in Japanese.  The Gion Matsuri takes place in July and is one of the most famous festival in Japan.  The festival began in 869 when so many people were suffering from illness.  It became shortly became an annual event to appease the gods and to prevent sickness, floods, fire and earthquakes.  

(Photo By Susan Kopecki)

There are 32 floats in the parade, decorated with beautiful tapestries and carrying many traditional musicians and artists.  This festival is the most well attended festival in Japan, with thousands of people visiting Kyoto from all over the world.  

(Photo By Susan Kopecki)

Later in the day, after the parade, children carry the shrines through their neighborhoods as another important part of the Gion Matsuri tradition.  Everyone loves to wear their Yukata at the Gion Festival.  








Many people enjoyed sitting by the river in Kyoto on this beautiful summer night.  Japan hosts a wide variety of dress amongst its people, especially during festival season and the hot weather of summer.  Many people enjoy wearing their Yukata, a casual summer kimono to the Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto.  

(Photo By Susan Kopecki)

We, too, enjoyed dressing in our Yukata in Kyoto for the festival!