THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• Page 1 Introduction, Why Gion Matsuri celebrated?, Must sees 1: General
• Page 2 Must-sees 2: Shiji (rituals), Must-sees 3: De facot Shinji, Must-sees4: Kami Nigiwai
• Page 3 Breaking 2024, Schedule of 2024 (Yamahoko Parade, Hokotate, Kaisho, How to get to Gion Matsuri?
• Page 4 Gion Matsuri schedule 1
• Page 5 Gion Matsuri schedule 2
• Page 6 Gion Matsuri schedule 3
• Page 7 Mikoshis
• Page 8 Saki Matsuri Yamahoko floats 1: Naginata Hoko, Kanko Hoko, Kikusui Hoko, Tuski Hoko, Niwatori Hoko, Hoka Hoko
• Page 9 Saki Matsuri Yamahoko floats 2: Iwato Yama , Hune Hoko , Yamabushi Yama, Moso Yama, Taishi Yama, Kakkyo Yama, Hosho Yama
• Page 10 Saki Matsuri Yamahoko floats 3: Abura Tenjin Yama, Shijo Kasa Hoko, Toro Yama, Hakuga Yama ,Tokusa Yama, Arare Tenjin Yama
• Page 11 Saki Matsuri Yamahoko floats 4: Hakurakuten Yama, Ashikari Yama, Urade Yama, Ayagasa Hoko
• Page 12 Ato Matsuri Yamahoko floats 1: Kita Kannon Yama, Minami Kannon Yama, Hashi Benkei Yama, En no Gyojya Yama , Koi Yama, Hachiman Yama
• Page 13 Ato Matsuri Yamahoko floats 2: Suzuka Yama, Kuronushi Yama, Jyomo Yama, Ohune Hoko, Taka Yama
• Page 14 Breaking 2023
• Page 15 Braking 2022, 2021, 2020,  Bibliography

The following is the contents of this article.

Introduction

Gion Matsuri is an annual ritual of Yasaka shrine and is one of so-called Japan three great festivals.

At first, it started as Gory-e, the Buddhist ritual in 869 on the order of the Imperial court. After the Imperial court were on decline and couldn’t afford it, the citizens of Kyoto took over it as de facto successors. Thanks to them, it survived over centuries and marked the 1150th anniversary in Reiwa 1(2019).

Though the Matsuri began as a Buddhist ceremony, it has carried on under the religious syncretism of Shinto, Buddhism and Onmyodo. In 1862, the Meiji government banned the syncretism “in terms of law” but it is still alive in 2023.

Gion Matsuri is famous for its Yamahoko prade all over the world but the most important ceremony is Mikoshi Togyo. In Mikoshi Togyo, the deities of Yaska shrine are on Mikoshis to stay Otabisho, the temporary shrine located in the downtown of Kyoto. They stayed there for a week to get rid of Ekijins, the spirit bring us epidemics.

To do away with epidemics, it is the authentic aim of Gion Matsuri since 869. In ancient times, people believed Goryos from the other world caused epidemics and they held Goryo-e to drive out the Goryos, the soul of deceased persons who was politically ousted. As time went by, people started to believe that the cause of epicemics is Ekijin and they expected Ekijins to protect them from epidemics.

シカさん

In old times, people believed epidemics came from far out places. And They thought  Ekijin brought them epidemics.

Today, we believe that Yamahokos capture the Ekijins in the city and the deities in Otabisho to get rid of them.

The order of Yamahoko Parade 2025

Saki Matsuri 前祭巡行　7/17

Ato Matsuri 後祭巡行　24日

Why is “Gion matsuri” festival celebrated ?

A short history of Yasaka shrine

The foundation of Yasaka shrine remains to be secret because of its long history. At least in the 9th century, the shrine was known as Gion-kanjinin (祇園感神院), or Gion-sha (祇園社), the Buddhist temple. This sounds very strange because Yasaka shrine is a Shinto shrine today. Why was a Shinto shrine a Buddhist temple?

In ancient Japan, both Shinto and Buddhism were fused. Shinto is a religion indigenous to Japan. It is a kind of animism and a code for a small community. On the other hand, Buddhism was a religion brought to Japan from ancient India in 6th century. When our ancestors saw the introduction of Buddhism, they did not fall away Shinto. They fused both of these religions and reconstructed them as a new belief instead. That is one of the typical and characteristic way of thinking Japanese people take. If we find something interesting and it is no harm to the members of society, we just adopt it.

Now go back to the word “Gion (祇園)”. As a Budhhist temple, former Yasaka shrine enshrined Gozu-tenno (牛頭天王) as a Buddhist Deity. Gozu-tenno was a guardian of Gion-shoja ( 祇園精舎、Jatavana). So former Yasaka shrine was called Gion-kanshinin, or Gion-sha. Take a look at the picture above. It is a photo of small reservoir where visitors purify themselves. You can see engraved Kanji letters. They read Kanjinin (感神院).

This is a short history of Yasaka shrine. Now make it clear that why Yasaka shrine holds Gion matsuri festival in the following chapter.

The beginning of Gion matsuri festival

The history of Gion matsturi festival dates back to 869. At that time in Kyoto, many people suffered smallpox, dysentery, and other epidemics because of hot and damp whether and ill-prepared water supply. At the same time, whole Japan saw natural disasters like earthquake and tsunami and suffered huge expansion of maladies.

As described before, ancient people thought ousted persons of Goryo causes epidemics and natural disasters. The imperial court gave Urabeno-Hiramaro (卜部日良麻呂), the priest of Gion-sya, an order to hold Goryo-e, the ritual to calm down Goryos at Shinsen-en (神泉苑), the largest pond in ancient Kyoto. (The picture above.).

He put the spirit of the deities of the temple into three portable shrines and sent them from Gion-sya to Shinsen-en and placed 66 hokos (矛) there (We don’t have exact idea of their appearance but I suppose they looked like these hokos in the picutre above). His aim was to put the evil spirits together and have them descended to the hokos and ask the deities to get rid of them.

This ritual is called Gion-goryo-e, the origin of Gion matsuri festival. In the begging, the Goryo-e was held when epidemics expanded, and became annual event in 970. Since then, the festival was carried on for 1000 years despite of some interruption.

Gion matsuri festival today

As indicated before, Shinto and Buddhism was fused and Shinto shrines and Buddhist temple were confused. In 1868, the Meiji government gave an order to shrines and temples. They were forced to make decision to be a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple in terms of law. Gion-kanshinin choose to be a Shinto shrine. It became Yasaka shrine and Gion-Goryo-e was renamed as Gion matsuri.

The fact that the Buddhist temple became a Shinto shrine does not mean a reincarnation of the Gion matsuri. Many documents prove that Gion-kanshinin worked and was considered as Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine: it held Buddhist ritual and that of Shinto.

That is a reason why the principle of Gion matsuri festival still remains the same though 1000 years of its history. People bring Deities on the portable shrines and ask them to get rid of evil spirits which gathered by Yamahoko floats.

七里ヶ浜親方

Want to know much more? Check them out, old sport!

Gion Matsuri Festival

Articles on the reason why Gion Matusri is cerebrated, Mikoshi, Yamahoko Parade, Schedule, and others

kyotokankoyagi.com

Attention: The schedule of Gion Matsuri might change. Check out the website of Yasaka Shrine.

Must-sees 1: General　総論

Syncretism of Shinto, Buddhism, and Onmyodo 神道、仏教、陰陽道、道教の混淆

Gion Matsuri is a Matsuri of Yaska shrine. The shrine used to be a Buddhist temple under the syncretism of Shinto, Buddhism, Onmyodo. The syncretism is called Shinbutsu Shugo and used to be found anywhere in Japan.

たけちよ

Shinbutsu Shugo means synctetism, co-existance, and fusion of Shinto and Buddhism but usually Onmyodo or Taoism are also fused with them.

In 1868, Meiji government asked Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to separate these fused religions. Gion-sha made a decision to be a Shinto shrine called Yasaka shrine but the bond among the Shinto, Buddhism, and Onmyoto is still alive in Gion Matsuri.

七里ヶ浜親方

The aim of Gion Matsuri is to get rid of epidemics. Yaska shrine enshrined Susanoho no Mikoto, the Shinto deity but we can find no particular reason why he has such an ability. He was considered to be a Gozu Tenno, the Onmyodo detiy. And with the story of Gozu Tenno,

he is able to put down epidemics.

Nigimitama and Aramitama 和魂と荒魂の和合

There are four kinds of Mitama(御霊), the spirit in a Japanese deity; Nigimitama, Aramitama, Sakimitama, and Kushimitama.

In Matsuri in Japan, Nigimitama and Aramitama of a deity are often put together for the purpose of making the deity reincarnated. In Gion Matsuri, the Nigimitama of Susanoh no Mikoto meets the Aramitama of him (Kuze Komagata Chigo) and the reincarnation is completed.

シカさん

Mikage Matsuri plays the same role in Aoi Matsuri.

Shaking Mikoshis 神輿を振る

People shake Mikoshis to make the Mitamas of the deities come alive.

Yamahoko floats play impotant role 神賑神事たる山鉾巡行の神事への近接

Matsuri consists of Shinji (神事 ritual/ceremony held by Shrine or act for deity) and Kaminigiwai (神賑 ceremony held by secular people or act the secure people ).

たけちよ

For example, in Gion Matsuri, the priests bring the Mitamas of the deities into the Mikoshis. It its a Shinji. Without the priests or the deities, it couldn’t be carried on.  Of course there are lots of people around Mikoshis to give the deities prayers but without them, the priests can complete the duty. For this Shinji, the people are kind of bystanders.

On the other hand, at Yoiyama, there are food stands. They belong to Gion matsuri and the secular prepares for food stands and the secular buy foods. It’s a Kaminigiwai.

Kaminigiwai makes a contribution especially for the seculars.

Yamahoko parade could be originally a Kaminigiwai but it grew up to be a de facto Shinji ‘cause it plays the important role: To gather Eikjins to be done away with by the deities brought by the priests.

THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• Page 1  Introduction, Schedule 2026
• Page 2  Chinowa Kuguri, Chogomai, etc.
• Page 3  Hokotate, Omukae Chochin, Mikoshi Arai, etc.
• Page 4  Saki Matsuri Yoiyama
• Page 5  Samurai Armor exhibition, Yoimiya Sai, etc.
• Page 6  Saki Matsusri Yamahoko and Mikoshi parade, etc.
• Page 7  Ato Matsuri Yoiyama and Abare Kannon, etc.
• Page 8  Ato Matsuri Yamahoko parade, etc.

Introduction

Gion matsuri is one of the oldest matsuri/festival in Japan. It started in 869 and 2019 marked the 1150th anniversary. There are many rituals and ceremonies held in July and we call them “Gion matsuri.” In this post, you can see exact schedule of them.

たけちよ

ATTENTION!!!

The schedule might change. Check out the website of Yasaka Shrine.

Schedule 2026/ Reiwa 8

Late June, Yasaka shrine will announce the schedule of 2026. It will be the same as that of 2025.

たけちよ

NEW event and ritual!!!

• 7/17: Yumiyagumi Mushashieki・・・Yoroi Mushas (armored Samurais) lead the Mikoshis to Otabisho. This custom came back to Gion Matsuri for the 1st time in 50 years.
• 7/21: Yasakka Reihai/Raihai Koh・・・Yasaka shrine and Enryakuji temple hold a ritual at Yasaka shrine. This tells us Shinbutsu Shugo is still alive.

七里ヶ浜親方

Don’t miss them, old sport!!!

シカさん

Cool Uchiwa of 2025.

Now Chinowa amulet (800 JPY), Uchiwa of 2025 (1,500 JPY), and Special Goryoe Goshuin stamp (500 JPY)are available!

七里ヶ浜親方

The Schedule

The order of Yamahoko Parade 2025

Saki Matsuri 前祭巡行　7/17

Ato Matsuri 後祭巡行　24日

Yoiyama 2025

At Saki Matsuri, traffic regulations must be on.

Gion Matsuri 2026 : Sakimatsuri Yoiyama 祇園祭前祭宵山英語で説明

In Gion Matsuri 2026, Yoiyama take place prior to Yamahoko parade. In this article, you can learn the way to enjoy it.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2022.07.13

Gion matsuri 2026: Atomatsuri Yoiyama 祇園祭後祭宵山英語で説明

The precise information of Atomatsuri of Gion matsuri 2026; Byobumatsuri, Kaisyo Kazari of each Yamaboko floats. Gion bayashi, Gohuin stamps and others are available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.07.21

What is Gion Matsuri?

七里ヶ浜親方

Check out!!!

Gion matsuri festival in Kyoto 2026 Comprehensive guide: Mikoshis, Yamahoko floats, and Yoiyamas!!! 祇園祭2025英語で説明

The comprehensive guide on Gion matsuri festival 2026 in Kyoto; its schedule, Mikoshis, Yamahoko floats, Yoiyamas, history, the reason why it is celebrated, souvenirs, and other must-sees. Anything is available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.11.02

Our ancestors respected power beyond their understanding. For example, the sun gave them light, warmth, and fertile harvest, and so on. They thought the power of “Shinrei (神霊)” gave them these things.

“Matsuri” is a noun form of a verb “Matsuru.” The word “Matsuru” means to worship “Shinrei/ Mitama (神霊)”, the source of the enormous power. We entertain it and ask her to make wishes come true, showing our respect for it.

This is what “Matsuri” means. We have many Matsuri every day through the archipelago and they are held for this aim.

　いちきしま　ひめ

In a nutshell, Matsuri is a deed to make Shinrei entertained and ask for our prosperity. Without this knowledge, we cannot understand Gion matsuri at all, O.K.?

 

Gion matsuri began as Goryo-e

It is some controversy when Gion matsuri began but Gionsya Honen Roku (『祇園社本縁録』) , the document of Yasaka shrine, claims it started in 869 as Gion Goryo-e (祇園御霊会).

Goryo-e  is a ritual to entertain Shinrei/ Mitama and send it out to a place far from us.

Generally speaking, in ancient times people believed that Ekijin (疫神), a deity came to the place where they lived in, caused malady and natural disasters.

And it is assumed that politically ousted persons and those who died in despair became Onryo (怨霊). Most of them deceased in far out places from Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. Kyotoites believed that they cause malady and natural disasters like Ekishin.

Both Ekishin and Onryo are kinds of Shinrei/ Mitama. The ancient Kyotoites believed that they came from outside of Kyoto and caused maladies and disasters.

The oldest description of Goryo-e is found in Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku (『日本三代実録』), a history book compiled in Heian period (794-1192). It says that a Goryo-e took place at Shinsenen, a private garden for emperor, on 5th of May, 863.

On the day, the gates of the garden was opened to let Kyotoites come in. Buddhist monks read out the Heart-Sutra to calm down Shinrei/ Mitama, the souls of Emperor Sudo (he is the most famous ousted emperor) and other persons, and people entertained them with music and dance performance.

In this Goryo-e, the participants entertained Shinrei but it is not sure whether they had them go to other place or not.

On the other hand, as described in Nihon Ryakuki, (『日本紀略』), in 994, Goryo-e took place in Mt. Funaoka and Shinrei was put into a portable shrine and paritcipants set it on a river to let it go to Namba sea (I suppose it is Osaka bay).

As described in these examples above, at least in the 10th century, Goryo-e was established as a ritual in which Shinrei/ Mitama was entertained and sent away.

As time goes by, Goryo-e gave birth to another role: Ancient people started to believe that to worship the Shinrei/ Mitama for the purpose of saving people from bad luck with its enormous power.

Gion Goryo-e, the origin of Gion matsuri

In 869, in Kyoto, many people suffered smallpox, dysentery, and other epidemics because ill-prepared draining of wasted water and excrement. They mixed together and caused maladies with hot and damp whether. In addition to it, the Kamo river would be in flood in summer. The flooded river brought the maladies all through the city. Further more, our country saw natural disasters like earthquake and tsunami and suffered huge expansion of maladies outside of Kyoto.

To calm down Shinrei to save the country, the imperial court gave Urabeno-Hiramaro (卜部日良麻呂), the priest of Gion-sya, an order to hold Goryo-e at Shinsen-en (神泉苑), the largest pond in ancient Kyoto. (The picture above.). Gion-sya is a former name of Yasaka shrine. Yasaka shrine is a Shinto shrine today but it used to be a Buddhist temple called “Gion-sya”, or “Gion Kanjinin.”

Urabeno-Hiramaro put the spirit of Gozu-tenno, the Buddhist Deity, into one of three portable shrines and sent them from Gion-sya to Shinsen-en and placed 66 hokos (矛) there . His aim was to put Onryo/Ekishin together and have them descended to the hokos and ask Gozu-tenno to get rid of them.

We don’t have exact idea of their appearance and role but I suppose they looked like these hoko in the picture above and had a role stated above.

This ritual is called Gion-goryo-e, the origin of Gion matsuri. In the begging, the Goryo-e was held when epidemics expanded, and became annual event in 970. Since then, the festival was carried on for 1000 years despite of some interruption and 2019, the 1st year of Reiwa, marks its 1150th anniversary.

Gozutenno and the aim of Goryo-e and Gion matsuri

Gozutenno is a Buddhist Deity and Ekishin, a kind of Shinrei. In terms of Shinto-Buddhist fusion in Japan, he was the same as Susanoo no mikoto, the Shinto Deity.

Once upon a time, Gozutenno asked for a bed to Kotan Shorai on his odyssey. He denied it though he was a prosperous man. On the other hand, his brother Somin Shorai accept him though he suffered in poverty.

A few years later, Gozutenno eliminated Kotan Shorai and his descendants.

On the other hand, to a daughter of Somin, he revealed that he was Susanoo no mikoto. He asked her to wear Chinowa to let him know the wearer was a descendant of Somin Shorai.

The story show us the following facts:

1) Gozutenno is a Deity came from some far out place (Buddhism brought Japan from India by way of China.). He has an enormous power enogh to have Kotan Shorai and his descendants eliminated.

In a nutshell, he causes something bad to us with his power.

2) On the other hand, he saves descendants of Somin Shorai who treat him whole-heartedly.

Briefly, he saves us if we were kind to him.

These ideas go along with the aim of Goryo-e: To worship the Shinrei for the purpose of saving people from bad luck with its enormous power.

In its 1150 years of history, Gion matsuri has changed in many ways but its aim still remains all the same: The Deities of Yasaka shrine, including Susanoo no mikoto(He was fused with Gozutenno), stay in the area of ancient Kyoto city as Shinrei. People entertain them with beautifully ornamented Yamaboko floats and Ohayashi music and ask them put down the evil spirits, the cause of malady, Yamaboko floats gathered.

THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• This page　Who is Gozu Tenno? Gozu Tenno and Susanoo no Mikoto, Gozu Tennno as Ekishin
• Page 2　Amulets and general info.

The following is the contents of this article.

いちきしま　ひめ

This site and article don’t recommend outing though the state of emergency was lifted. Make your decision with extreme care.

This site cannot guarantee your safety.

The information of shrines and temples are subject to be changed.

This site is not responsible for any disadvantages you have at all.

たけちよ

This post has a Japanese edition.

Who is Gozu Tenno? 牛頭天王とは？

Introduction

In Japan, Shito and Buddhism had been fused for centuries. Yasaka shrine used to be a Buddhist temple called Gion sha, which enshrined Gozu Tenno. He is a Ekishin (疫神)Deity who saves us from epidemics. He was one of the most popular Deities in our country.

In the fusion, Shinto Deities and Buddhist ones were understood as the same one. Gozu Tenno was considered as the same Deity as Susanoo no Mikoto.

In 1868, as a part of Meiji restoration, the government separated Shinto from Buddhism and Gion sha decided to become Yasaka shrine and erased the name of Gozu Tenno.

Today, many people forgot his name but he is still alive as Susanoo no Mikoto.

Sangoku Souden Inyoh Kankatsu Hokinaiden Kin Ugyokuto Shu『三国相伝陰陽輨轄簠簋内伝金烏玉兎集』

When we talk about Gozu Tenno, we usually cite Bingo no Kuni Fudoki (『備後国風土記』), It is a geographical booklet compiled in the 8th century and describes Gozu Tenno enshrined in Ekikumasha.

In this article, I’ll show you who he is on Sangoku Souden Inyoh Kankatsu Hokinaiden Kin Ugyokuto Shu (『三国相伝陰陽輨轄簠簋内伝金烏玉兎集』) because it was written by a priest of Gion sha, and it describes the temple precisely. I referred to Bingo no Kuni Fudoki  as supplemental source.

七里ヶ浜親方

Sangoku Souden Inyoh Kankatsu Hokinaiden Kin Ugyokuto Shu reveals the mystic teaching of Omnyodo, the esoteric cosmology in which Shinto, Buddhism, Confusions, Yin-yang, and other values are merged. Gion sha was one of the outstanding temples exercised Onmyodo.

シカさん

Onmyodo is still alive today though people forgot its name. See the video below. It was a ritual held on the new year’s eve at Shinsenen temple, where Gion matsrui festival started. Monks turn the small shrine to the direction in which Toshitokujin, the Deity who rules directions, stays.

Gozu Tenno and Susanoo no Mikoto 牛頭天王と素戔嗚尊の習合

Sangoku Souden Inyoh Kankatsu Hokinaiden Kin Ugyokuto Shu

Sangoku Souden Inyoh Kankatsu Hokinaiden Kin Ugyokuto Shu describes Gozu Tennno:

“Gozu Tenno used to be a king of Magada, Shokitei, and Tengyosei. He descended to the world and was called Gozu Tenno.”

It also tells us how he looked like: “He wears a musk of yellow ox, has pointed horns. He looks terrible.”

Due to his appearance, he didn’t have a spouse. He headed for Shakara palace to marry Hari Sainyo, his wife to be.

On his odyssey, he asked Kotan Shorai a warm meal and bed. Kotan turned him down though he was rich. On the other hand, Somin Shorai, a brother of Kotan’s. Somin welcomed him though he was poor.

After that, Gozu Tenno reached Shakara palace and married Hari Sainyo. On the way back home, he exterminated Kotan’s family except Somin.

He said to Somin, “I will come back here as Ekijin to destroy the country in future but I’ll save you and your descendants.”

たけちよ

I’ll show you what Ekijin is later.

Bingo no Kuni Fudoki

Bingo no Kuni Fudoki  shows us a story almost as the same as the one in Sangoku Souden Inyoh Kankatsu Hokinaiden Kin Ugyokuto Shu. The differences are these:

Gozu Tenno is also known as Muto Tenjin. When Gozu Tenno met Somin again, he revealed who he was. He said, “I’m Haya Susanoo no Mikoto.”

Gozu Tenno is equivalent to Susanoo no Mikoto

Depending on these stories, Gozu Tenno and Susanoo no Mikoto is considered the same Deity in the fusion of Shinto and Buddhism.

We can’t tell when Gion sha enshrined Gozu Tenno. Yasaka Shrine says it did it in the 7th century.

Niju Nisha Chushiki, a complementary book of the list of 22 shrines the Imperial court compiled describes that Gion sha enshrines “Tenjin.” Some say the word means Muto Tenjin in Bingo no Kuni Fudoki but is is controversy because we have many “Tenjin,”  For example, we call the Deity of Kitano Tenmangu shrine “Tenjin san” in a colloquial way even today.

The most reliable source is a history book called Honcho Seiki compiled in the 12th century. It says that Gion sha was caught by fire in 1070 and the foot of (the statue of) Gozu Tenno was collapsed.  It proves that Gion sha enshrined Gozu Tenno at least in the 11th century.

七里ヶ浜親方

Gion sha had a golden statue of Gozu Tenno or Susanoo no mikoto. One day, a monk sold it. He was thrown in to the Yodo river alive.

シカさん

Goshintai of Susanoo no mikoto which Kuze Komagata Chigo wears in Gion matusri also was pawned.

Gozu Tenno as Ekijin 疫神としての牛頭天王

Gozu Tenno as Ekijin

Ekishin is a Deity who brings people epidemics. Ancient people believed that Ekishin or phantoms of ousted persons came to places they lived out of nowhere and caused epidemics. Gozu Tenno was the most infamous Ekishin.

As described before, he promised that he would save Somin and his descendant in Sangoku Souden Inyoh Kankatsu Hokinaiden Kin Ugyokuto Shu.

In Bingo no Kuni Fudoki , he asked Somin and his descendants to wear Chinowa.

Take a look at the piece of paper on Chinowa amulet in the photo. It reads, “我蘇民将来子孫也（I’m a descendant of Somin Shorai.) .”

Gion Matsuri started on this story. Ekishin is a Deity who bring people epidemics. People thought they can put down it when they take him away. This is the aim of early Gion masturi.

お福さん

Chinowa amulet we can have in Gion matsuri festival and Chinowa Kuguri are also based on this story.

As time went by, people started to welcome Ekishin on the other hand. I can’t tell why the exchange of roles happened. I suppose people thought Ekishin could help them with his extraordinary power if they adored him.

This kind of exchange is not strange for us. For example, Hososhi in Tsuina ritual used to be get rid of devil. As time went by, he was considered as devil because of his scary appearence.

Gozu Tenno saves us from COVID-19? 新型コロナウイルスに対するご利益

As shown in the last chapter, Gozu Tenno saves us from epidemics.

The last year, we are in the fear of COVID-19. In Kyoto, lots of events were canceled.

In such a situation, Gion matsuri was held in the abbrieviated way. Mikoshi and Yamahoko parade were can cenceled but the Deities of Yasaka shrine stayed in Otabisho in the downtown to be with us for a week for the purpose of saving us form the epidemic.

たけちよ

It sounds strange but that is the aim of Gion matsuri practiced every summer for over 1100 years. Enjoy the videos below, BAAH!!!

アフロさん

The next page is amulets

THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• Page 1  What is Yoiyama, Kaisyo opendays
• Page 2  Best time to visit
• Page 3  Trafic regulations for pedestrian 
• Page 4  Breaking report

The following is the contents of this article.

What is Yoiyama? 宵山とは

Yoiyama means a kind of small festivals held a few days before in Hokocho.

Hokomachi is a district where we can find Yamaboko floats. As seen in the photo above, there are many paper lanterns hanging on Yamaboko floats.

Yoiyama is preparation for Mikoshi and Yamaboko parade. It still reminds secret when it started but Gion Groyo-e Saiki, a book on Gion Goryo-e (the former name of Gion matsuri.), tells us it began in the 18th century.

Today, the word Yoiyama has two meanings; The three consecutive days before Yamaboko parade, and the eve of the parade.

　いちきしま　ひめ

In Saki Matsuri, Yamahoko parade is on 17th. We call 16th Yoiyama, 15th Yoiyoiyama, and 14th Yoiyoiyoiyama precisely.

In this article, we call the nights of 14~16th Yoiyama.

In Yoiyama, we can see paper lanterns hanging on Yamaboko floats, enjoy Ohayashi music, and have Chimaki amulet and Goshuin stamps at Kaisyo, a kind of head office of Yamaboko floats. At many Kaisho, we can enjoy ornaments of Yamahoko. It is called “Kaisyo Kazari.” Most of them are put on Yamaboko floats on the very day of Yamaboko parade.

たけちよ

What is Gion Matsuri?

Gion matsuri festival in Kyoto 2026 Comprehensive guide: Mikoshis, Yamahoko floats, and Yoiyamas!!! 祇園祭2025英語で説明

The comprehensive guide on Gion matsuri festival 2026 in Kyoto; its schedule, Mikoshis, Yamahoko floats, Yoiyamas, history, the reason why it is celebrated, souvenirs, and other must-sees. Anything is available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.11.02

Gion matsuri Schedule 2026: Mikoshi, Yamahoko parade Yoiyama 祇園祭日程2026英語版

The schedule of Gion matsuri 2026 was announced. Mikoshi, Yamahoko parade, and Yoiyama available. Gion matsuri has lots of rituals held in July. In this article, you can see exact schedule they are held.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.05.27

About Yoiyama 心得

たけちよ

REMEMBAAAH!

Food stands

Food stands are located near Shijoh Karasuma crossings (indicated in the brown line in the map). There would be a lots of people.

Yakisoba, Takoyaki, Choko Banana and other Japanese foods are availeble.

Alcohols ans soft drinks are also availeble.

At Maruyama Koen, there also are food stands. Maguro Kaitai show’s availeble.

シカさん

In Maguro Kaitai show, a chef cooks a big tuna.

Kaisho open days

Kaisyo is a place where a Yamahoko float belongs to. You can have souvenirs and Goshuin stamps there.

THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• Page 1  What is Yoiyama?  Breaking 2024, When would we go? Access
• Page 2 The ways to enjoy, Koi Yama, Hachiman Yama
• Page 3 Kuronushi Yama, En no Gyoja Yama
• Page 4 Taka Yama, Jyomyo Yama, Hashi Benkei Yama, Suzuka Yama
• Page 5 Kita Kannon Yama, Minami Kannon Yama
• Page 6 On floats, Ohayashi music, Byobu Matsuri
• Page 7 Abare Kannon, shopping
• Page 8 Breaking report on 2023
• Page 9 Breakig report 2022, bibliography

The following is the contents of this article.

What is Yoiyama? 宵山とは

Yoiyama means a kind of small festivals held a few days before in Hokomachi.

Hokomachi is a district where we can find Yamaboko floats. As seen in the photo above, there are many paper lanterns hanging on Yamaboko floats.

Yoiyama is preparation for Mikoshi and Yamaboko parade. It sitll reminds secret when it started but Gion Groyo-e Saiki, a book on Gion Goryo-e (the former name of Gion matsuri.), tells us it began in the 18th century.

Today, the word Yoiyama has two meanings; The three consecutive days before Yamaboko parade, and the eve of the parade.

　いちきしま　ひめ

In Atomatsuri, Yamaboko parade is on 24th. We call 23th Yoiyama, 22th Yoiyoiyama, and 21st Yoiyoiyoiyama precisely.

In this article, we call the nights of 21~23th Yoiyama.

たけちよ

The way to Enjoy Atomatsuri

たけちよ

For more info. on Gion matsuri

Gion matsuri festival in Kyoto 2026 Comprehensive guide: Mikoshis, Yamahoko floats, and Yoiyamas!!! 祇園祭2025英語で説明

The comprehensive guide on Gion matsuri festival 2026 in Kyoto; its schedule, Mikoshis, Yamahoko floats, Yoiyamas, history, the reason why it is celebrated, souvenirs, and other must-sees. Anything is available.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2017.11.02

Gion matsuri Schedule 2026: Mikoshi, Yamahoko parade Yoiyama 祇園祭日程2026英語版

The schedule of Gion matsuri 2026 was announced. Mikoshi, Yamahoko parade, and Yoiyama available. Gion matsuri has lots of rituals held in July. In this article, you can see exact schedule they are held.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2019.05.27

Breaking report 2024

7/24

♪Prayin’ for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me baahy

♪Sailin’ hear ship thru broken harbaahs

7/23 Abare Kannnon あばれ観音

シカさん

Extravaganza!!!

7/22

Not crowded as Yoiyamas of Sakimatsuri.

Chimaki, figurine, and Gosyuin of Hotei Yama are available. Hotei Yama was devastated by a fire some 200 years ago.

シカさん

Head for Ninami Kannon Yama from Kita Kannon Yama. You’ll reach a crossing and a willow tree in the photo. Near the red circle, you can get them.

Kaishos:

7/21

Hshibenkei Yama does Kakizome.

7/20

Today, Ofune Hoko, Takayama, Minami Kannon Yama, and Kita Kannon Yama carried out Hikizome to prepare for the Parade.

Kuru Nushi Yama has a brend-new Yaguara. Yoiyama will start tomorrow.

When would we go Yoiyama?

In daytime or night

If you wanted Chimaki, Goshuin stamp, and other things at Kaisyo, it would be better go there in daytime though Yoi of Yoiyama means “night.” At night, many people visited Kaisyo and it might take time to have these things.

七里ヶ浜親方

We have hot days in daytime usually. Prepare for them!

In addition to it, we have some rituals on 23th July. Around 2:00 p.m., in front of Kaisyo of Enno Gyojya yama, Gomadaki Kuyo ritual is held. In this ritual, we have our wish on a small piece of wood. And Gyoja, a kind of Buddhist monk, belong to Shogoin temple set fire these pieces of wood to pray for us.

In the video, we can see small pieces of paper hanging on a rope. When the ritual is finished, we can have them as an amulet which saves us from bad luck.

げきすせん

In daytime, buy the things you want and enjoy Yamaboko floats, paper lanterns and Kaisyo Kazari.

At twilight

We have two matsrui in Gion matsuri; Saki matsruri and Ato matsuri. In Ato matsuri, the twilight reminds of us autumn though we are in the midst of summer.

Car-free zone?

In Ato matsuri, we have car-free zones only around Yamaboko floats. And we don’t have one-way roads.

七里ヶ浜親方

Go anywhere you want!

Access to Yoiyama

Take trains, not buses.

Following are the stations near Hokomacho (the enclosed area in blue line);

Kyoto City Subway Shijo station(the blue train on the map), Hankyu Karasuma station (the red train), and Keihan Shijo Kawaramachi station (the green train).

In Yamahoko parade of Gion Matsuri festival, we can find 35 Yamahoko floats. We have three kinds of them: Hoko, Yama, and Yatai.

Some say that we can tell apart them with what is on their roofs but it’s not enough to tell the difference.

In this article, I’ll show you the right way

Kinds of Yamahoko floats 山鉾の種類

Hoko and Yama

There are two kinds of Yamahoko floats depending on the names they have: Hoko and Yama. Actually, each one of them is called __hoko or __yama.

They are classified with three types: Hoko, Yama, and Yatai.

Hoko has three kinds of types depending their appearance. Kasahoko is a primitive form of Hoko. Funehoko is Yatai though they are called Hoko.

Yama also has three types. Hikiyama is developed Kakiyama.

How can we distinguish them? 区別の仕方

Three features

１．Shingi or Shinmatsu? 真木/真松の有無

First, find Shingi or Shinmatsu. Hoko has a rod called Shingi (真木) on the roof. It reaches the bottom of the body and has an ornament at the top of it.

For example, Naginatahoko has a replica of Naginata sword.

In addition to it, Shingi has Sakaki leaves.

On the other hand, Yama has a Shinmatsu instead. Shinmatsu is a pine tree. This is Kakiyama named Koiyama. Kakiyama is a basic Yama and some of them were developed into Hikiyama.

The one in the photo is a Hikiyama named Iwatoyama. As discussed about later, Yama has no wheels but Hikiyama has them as an exception.

Hikiyama resembles Hoko in appearance but we can tell the difference with Shingi or Shinmatsu.

七里ヶ浜親方

Lots of people confused because they look nearly the same!

２．Wheels 車輪の有無

Hoko has four big wheels and people tug it.

On the other hand, Yama is carried by people as Mikoshi.

(Today, Yama has small wheels actually.)

As an exception, Hikiyama also has wheels.

３．Ohayashi musician 囃子方の有無

Hoko has Ohayashi musicians on it. Ohayashi is a kind of music played in many Matsuri.

How can we define Yatai? 屋台

Yatai has no Shingi or Shinmatsu. Hasibenkeiyama has no Shinmatsu though it is called Hashibenkeyama.

Funehoko also has no Shingi though it is called Funehoko.

シカさん

I have something to tell you!

Today, Fune hoko has no Shingi but it might have had it.

Clikc here. It is a replica of Tsukinamisaireizu Byobu holding screen painted in the 19th century.  It reports the Gion Matsuri in the 15th century and Funehoko has a Shingi. This is the only thing describes the Shingi of Funehoko. Funehoko in other pictures has no Shingi and documents doesn’t tell us how it looked like exactly.

It remains a secret…だニャー

Gion Matsuri festival is famours for Yamahoko floats and their parade lures lots of people to the ancient capital in the heat of mid-summer.

Each Yamahoko belongs to small area called “Cho/Machi” in the downtown and play peculiar roles in the festival: To brighten up the festival and to have Ekijin/Ekishin descend to it.

The parade in which Yamahoko with these roles in Gion Matsuri festival started in the 14th century.

In this post, we learn about the roles of Yamahoko and the origin of Yamahoko floats.

What is Yamahoko float?

In the long history of Gion Matsuri, we can find a few things resemble what we call Yamahoko floats today but they have distinctive features to distinguish them from the others.

Hoko in Gion Goryoe 祇園御霊会の矛

The word “Hoko” appears in the first Gion Goryoe, the former name of Gion Matsuri.

Gion Honsha Enroku (『祇園社本縁録』), a historical book on Yasaka shrine formerly known as Gion sha temple, describes: Japan suffered from epidemics and natural disasters in 869. A priest of Gion sha found the curse of Gozu Tenno caused them.

In Shinsenen, the private garden of Emperor, he prepared 66 Hoko(矛) which represented the states thorough the archipelagoand and Gion sha sent Mikoshis there for the purpose of getting rid of the curse.

This ritual is called Shinsenen Goryoe and is believed the beginning of Gion Matsuri.

“Hoko” in Yamahoko is written as 鉾 in Kanji.

矛 and 鉾 are pronounced the same but spelled different. 矛 is a name of arms. Ancient people believed that it is Yorishiro, an object deities descend to and it has sacred power to do away anything evil.

We can find this kind of Hoko even today.

For example, Kamo Kurabeuma, a ritual held prior to Aoi Matsuri festival, three Hoko are considered as the Deities of Kamigamo shrine.

And in Gion Matsuri, Hokos escort Mikoshis to keep evilness away from them.

Some believe that people developed the 矛 in Gion Goryoe into Yamahoko floats because they pronounced “Hoko” and Yamahoko floats work as Yorishiro. But they are totally different from Yamahoko floats: Hokos in Shinsenen Goryoe were prepared by Gion sha and a priest of it. On the other hand, the Hokos worked as Yorishiro because they represented the Ekijin of each state.

いちきしま　ひめ

Basically, Hoko works as Yorishiro.

Tsukuriyama of Mukotsu Hoshi

Honcho Seiki (『本朝世紀』), a history book compiled in the 12th century, describes that a comedian called Mukotsu Hoshi visited Gion sha with Tsukuri Yama looked like Shimeyama in 999.

The Tsukuriyama resembles Hoko today in appearance and prepared by a comedian, not Gion sha or the Imperial Court. We can consider it as a prototype of Yamahoko in appearance and its function: To brighten up the festival.

As well as Tsukuriyama of Mukotsu Hoshi, we can find another prototype in Shyoyuki (小右記), a diary of an aristocrat written in the 10th and 11th century. It reports that Sangaku Munaguruma followed Mikoshi. Sangaku is a dance performance and Munaguruma is a kind of mobile stage with wheels.

These two prototypes resemble Yamahoko in appearance and in the function to brighten up the festival but differs in most important point of view: They don’t work as Yorishiro.

シカさん

I think we can see them as primitive forms of Yamahoko in appearance and function.

Bajyo Hoko

In Gionshaki (『祇園社記』), a history book of Gionsha, we can find a chapter called “馬上御鉾次第事.”  It is translated as “About Bajo Hokos.” Bajo Hoko means Hokos have something to do with Bajoyaku, or “Hokos on horseback.”

Bajoyaku is persons who covered the cost of the Matsuri. As described before, Gion Goryoe was held by the support of the Imperial court and aristocrats.

Around the 12th century, they were on financial decline and were not able to afford Gion Goryoe in every summer though they are in charge of preventing epidemics and natural disasters.

In the 12th century, Retired Emperor Goshirakawain chose merchants with wealth and asked them to pay the cost of Gion Goryoe.

If Bajo Hoko means Hokos which have something to do with Bajoyaku, they can be Hokos strolled with them, along with Mikoshis.

And if Bajo Hoko means Hokos on horseback, they are Hokos held by persons on their steed.

In both cases, the Hokos worked as Yorishiro but they are not the same thing as Yamahoko float today: They belonged to monks and their family, not to inhabitants of Kyoto.

Hoko of Za

Ancient shrines and temples had a persons called Jinin, or Yoriudo. They served for a shrine of temple they belonged, and the shrines and temples gave privileges to their business instead. The earliest Jinin of Gion sha were members of Za, a Japanese guild. Emperor Yozei donated the place where the Za located. The inhabitants of it automatically became Jinin of Gion sha.

お福さん

The emperor “donated” it because Jinin paid taxes to Gion sha, not to the Imperial Court. For the emperor, he donated the right to put tax on the land and Jinin.

They belonged the Za of lumber and they made a temporal bridge for Mikoshi of Goryoe every summer as their service for Gion sha.

In 12th century, Imperial Court put taxation on the businesses of the merchants of Kyoto. Following this, shrines and temples increased Za for the purpose of gaining income. They guaranteed many privileges and safeties for their businesses.

七里ヶ浜親方

The Imperial Court’s tax revenue depended on the land its had. Around the 12th century, there were lots of manors in the archipelago and the tax revenue of The Imperial Court was on decline. So, they decided to put taxes on persons instead of land.

On the other hand, shrines and temples gained their income because they had lots of manors which the merchants lived in. They belonged to shrines and temples.

Showing their gratitude for Gion sha, they served Yamas and Hokos for Mikoshis of the Goryoe. Gion Sha Kiroku, (『祇園社記録』), a history book of Gionsha, tells that there happened a conflict among merchants of silk in the 14th century. Gion sha gave them a verdict saying, “To be a Za, it must serve for the festival of June (Gion Goryoe).”

This incident indicates that merchants were not able to form Za without serving Gion Goryoe in the area where Gion sha ruled.

Around the 14th century, Za started to loose its independence and the ties between merchants but the service for Gion Goryoe was saved because the bond as members of territorially-based community was left.

In 1369. Enryakuji temple was in need to renovate its Mikoshi but it was not able to afford of it. So Enryakuji didn’t have Mikoshi for around twenty years. Gion sha belonged to Enryakuji and Gion Goryoe carried on without Mikoshi for nearly two decades.

シカさん

Gion sha with Mikoshi though Enryakuji was without Mikoshi. The idea was not acceptable at that time.

In this period, the denizens of the downtown developed Yamas and Hokos.

These facts leads the foundation of Yamahoko parade we know today; Denizens of the downtown prepare them to brighten up Gion Matsuri.

We cannot sure why Yamahoko plays a role of Yorishiro. I suppose the twenty decades mihgh give us an answer. Mikohsi paraded with Hokos worked as Yorishiro. Bajohoko is this kind of Hoko. Even today, Hokos of Shimpo Gyorestu lead Mikoshis of Gion matsuri.

The ancient people wanted a role of Mikoshi and Yorishiro-Hoko on Yamahoko floats.

THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

• This Page  　概説、Overview, Nginata Hoko, Kanko Hoko, Kikusui Hoko, Tsuki Hoko, and Niwatori Hoko
• Page 2　Hoka Hoko, Iwato Yama, Fune Hoko, Yamabushi Yama, Moso Yama 
• Page 3　Taishi Yama, Kakkyo Yama, Hosho Yama, Abura Tenjin Yama, and Shijo Kasahoko 
• Page 4　Toro Yama, Hakuga Yama, Tokusa Yama, Arare Tenjin Yama, and Hakurakuten Yama
• Page 5　Ashikari Yama, Urade Yama, Ayagasa Hoko, and Hotei Yama
• Page 6　Kita Kannon Yama, Minami Kannon Yama, Hashi Benkei Yama, En no Gyojya Yama, and Koiyama
• Page 7　Hachiman Yama, Suzuka Yama, Kuronushi Yama, Jomyo Yama, Ohfune hoko, and Takayama

The following is the contents of this article.

Overview

In this article, you can learn all 34 Yamaboko/Yamahoko floats of Gion Matsuri festival with their “Tsujimawashi” videos and short tips.

The information of their Goshuin stamps and souvenirs are also available.

いちきしま　ひめ

In 2023, Goshuin of Koiyama is not available.

How to tell the Yama from Hoko?

We have four kinds of floats; Hoko, Hikiyama, Kakiyama, and Yatai.

Hoko has a rod on a roof. Hikiyama has a pine tree and wheels. Kakiyama has a pine tree and with no wheels. Yatai has no wheels and pine tree (resembles Kakiyama) and Fune Hoko and Ohfune Hoko. Check out the link below.

How can we tell apart Hoko, Yama and Yatai in the Yamahoko parade of Gion Matsuri festival? 山鉾の区別の仕方英語で説明

In Yamahoko parade of Gion Matsuri festival, we can find 35 Yamahoko floats. We have three kinds of them: Hoko, Yama, and Yatai. In this article, I'll show you the way to tell apart them easily.

kyotokankoyagi.com

2021.04.08

The order of Yamahoko parade 2025

Saki Matsuri 前祭巡行　7/17

Ato Matsuri 後祭巡行　7/24

Naginata Boko 長刀鉾

Naginata hoko is the most popular and famous Hoko in Gion Matsuri festival.

Naginata is a traditional Japanese sword invented in Heian period. Naginata hoko has long naginata on the roof and that is the reason why it is called “Naginata hoko. The Naginata is known for its power to take away evil spirits.

The order of Yamaboko float parade was decided on the lottery but Naginata hoko is always at the top of the parade because of its ability put away evil spirits.

Only Naginata hoko has “Ochigosan” boy on it.

He performs “Chigomai” dance during the parade.

Kanko Boko 函谷鉾

Lord Mengchang, a states person of Qin dynasty in acient China, and his collegue was on the run. They arrived at a gate in Kankokukan valley at night. The gate opened at dawn. One of them crowed as rooster and they escaped narrowly.

Kikusui Boko 菊水鉾

Kikusui Hoko was named after a well which bears the same name in the district.

Tsuki Boko 月鉾

Tsuki hoko (月鉾)　is named after “Tsukuyomi no Mikoto (月読尊)”, a son of the Deity of Yasaka shrine.

Niwatori Boko 鶏鉾

Niwatori hoko is based on an old story: In ancient China, people used a drum at lawsuits. When peace ruled the country, roosters and hens lived in the drum because there were no conflicts.

In Yamahoko/ Yamaboko parade in Gion matsuri festival, we can see 4 kinds of Yamahoko float; From left to right, Hoko, Hikiyama, Kakiyama, and Yatai.

In this article, we learn the way to build Hoko in chronicle order. Hikiyama is also build in the same way because Hoko resembles Hikiyama in apperance and construction.

Where are Hokos stored?

Hoko is made of many pieces. They are stored in Kaisho, a kind of headquarters of Hoko, or warehouse in Maruyama park.

Construction of Yagura 櫓の組立

At first, Hoko-builders make a foundation of Hoko named Yagura. Every kind of Yamahokos has this structure.

Yagura is a framework of Hoko. Hoko-builders put pillars together with rope and wedge. The way to tighten rope is called Nawa garami. This technique works as a kind of shock-absorber and prevent Hoko from falling down.

Put Shingi on Hoko 真木たて

Lay Yagura down 櫓を倒す

Shingi is a rod on a roof of Hoko. How can we put on it?

Take a look at the photo above. There are holes on the road. Usually, they have rids.

Hoko-builders put short pillars on them and fix them with wedge.

The red allow indicates the pillar. The pillar was tightened to the log the man holds. The log is also tightened to Yagura and works as a pivot.

Long rods are installed to lay down Yagura. Hoko-builders hook ropes on them and winch up the ropes.

Now Yagura lays down.

Then, Hoko-builders put wood rods together with ropes to make Shingi. The Singi in the photo is that of Tsukihoko’s and almost 85 feet long.

Shingi has a Tenno-dai.  The upper part of Shigi is a bamboo rod and Tennno-dai is installed to the bamboo rod. When Hoko moves, the rod swings away and the movement gives Hoko refined taste.

On tenno-dai, there is a small figurine called Tenno ningyo. Tenno ningyo is a Goshintai. Goshintai is an object to which Deity descend.

Why does Shingi need Deity? The reason is that Shingi plays a role to gather Ekishins. The Deity on Shingi helps to do it. After Yamaboko parade, the Deities of Yasaka shrine come to the center of the Kyoto city on portable shrines, and calm down the Ekishins.

In the ancient times, people believed that the phantom of politically ousted person became Ekishin and caused malady. On the other hand, they thought if they could calm Ekishin down, they would save them from malady with their huge power.

That’s the aime of Gion matsuri festival: To gather Ekishins and calm them down.

The construction of Hoko 鉾の構造

Now, let us learn about the construction of Hoko. The photo shows the framework of Hoko. The orange line indicates a roof and red line does a supporting rod called Kamuro-bashira.

Kamuro-bashira is connected to crossed rod called Hiuchi. Hiuchi is under the floor and fixed not to it but Yagura. When Hoko moves, Hiuchi moves to the opposite direction to Hoko itself and prevent Hoko falling down.

Put Shingi into Yagura 真木を挿す

After Shigi is completed, Hoko-builders put it to the bottom of Yagura.

Ornament Shigi with Sakaki and Shaguma 榊やしゃぐまをつける

Shingi is decorated with Sakaki, a sacred tree.

Shigi is also ornamented with Shaguma.

Let Deity rule 天王人形をお乗せする

In the end, Hoko builders put Goshintai on Tenno-dai. The photo is a Goshintai of Tsukihoko named Tsukiyomi no mikoto/ Tsukuyomi no mikoto. He is a brother of Susanoo no mikoto, the Deity enshrined in Yasaka shrine.

Goshintai is so sacred that we cannot look it down. So, it is wrapped in a cloth. The cloth has a string. A man holds it and the cloth is gone when Shingi stands.

Set up Shigi 真木を立てる

Winch up the rope again to set up Shingi.

Check the video!

Install roof and floor to Yagura 舞台と屋根をつける

After setting up Shingi, Hoko builders put roof and floor to Yagura and decorate them with beautiful ornaments.

Put wheels to Yagura 車輪をつける

Hoko-builders put huge pieces of wood named Ishimochi. They put wheel shaft under them.

To install wheel, they jack up Hoko.

Hoko-builders hold the wheel and put it into the shaft with stick ( the red allow indicats).

Ornament Hoko with tapestry , etc. 懸装品をつける

After the installing of wheel, Hoko is ornamented huge tapestry works, and so on.

In night time, paper lanterns are lit.

Finally, on the day of Yamahoko parade, important object like Goshintai (most of all Hoko has Goshintai other than Tenno ningyo). After the parade, Hoko is taken to pieces.

We can see fully ornamented Hoko couples of hours a year.

About Gion matsuri festival 祇園祭について

Check the article!

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