THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE
- Page 1Introduction, Breaking 2023
- Page 2 Breaking 2022, 2021, and 2020
- Page 3 Why cerebrated? What to see, Access 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 Yamahoko floats 1
- Page 9 Yamahoko floats 2
- Page 10 Yamahoko floats 3
- Page 11 Yamahoko floats 4
- Page 12 Yamahoko floats 5
- Page 13 Yamahoko floats 6
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.

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.

Want to know much more? Check them out, old sport!
- Why celebrated?
- Why Gion matsuri started in the private garden of emperors? (It is a post of the rock garden of Ryoanji and shows you the meaning of Japanese garden.)
- Gozu tenno and epidemics
- Mikoshis of Gion Matsuri
- When Yamahoko parade started?
- How to make Yamahoko floats?
- All the Yamahoko floats
- Sakimatsuri Yoiyama
- Atomatsuri Yoiyama

Attention: The schedule of Gion Matsuri might change. Check out the website of Yasaka Shrine.
BREAKING NEWS
7月18日
Now we can see Yaguras of Ofunehoko and Minamikannon Yama.
Takayama already has Shingi.
7月17日 Mikoshi and Yamaboko parade 神輿渡御・前祭巡行
7月15日 Yoi-yoi-Yama 宵々山
Early in the morning, the Imitakes were prapared.
The is prepared for the Shimenawa rope he cuts off.
7月14日 Yoi-yoi-yoi-Yama 宵々々山
At Shinsen-en, the place Gion Matsuri started some 1000 years ago, the abbot of Shinsen-en temple and the priest of Yaska shrine exchanged the sacred water.

In Japan, we use water for Harae. Check the post on Chinowa Kuguri.

7/13 Yoi-yoi-yoi-yoi Yama 宵々々々山
Yamahokos lit their Komagata Chochin lanters.
Near Naginata hoko, the trafic regulation is on.
This year, Kanko Hoko offers us 2 kinds of Goshuin stamp (300 yen each). Kanko Hoko prepares a tapis of Mont Saint-Michel for the Maekake. The special sheet for Goshuin is available for 200 yen. (the right)
Kikusui Hoko Tea Party started.
- 13th・・・13:00~21:00
- 14th・・・12:00~21:00
- 15th・・・13:00~21:00
- 16th・・・12:00~21:00

しっぽり
しっぽり(Shippori) means something wet physically or mentally.
7/12
Today, the musicians of Kikusui Hoko and Kanko Hoko plays Gion Bayashi music on each Hoko. At Kaisho of Kanoko Hoko, we can have Chimaki for 1000 yen.
7/11
Now Mikoshis are in Buden of Yasaka shrine. The priests will bring the sprits of the deities to them on 15th.
Today, Yamahoko-building started,

Check out.

The Ohayashi musicians of Ohfunehoko are practicing.
At Daimaru department store, we can see the figurehead of Ofune Hoko.
This year, the Samura armor exhibition of Yumiyacho takes place.

On 7/12, I found 2 armors. I’m sure some Samurais couldn’t afford to wait.

It is not a well-known event. Only few Gion Matsuri-enthusiasts know. DO NOT MISS it.
- Dates・・・7/15~17
- Opne hours・・・10:00~17:00
7月10日
Mikoshi Arai shiki and Omukae Chochin took place.
Must-sees: 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.

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.

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.
- Nigimitama 和魂=Tender spirit
- Aramitama 荒魂=Fierce spirit
- Sakimitama 幸魂=Sprit bring us benefits
- Kushimitama 奇魂=Sprit bring us benefit weird things
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.

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 ).

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 the Shinji, the people are kind of bystanders.
And at Yoiyama, there are food stands. They are belongs 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.
Must-sees 1: Shinji 神事
Mikohis 神輿渡御
On Mikohis, the deities head for Otabisho and stay there to be with us.

Kuze Komagata Chigo 久世駒形稚児
The Aramitama of Susanoh no Mikoto enshrined in Yasaka shrine. Kuze Komagata Chigo, the boy on the horse, is considered the Nigimitama of him because it is on the horse head (駒形) he has in the chest.


In Aoi Matsuri, Mikage Matsuri plays the same role.

Mikoshi Kiyoharae shiki 神輿清祓式
The priest cleanse the Mikoshi to prepare for the deity. In 2023, it takes place on the Shijo bridge.

It could be a ritual to let the Mitama of Gozu Tenno in to the Mikoshi.
Must-sees 2: Shinji (de facto ones) 神事に準ずるもの
Yamahoko parade 山鉾巡行
As previously refared, Yamahoko parade is a de facto Shinji gathering Ekijins and make a great contribution to the Matsuri.
The most exciting moment.
Ochigo-san of Naginata Hoko 長刀鉾の生稚児
Only Naginata Hoko has its Ochigo-san. He performs Chigomai dance performance.
He is considered as a messenger of the deity.
He cuts off the Shimenawa rope that tells the secular and the sacred world. Naginata Hoko enters the sacred world to gathre Ekijins. The parade has started.
鷹山
Takayama came back to the parade for the first time in 196 years. The footage tells us the toughest Tsujimawasi ever. Due to the narrow streets and the power lines, there is a small room to change the direction.

Must-sees 3: Kami Nigiwai 神賑
Yoiyamas 宵山
- Saki Matsuri 前祭・・・7/14~16
- Ato Matsuri 後祭・・・7/21~23
Yoiyamas are the days before Yamahoko parades. The lanterns of Yamahokos are lit and you can have souvenirs ans Goshuin stamps there. And on 15th and 16th, you can enjoy lots of food stands.


On 15th and 16th, Mission: Gion Matsuri with no garbage will be on.
The food stands uses 4 kinds of recyclable cups and dishes.
With “Mai Botoru (My bottle. Canteen you have. Not empty pet-bottle is available) , you can have water at the water stagions.
Hanakasa Junko 花傘巡行
It takes place for the first time in four years.
Iwami Kagura 石見神楽
A Kagura performance dedicated to Susanoh no Mikoto, the deity of Yasaka shrine. (on 7/15) He put down Yamata no Orochi, the huge serpent with 8 heads to save Kushinasa Hime, his wife to be. It is one of the most famous story in Japanese mythology.

You also can see Ebessan in other Kagura on the same day.
Gion Tea party 祇園大茶会 7/15 and 16
At a place near Minami Romon of Yasaka shrine, the tea party is held. You can enjoy traditional Japanese tea for 2000 yen.

Maiko-san (apprentice of Geiko) and Geiko-san bring you a cup.
Gion Matsuri 2023
Overview
- In 2023, Mikoshi and Yamahoko parade take place.
- Ceremonies held by Yasaka shrine would take place.
- Kaisho Kazari: Available except Shijo Kasahoko and Kita Kannon Yama.
- Goshiin Stamps: Available except Koiyama.
- Yamahoko floats we can be on in Saki Matsuri: Naginata Hoko, Kanko Hoko, Niwatori Hoko, Kikusui Hoko, Tsuki Hoko, Fune Hoko, Hoka Hoko, and Iwato Yama.
- Yamahoko floats we can be on in Ato Matsuri: Minami Kannnon Yama, Ofune Hoko, and Taka Yama.

Attention! These schedule is subject to change.
Highlights

- Mikoshis parade as usual. At Shise-en Temple ceremonies take place in both Shinto and Buddhist way.
- Saki Matsuri Yoiyama must be crowded i.e., オニのように混雑する蓋然性があるっつーか混むにきまってんべが。
- Ato Matusri Yoiyama would be crowded but not as Saki Matsuri.
- This year’s Eto is bunny. Tsukihoko would be crowded and souvenirs must be sold out. Especially Chimaki and Tenugui towels.
- Souvenirs of Toro Yama must be sold out on the 1st day. Especially T-shirts.
- Kanko Hoko would offer 4 Goshuin stamps. (1 and 2 are available every year and 3 and 4 are of the year.)
- The frame of Takayama is to be painted with Urushi lacquer.
- Koi Yama doesn’t offer Goshuin stamps this year.

Kanko Hoko Goshuin satmps 2022

In 2022

Goshuin stamp of Koi Yama.
Reservation Seats 有料観覧席
Reservation seats are available in Saki Matsuri and Ato Matsuri. They go on sale on 6/6/2023. Check Kyoto Kanko Navi.
For Saki Matsuri and Ato Matsuri
- Seats・・・Front row 5,100 JPY and other rows 4,100 JPY
- Seats with audio guide・・・・Front row 10,000 JPY and other rows 9,000 JP
Schedule of Yoiyamas
- Saki Matsuri ・・・7/14~16
- Ato Matsuri ・・・7/21~23
At Saki Matsuri, traffic regulations must be on.
Schedules 2023 (July)
General
Date | Hours | EVENTS | |
1st | 10:00 | Naginatahokocho Osendo 長刀鉾町御千度 | Ochigosan and the neighbourhood association of Naginata Hoko pay a visit to Yasaka shrine. |
2nd | 11:30 | Yamahoko Rengokai Shasan 山鉾連合会社参 | Members of Yamahoko Rengokai association pay a visit to Yasaka shrine. |
3rd | 14:00 | Hamo Hono Hokoku Sai 鱧奉納奉告祭 | The Tourism Assosiation of Awaji dedicates Hamo fishes. |
7th | 14:30 | Ayagasahoko Chigo Shasan 綾傘鉾稚児社参 | Ochigosan and the neighbourhood association pay a visit to Yasaka shrine. |
10th | 13:00 | Japanese Mythology Reading 日本神話語り奉納 | Story tellers’ dedication of Japanese Mythology. |
16:30 | Omukae Chochin お迎え提灯 | Parade welcomes Mikoshis | |
20:00 | Mikoshi Arai Shiki 神輿洗式 | Mikoshi is cleansed on Shijo Ohashi bridge | |
13th | 11:00 | Naginatahoko Chigo Shasan 長刀鉾稚児社参 | Ochogosan pays a visit to Yasaka shrine on his steed. |
14:00 | Kuze Chigo Shasan 久世稚児社参 | The counsil of Ayato Kuninaka shrine pays a visit to Yasaka shrine. | |
14th | 10:30 | Shinsenen, Gionsha Goshinsui Koukan 神泉苑・祇園御神水交換 | At Shinsenen temple, Yasaka shrine and Shinsenen exchange the sacred water each other |
15th | 10:00 | Ikamaryuu Hocho Honoshiki 生間流包丁奉納式 | In the main hall of Yasaka shrine. |
20:00 | Yoimiya Sai 宵宮祭 | Preiests lead the Deities to Mikoshi. | |
16th | 9:00 | Kencha Sai 献茶祭 | At Yasaka Shrine. |
18:30 | Iwami Kagura Hono 石見神楽 | The Kagura performance tells a story of the Deity. | |
23:00 | Hiyori Kagura 日和神楽 | The musicians of Yamahoko floats dedicates Kagura music to the Deities at Otabisho. | |
17th | 9:00 | Yamahoko Parade 山鉾巡行 | 23 Yamahokos |
16:00 | Shinkoh Sai 神幸祭 | Ceremony at Yasaka shrine | |
18:00 | Mikoshi Togyo Syupatsu Sai 神輿渡御出発祭 | 3 Mikoshis head for Otabisho. | |
23rd | 9:00 | Sencha Kencha Sai 煎茶献茶祭 | At Yasaka Shrine. |
14:00 | Ohake Kiyoharae shiki オハケ清祓式 | Ceremony at Matarabisha | |
22:00 | Hiyori Kagura 日和神楽 | The musicians of Yamahoko floats dedicates Kagura music to the Deities at Otabisho. | |
24th | 9:30 | Yamahoko Parade 山鉾巡行 | 11 yamahokos |
9:30 | Hanagasa Parade 花傘巡行 | Parade belongs to Yamahoko parade | |
Around 23:00 | Kanko Sai 還幸祭 | 3 Mikoshis return Yasaka shrine. | |
28th | 20:00 | Mikoshi Arai Shiki 神輿洗式 | Mikoshi is cleansed on Shijo Ohashi bridge |
31st | 10:00 | Eki Jinja Nagoshi Sai 疫神社夏越祭 | At Eki Jinja shrine, in Yasaka shrine. |
The order of Yamahoko parade
Saki Matsuri
1 | くじ取らず | 長刀鉾 Naginatahoko |
2 | 山壱番 | 霰天神山 Arare Tenjin Yama |
3 | 山弐番 | 孟宗山 Moso Yama |
4 | 山参番 | 木賊山 Tokusa Yama |
5 | くじ取らず | 函谷鉾 Kanko Hoko |
6 | 山四番 | 白楽天山 Hakurakuten Yama |
7 | 傘壱番 | 綾傘鉾 Ayagasa Hoko |
8 | 山五番 | 太子山 Taishi Yama |
9 | 鉾壱番 | 菊水鉾 Kikusui Hoko |
10 | 山六番 | 芦刈山 Ashikari Yama |
11 | 山七番 | 伯牙山 Hakuga Yama |
12 | 山八番 | 郭巨山 Kakkyo Yama |
13 | 鉾弐番 | 月鉾 Tsuki Hoko |
14 | 山九番 | 山伏山 Yamabushi Yama |
15 | 傘弐番 | 四条傘鉾 Shijo Kasahoko |
16 | 山拾番 | 占出山 Urade Yama |
17 | 鉾参番 | 鶏鉾 Niwatori Hoko |
18 | 山拾一番 | 油天神山 Abura Tenjin Yama |
19 | 山拾弐番 | 蟷螂山 Toro Yama |
20 | 山拾参番 | 保昌山 Hosho Yama |
21 | くじ取らず | 放下鉾 Hohka Hoko |
22 | くじ取らず | 岩戸山 Iwato Yama |
23 | くじ取らず | 船鉾 Fune Hoko |
Ato Matsuri
1 | くじ取らず | 橋弁慶山 Hasih Benkei Yama |
2 | くじ取らず | 北観音山 Kita Kannon Yama |
3 | 山壱番 | 役行者山 En no Gyoja Yama |
4 | 山弐番 | 鯉山 Koi Yama |
5 | 山参番 | 黒主山 Kuronushi Yama |
6 | くじ取らず | 南観音山 Minami Kannon Yama |
7 | 山四番 | 浄妙山 Jyomyo Yama |
8 | 山五番 | 八幡山 Hachiman Yama |
9 | 山六番 | 鈴鹿山 Suzuka Yama |
10 | くじ取らず | 鷹山 Taka Yama |
11 | くじ取らず | 大船鉾 Ohfune Hoko |
Yamahoko building
Saki Matsuri 前祭 | |
10th | Naginata Hoko長刀鉾 |
Kanko Hoko函谷鉾 | |
Niwatori Hoko鶏鉾 | |
Kikusui Hoko菊水鉾 | |
Tsuki Hoko月鉾 | |
11th | Fune Hoko船鉾 |
Hoka Hoko放下鉾 | |
Iwato Yama岩戸山 | |
12th | Hosho Yama保昌山 |
Hakuga Yama伯牙山 | |
13th | Ashikari Yama芦刈山 |
Urade Yama占出山 | |
Yamabushi Yama山伏山 | |
Arare Tenjin Yama霰天神山 | |
Kakkyo Yama郭巨山 | |
Hakuga Yama伯牙山 | |
Ashikari Yama芦刈山 | |
Abura Tenjin Yama油天神山 | |
Tokusa Yama木賊山 | |
Taishi Yama太子山 | |
Hakurakuten Yama白楽天山 | |
Ayagasa Hoko綾傘鉾 | |
Toro Yama蟷螂山 | |
14th | Moso Yama孟宗山 |
Shijo Kasahoko四条傘鉾 | |
Atomatsuri 後祭 | |
18th | Minami Kannnon Yama南観音山 |
Shijo Ofune Hok四条大船鉾 | |
Takayama鷹山 | |
19th | Koiyama鯉山 |
Kuranushi Yama黒主山 | |
Minami Kannon Yama南観音山 | |
Koi Yama鯉山 | |
20th | Ennno Gyoja Yama役行者山 |
Suzuka Yama鈴鹿山 | |
Hachiman Yama八幡山 | |
21st | Hashi Benkei Yama橋弁慶山 |
Kaisho open hours
Kaisho is a place each Yamahoko float belongs to. Usually, it is a storehouse of floats. In Gion Matsuri, it works as headquarters. We can enjoy Kaisyo Kazari and buy souvenirs there.
Sakimatsuri 前祭 | |
13th~16th | Naginata Hoko長刀鉾 |
Kanko Hoko函谷鉾 | |
Niwatori Hoko鶏鉾 | |
Kikusui Hoko菊水鉾 | |
Tsuki Hoko月鉾 | |
Iwato Yama岩戸山 | |
Hosho Yama保昌山 | |
Hakurakuten Yama白楽天山 | |
Toro Yama蟷螂山 | |
14th~16th | Hoka Hoko放下鉾 |
Fune Hoko船鉾 | |
Moso Yama孟宗山 | |
Urade Yama占出山 | |
Yamabushi Yama山伏山 | |
Arare Tenjin Yama霰天神山 | |
Kakkyo Yama郭巨山 | |
Hakuga Yama伯牙山 | |
Ashikari Yama芦刈山 | |
Abura Tenjin Yama油天神山 | |
Tokusa Yama木賊山 | |
Taishi Yama太子山 | |
Ayagasa Hoko綾傘鉾 | |
Shijo Kasahoko四条傘鉾 | |
Minami Kannnon Yama南観音山 | |
17th | Minami Kannnon Yama南観音山 |
Atomatsuri 後祭 | |
20th~23rd | Ennno Gyoja Yama役行者山 |
Shijo Ofune Hok四条大船鉾 | |
21st~23rd | Minami Kannnon Yama南観音山 |
Hashi Benkei Yama橋弁慶山 | |
Koi Yama鯉山 | |
Jyomyo Yama浄妙山 | |
Kuranushi Yama黒主山 | |
Suzuka Yama鈴鹿山 | |
Hachiman Yama八幡山 | |
Takayama鷹山 |