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Gion matsuri festival in Kyoto 2024: Mikoshis, Yamahoko floats, and Yoiyamas!!! 祇園祭2024英語で説明

THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE

The following is the contents of this article.

スポンサーリンク

Introduction

御旅所

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.

牛頭天王

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
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.

七里ヶ浜親方
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

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

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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.

七里ヶ浜親方
七里ヶ浜親方

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

"Chinowa kuguri" at Yasaka shrine 2023 茅の輪くぐり英語で説明
Chinowa is a big wreath. A story about Somin Shorai says that the Deity save us from malady with it. We always find it in June and July but we also find it in March to prepare for coronavirus.

7/13 Yoi-yoi-yoi-yoi Yama 宵々々々山

Yamahokos lit their Komagata Chochin lanters.

祇園祭2023宵山混雑状況

Near Naginata hoko, the trafic regulation is on.

函谷鉾2023御朱印

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

祇園祭宵山2023

シカさん
シカさん

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

祇園祭2023

Now Mikoshis are in Buden of Yasaka shrine. The priests will bring the sprits of the deities to them on 15th.

祇園祭2023鉾立

Today, Yamahoko-building started,

シカさん
シカさん

Check out.

How to build Yamahoko float? Gion matsuri festival 2024
Hoko tate 鉾建て(Yamahoko buidling) In Yamahoko/ Yamaboko parade in Gion matsuri festival, we can see 4 kinds of Yamahoko f...

The Ohayashi musicians of Ohfunehoko are practicing.

大船鉾龍頭

At Daimaru department store, we can see the figurehead of Ofune Hoko.

祇園祭弓矢町武具飾2023

This year, the Samura armor exhibition of Yumiyacho takes place.

七里ヶ浜親方
七里ヶ浜親方

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

お福さん
お福さん

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.

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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.

たけちよ
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
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.

  • 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.

シカさん
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
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 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.

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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.

Gion matsuri 2023: Mikoshi, portable shrine, guide 祇園祭の神輿英語で説明
Gion matsuri is famous for Yamaboko floats but the most important thing is Mikoshi, or porptable shrine. In this article, I'll show you the history, importance of it.

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.

Gion Matsuri festival 2023: Kuze Komagata Chigo, the most important figure 久世駒形稚児英語で説明
Kuze Komagata Chigo is the most important figure in Gion Matsuri festival. Without him, Gion Matsuri cannot be accomplished.
たけちよ
たけちよ

In Aoi Matsuri, Mikage Matsuri plays the same role.

Mikage matsuri 2023: The most important ritual prior to Aoi matsuri festival
Mikage matsuri is a ritual held prior to Aoi Matsuri The most important ritual is Miare shinji held on the 12th May at Mikage shrine. On the very day, the Deity of Shimogamo shrine is born there.

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.

七里ヶ浜親方
七里ヶ浜親方

It could be a ritual to let the Mitama of Gozu Tenno in to the Mikoshi.

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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.

TAKAYAMA COME BACK SPECIAL 2022 in Gion Matsuri!!! 祇園祭鷹山英語で説明
Takayamma is one of the long-lost Yamahoko floats in Gion matsuri. In 2022, it will come back to the parade for the first time in 196 years.
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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.

Gion Matsuri 2023: Sakimatsuri Yoiyama 祇園祭前祭宵山英語で説明
In Gion Matsuri, Yoiyama take place prior to Yamahoko parade. In this article, you can learn the way to enjoy it.
シカさん
シカさん

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.

祇園祭ごみゼロ大作戦 - 祇園祭の宵宵山・宵山はリユース食器を使います!
祇園祭の宵宵山・宵山はリユース食器を使います!

Hanakasa Junko 花傘巡行

花傘巡行花傘巡行

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.

シカさん
シカさん

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.

シカさん
シカさん

Maiko-san (apprentice of Geiko) and Geiko-san bring you a cup.

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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.
たけちよ
たけちよ

Attention! These schedule is subject to change.

Highlights

七里ヶ浜親方
七里ヶ浜親方
  • 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.
お福さん
お福さん

Kanko Hoko Goshuin satmps 2022

函谷鉾御朱印2022函谷鉾御朱印2022

アフロさん
アフロさん

In 2022

函谷鉾2023御朱印

シカさん
シカさん

Goshuin stamp of Koi Yama.

鯉山の御朱印

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.

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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