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.
Must-sees 2: 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 3: De facto Dhinji 神事に準ずるもの
Yamahoko parade 山鉾巡行
As previously refarred, Yamahoko parade is a de facto Shinji gathering Ekijins and make a great contribution to the Matsuri.
The hokos in Gion goryo-e is believed to developed into Yamahokos/Yamabokos (山鉾). At the first time, people held hokos by the hand. In Muromachi period (1336 – 1573), they are on the carriage called Hokosya (鉾車). At the end of the period, the hokosya began to be decorated with ornaments as Yamahoko of these days.
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.
The Reiwa 4 Takayama comeback special 鷹山
Takayama came back to the parade for the first time in 196 years in 2022. 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 4: 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.
Yoiyama festival (宵山)
Yoiyama (宵山) is the most popular event in Gion matsuri festival. When twilight comes, paper lanterns on Yamahokos are lit and the musicians of Hokos begin to play Ohayashi (お囃子) music.(See the video above.)
On the Yoiyama days, Yamahokos almost dress full except some ornaments and Goshintai(御神体).
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.
