THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE
- This page Intoroduction, Breaking 2023, etc.
- 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.
Yoiyama festival of Sakimatsuri (前祭 宵山) from 14 to 16th July
General
Yoiyama of Sakimatsuri is one of the most popular event in .Gion matsuri festival. 16th of July is the most crowded day.
The must-see 1 “Byobu matsuri (屏風祭)”
As I indicated before, Yamahoko neighbors let you see inside of their houses and treasures.
The must-see 2 “Kaisho kazari (会所飾り)”
In Yamahoko headquarters, you can see Goshintai and ornaments of Yamahokos.
This is an ornament of Koiyama. You can visit to Koiyama headquarters during Sakimatsuri period though Koiyama belongs to Atomatsuri.
The must-see 3 “Gion bayashi (祇園囃子)”
During Yoiyama period, Each Yamahoko which has Obayashi begins to play them.
The must-see 4 “On Yamaboko (鉾にのる)”
You can be on Hokos.
Schedule
- Naginata Hoko 長刀鉾・・・13th（13:00～22:00）14～16th（10:00～22:00）
- Kanko Hoko 函谷鉾・・・13th（10:00～22:00）14～16th（9:00～22:00）
- Niwatori Hoko 鶏鉾・・・13～16th（9:00～21:00）
- Kikusui Hoko 菊水鉾・・・13～16th（10:00～21:00）
- Tsuki Hoko 月鉾・・・・13th（13:00～21:00）14～16th（10:00～21:00）
- Hoka Hoko 放下鉾・・・NOT AVAILABLE
- Fune Hoko 船鉾・・・13th（18:00～22:00）14～16th（12:00～22:00）
- Iwato Yama 岩戸山・・・13th（20:00～22:00）14～16th（9:00～22:00）
The must-see 5 “Souvenirs (授与品)”
Each Yamahoko sells souvenirs like Chimaki and Tenugui hand towel. You better get them in the day time on 14th and 15th incase they are sold out.
The must-see 6 “Gosyuin (御朱印)”
“Gosyuin (御朱印)” is a stamp you can have when you visit shrine and temple. Collecting Gosyuin is very popular in Japan these days. In Gion matsuri festival, we can have special Gosyuin of Yamahokos!
A “Gosyuin book” is also available. You can buy it at bookstores and Yamahoko headquarters.
The must-see 7 “Paper lanterns of midnight (夜の駒形提灯)”
My recommendations are the nights of 14th and 15th. Around 10:00 a.m., most people came from outside of the city are on the way to home and the calm atmosphere arrives. In the heat of Matsuri night, we are brought away to somewhere we’ve never expected. Let us see the video below.
