🏮 Gion Matsuri Yoiyama

祇園祭-宵山

Kyoto (Yasaka Shrine) · Every year on 16 July

Gion Matsuri's Yoiyama is the three-day event leading up to the Yamahoko Junko parade in the Gion Matsuri, whose central figure is Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. It is held each year from July 14 to 16 for the Mae Matsuri and from July 21 to 23 for the Ato Matsuri, a period full of atmosphere when komagata chochin lanterns are lit in each yamahoko (festival float) neighborhood and Gion bayashi music plays. The rites at Yasaka Shrine, which has a history of more than 1,000 years, originally prayed for the end of epidemics, and during Yoiyama, chimaki (talismans) for protection from disease and misfortune, based on the old story of Somin Shorai, are handed out. Highlights include the valuable holdings displayed at the yamahoko assembly places, such as gorgeous tapestries and sacred objects. At some yamahoko, the general public can also board, allowing visitors to view the decorations up close or look out over the city of Kyoto. Including both the Mae and Ato Matsuri, 34 yamahoko are erected in Kyoto City, drawing crowds.

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