🏮 Gishi Matsuri

義士祭り

Kyoto (Oishi Shrine, Iwaya Temple, Zuiko-in Temple) · Every year on 14 December

Traditional performing arts

91 days to go
Rooms around Kyoto fill up while the festival is on.

The Kyoto Yamashina Gishi Matsuri is held every December in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto. It centers on a procession of gishi (loyal retainers) that departs from Bishamondo Temple and proceeds to Oishi Shrine. Organized by the Yamashina Gishi Matsuri Executive Committee and others, ward residents reenact the procession of the forty-seven ronin in raid costumes. The festival traces its origins to the historical fact that Oishi Kuranosuke lived in hiding in Kyoto Yamashina until the raid, and it has continued since 1974. It began with the aim of bringing local residents, businesses, and government together to foster a sense of community solidarity, and for nearly half a century it has been familiar as a year-end tradition in Kyoto. Along the procession route, at the Tobu Bunka Kaikan, plays depicting the "blade wound in the Matsu Corridor" and the "raid" are performed with the cooperation of Toei Kyoto Studio Park, while the children's gishi corps, the "Oishi Ondo," and the "Genroku Hanami Odori" add color. After paying respects at Iwaya Temple, the procession arrives at Oishi Shrine, where the gishi corps' victory cheers bring it to a close.

Getting there

Get off at Yamashina Station on JR, the Subway Tozai Line, or the Keihan Otsu Line; about 20 minutes on foot to Bishamondo Temple. For Oishi Shrine, get off at the bus stop "Oishi Shrine" and walk about 3 minutes.