We invite you to visit the grand Gion Matsuri festival in the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto.
This is the annual festival of Yasaka Shrine, which has a history of about 1,100 years. It is considered one of Japan's top three festivals, along with Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. The festivities span the entire month of July, but its undoubted highlight is the procession of 33 large platforms, known as yamahoko, that roll through the streets of Kyoto. The 29 festive platforms are categorized as important tangible cultural property of Japan. Some of them weigh more than 10 tons.
The festival takes place throughout July, with a grand procession of platforms scheduled for July 17. There will also be a second smaller procession on July 24.
We're looking forward to visiting.
