Gion Matsuri Festival Schedule

The schedule of Gion Matsuri Festival (Gion Festival) is presented here. The highlight of Gion Matsuri Festival, Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession) is scheduled for July 17th for Former Festival (Saki Matsuri) and July 24th for Latter Festival (Ato Matsuri). Yoiyama dates are July 14th-16th for Former Festival (Saki Matsuri) and July 21st-23rd for Latter Festival (Ato Matsuri).

【Gion Matsuri Festival 2024 Schedule (confirmation required)】

Gion Matsuri Festival (Gion Festival) 2024 begins on July 1st, 2024 and ends on July 31st, 2024. With the exception of a few events at Gion Festival, most events have fixed dates.

• Former Festival Yoiyama : July 14th-16th, 2024
• Former Festival Yamahoko-Junko : July 17th, 2024
• Latter Festival Yoiyama : July 21th-23th, 2024
• Latter Festival Yamahoko-Junko : July 24th, 2024

【Early June : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Naginata Hoko Chigo-hapyou : One Chigo (Iki-Chigo) and two Kamuro are determined and announced. Chigo and Kamuro are about 10 years old. Chigo is considered to be a messenger of God.

【July 1st : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Kippu-iri (1st～) : yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns) and other places hold a meeting to confirm the schedule and pray for the safety of Gion Matsuri Festival. In yamahoko-cho, Deity figure (Goshintai) is enshrined. The schedule varies by yamahoko-cho.
●Naginatahoko-cho Osendo (10:00～) : Chigo and Kamuro visit Yasaka Shrine, report that they have been chosen and to pray for the safety of Gion Matsuri Festival. Walk around the main shrine 3 times clockwise, stopping at the front and back to pray. Chigo is considered to be a messenger of God, and Naginata Hoko leads the procession in Former Festival Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession).
●Nikai-bayashi (1st～) : In yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns) where there is Hayashi-kata (music group), Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) rehearsals begin on the second floor of the kaisho (meeting hall) in yamahoko-cho. Hayashi-kata is in Naginata Hoko, Kanko Hoko, Kikusui Hoko, Niwatori Hoko, Tsuki Hoko, Hoka Hoko, Fune Hoko, Iwato Yama, Ayakasa Hoko, Shijokasa Hoko, Kitakannon Yama, Minamikannon Yama, Ofune Hoko, and Taka Yama.

【July 2nd : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Kujitori-shiki (10:00～) : The order of Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession) is determined at the Kyoto City Hall. The order of 24 Yamahoko floats is determined, except for 10 Yamahoko floats whose order is fixed.
●Yamahoko Rengokai Shasan (11:30～) : After Kujitori-shiki, Yamahoko Rengokai (yamahoko-cho Organization) visit Yasaka Shrine, report the results of Kujitori-shiki and pray for the safety of Gion Matsuri Festival.

【July 3rd : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Funehoko-cho Shinmen-aratame (10:00～) : The main and copy masks（Shinmen）to be attached to Deity figure (Goshintai) are confirmed at Funehoko-cho.

【July 5th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Naginatahoko Chigo-mai-hirou (15:30～) : Chigo and Kamuro perform Chigo-mai (Taihei-no-mai) on the second floor of the kaisho (meeting hall) in Nagatohoko-cho. Chigo-mai purifies the course of Former Festival Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession) and prays for the eradication of epidemics.

【July 7th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Ayagasahoko-Chigo Shasan (14:30～) : Ayagasahoko-Chigo (6 children) visit Yasaka Shrine, report that they have been chosen and to pray for the safety of Gion Matsuri Festival. Walk around the main shrine 3 times clockwise, stopping at the front and back to pray.

【July 9th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●De-bayashi (17:30～) : Kikusui Hoko and Shijokasa Hoko perform Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) at Kawaramachi OPA. Shijokasa Hoko perform Stick-swing dance.

【July 10th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Former Festival Yamahoko-tate (10th-14th) : 23 Yamahoko floats are assembled. 23 Yamaboko floats are assembled using traditional techniques (Nawagarami) without the use of nails and with the use of rough straw ropes. The schedule varies by yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns).
●Shinyou-sui Kiyoharai-shiki (10:00～) : The ritual is held on the east bank of the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, and the divine water for purifying Mikoshi (portable shrine) is pumped from Kamo-gawa River.
●Takahashi-cho Shasan (11:00～) : Takahashi-cho visit Yasaka Shrine, pray for the safety of Gion Matsuri Festival. Takahashi-cho set up Imidake（2 bamboos）for Shimenawa-kiri (cutting shimenawa).
●Japanese Mythology Reading (13:00～) : Narratives of Japanese mythology is dedicated at Yasaka Shrine.
●Omukae-Chochin (16:30～) : Omukae-Chochin procession head from Yasaka Shrine to Kyoto City Hall, where the performing arts are dedicated in front of the City Hall. Omukae-Chochin procession return to Yasaka Shrine to welcome Nakagoza Mikoshi (portable shrine), which has been purified by Mikoshi-arai.
●Mikoshi-arai (18:00～) : Nakagoza Mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried from Yasaka Shrine to Shijo Ohashi Bridge and purified with the divine water (water pumped from Kamo-gawa River). It is said that bathing in the divine water sprinkled by Sakaki will bring good luck in warding off bad luck.

【July 12th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Former Festival Yamahoko-hikizome (14:00-15:30) : Kanko Hoko (Shijo-dori), Niwatori Hoko (Muromachi-dori), Tsuki Hoko (Shijo-dori), Kikusui Hoko (Muromachi-dori), and Naginata Hoko (Shijo-dori) are pulled. The general public may be able to participate.
Former Festival Yamahoko-hikizome (山鉾曳き初め)

【July 13th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Former Festival Chimaki-juyo (13th～16th) : Chimaki is sold at yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns). Chimaki has many benefits, such as warding off bad luck. Purchasing chimaki and other items may allow you to board Yamahoko float. The schedule varies by yamahoko-cho. It may be sold out.
●Former Festival Goshuin-atsume (13th-16th) : You can collect the red seals (Goshuin stamps) from yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns). Charges may apply. The schedule varies by yamahoko-cho.
●Naginatahoko Chigo Shasan (11:00～) : Chigo visits Yasaka Shrine, is given the rank of Shogoi-Major General, the same rank as Daimyo of 100,000 goku. Chigo boarding Naginata Hoko is given the rank so that Chigo will not be disrespectful when Chigo looking down on the person of high status or position.
●Kikusui Hoko Ocha-seki (13th～16th) : A Tea Party is held at Kikusui Hoko. Japanese sweets (Shitatari) associated with Chigo-figure will be served.
●Yamabushi Yama Chinowa-kuguri (13th～16th) : Chinowa ring about 2.5 meters in diameter is set up on Yamabushi Yama to pray for protection from bad luck and good health.
●Former Festival Toro Yama-kakizome (12:00～) : Toro Yama (Nishinotoin-dori) is pulled. The general public may be able to participate.
●Kuzekomagata-Chigo Shasan (14:00～) : Kuzekomagata-Chigo (2 children) visit Yasaka Shrine, pray for the safety of Gion Matsuri Festival. Kuzekomagata-Chigo is considered to be incarnations of God and lead Nakagoza Mikoshi on July 17th and July 24th.
●Former Festival Yamahoko-hikizome (15:00～) : Hoka Hoko (Shinmachi-dori), Fune Hoko (Shinmachi-dori) and Iwato Yama (Shinmachi-dori) are pulled. The general public may be able to participate.
ormer Festival Yamahoko-hikizome (山鉾曳き初め)

【July 14th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Byoubu-matsuri (14th-16th) : Byoubu (heirloom screens) and other items are displayed in Machiya townhouses around yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns). The treasured family heirlooms are displayed to dry out insects.
●Former Festival Yoiyama (Yoiyoiyoiyama) : In the evening, Komagata-chochin lanterns are lit on 23 Yamahoko floats and Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) is played on 10 Yamahoko floats with Hayashi-kata (music group). Stick-swing dance is performed at Ayakasa Hoko and Shijokasa Hoko. (no pedestrian zone, no food stalls)
Former Festival Yoiyama (宵山)

【July 15th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Imidake-tate (4:30～) : Imidake（2 bamboos）for Shimenawa-kiri are erected in Shijo Fuyacho.
●Yatai-Roten : Food stalls line Karasuma-dori, Muromachi-dori, Shinmachi-dori, and other streets from around noon.
●Ikamaryu Hocho-honoshiki (10:00～) : Ikama school knife ceremony is dedicated at Yasaka Shrine.
●Yamabushi Yama Goma-daki (11:00～) : Gomagi (wooden stick) is burned at Yamabushi Yama, to pray for the fulfillment of prayers and the safety of Former Festival Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession).
●Dentogeino-hono (15:00～) : Traditional performing arts such as Imayou-bugaku, Ichigen-goto, and Biwa are dedicated at Yasaka Shrine.
●Former Festival Yoiyama (Yoiyoiyama) : In the evening, Komagata-chochin lanterns are lit on 23 Yamahoko floats and Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) is played on 10 Yamahoko floats with Hayashi-kata (music group). Stick-swing dance is performed at Ayakasa Hoko and Shijokasa Hoko. Shijo-dori and other streets become pedestrian zones in the evening.
●Yoimiya-sai (20:00～) : The lights on Yasaka Shrine grounds are turned off and Yasaka Shrine Gods are transferred from the main shrine to 3 Mikoshi (Nakagoza, Hgashigoza and Nishigoza). Photography is prohibited during Yoimiya Sai.
●Ikebana-ten (15th-17th) : Ikebana arrangements are displayed in the show windows of stores facing Shijo-dori (from the stone steps of Yasaka Shrine to Shijo-Karasuma).

【July 16th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Kencha-sai (9:00～) : Tea (green tea) made from well water on Yasaka Shrine grounds is offered to Yasaka Shrine Gods.
●Yatai-Roten : Food stalls line Karasuma-dori, Muromachi-dori, Shinmachi-dori, and other streets from around noon.
●Former Festival Yoiyama : In the evening, Komagata-chochin lanterns are lit on 23 Yamahoko floats and Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) is played on 10 Yamahoko floats with Hayashi-kata (music group). Stick-swing dance is performed at Ayakasa Hoko and Shijokasa Hoko. Shijo-dori and other streets become pedestrian zones in the evening.
●Yoimiya Shinshin-honogyoji : In the evening, various performing arts such as Kyomai and Bugaku are dedicated on a temporary stage under the stone steps of Yasaka Shrine.
●Iwami Kagura (18:30～) : Iwami Kagura is dedicated at Yasaka Shrine.
●Hiyori-Kagura (21:00～) : yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns), that have Hayashi-kata (music group), go to the Shijo Otabisho while playing Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music), dedicating Gion-bayashi and praying for fine weather.
●Fune Hoko Jingukogo Goshintai-haraobimaki (23:30～) : A belly band is wrapped around Deity figure (Empress Jingu), to pray for safe delivery.
●Yumiya-cho Bugu-kazari (16ht-17th) : Samurai armor is displayed in townhouses and the town hall along Matsubara-dori (from Saifukuji-mae to Matsubara-bashi Bridge).

【July 17th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Former Festival Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession, Yamaboko Parade) (9:00～) : 23 Yamahoko floats, led by Naginata Hoko, depart from Shijo-Karasuma and parade along Shijo-dori, Kawaramachi-dori, and Oike-dori in that order. During Yamahoko-Junko, Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) is played and Chigo-mai (Taihei-no-mai) is performed by Naginata Hoko. Also, Kuji-aratame (Confirmation of order), Shimenawa-kiri, and Tsuji-mawashi (turning of streets) are held.
Former Festival Yamahoko-Junko (山鉾巡行)
●Okurai-gaeshinogi (14:00～) : Chigo visits Yasaka Shrine, returns the rank of Shogoi Major General and Daimyo of 100,000 goku.
●Shinko-sai : The ritual begins at 16:00 at Yasaka Shrine, followed by the departure ceremony at 18:00 under the stone steps of Yasaka Shrine. Around 18:30, 3 Mikoshi (Nakagoza, Hgashigoza and Nishigoza) are lifted overhead and turned clockwise, and then 3 Mikoshi go around shrine parishioner town to Shijo Otabisho.
Shinko-sai (神幸祭)

【July 18th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Latter Festival Yamahoko-tate : 11 Yamahoko floats are assembled. 11 Yamaboko floats are assembled using traditional techniques (Nawagarami) without the use of nails and with the use of rough straw ropes. The schedule varies by yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns).

【July 19th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Matsu-torishiki (13:00～) : Kitakannon Yama and Minamikannon Yama select two pines cut down in Narutaki, Kyoto by rock-paper-scissors and a lottery.

【July 20th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Latter Festival Chimaki-juyo (20th-23th) : Chimaki is sold at 10 yamahoko-cho except for Kitakannon Yama. Chimaki has many benefits, such as warding off bad luck. Purchasing chimaki and other items may allow you to board Yamahoko float. The schedule varies by yamahoko-cho. It may be sold out.
●Latter Festival Goshuin-atsume (20st-23th) : You can collect the red seals (Goshuin stamps) from yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns). Charges may apply. The schedule varies by yamahoko-cho.
●Latter Festival Yamahoko-hikizome (15:00～) : Kitakannon Yama (Shinmachi-dori), Minamikannon Yama (Shinmachi-dori), Ofune Hoko (Shinmachi-dori), and Taka Yama (Sanjo-dori) are pulled. The general public may be able to participate.
Latter Festival Yamahoko-hikizome (山鉾曳き初め)

【July 21st : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Byoubu-matsuri (21st-23th) : Byoubu (heirloom screens) and other items are displayed in Machiya townhouses around yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns). The treasured family heirlooms are displayed to dry out insects.
●Hashibenkei Yama Kakizome (11:00～) : Hashibenkei Yama (Takoyakushi-dori) is carried by the people concerned.
●Latter Festival Yoiyama (Yoiyoiyoiyama) : In the evening, Komagata-chochin lanterns are lit on 11 Yamahoko floats and Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) is played on 4 Yamahoko floats with Hayashi-kata (music group). (no pedestrian zone, no food stalls)
Latter Festival Yoiyama (宵山)

【July 22nd : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Latter Festival Yoiyama (Yoiyoiyama) : In the evening, Komagata-chochin lanterns are lit on 11 Yamahoko floats and Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) is played on 4 Yamahoko floats with Hayashi-kata (music group). (no pedestrian zone, no food stalls)

【July 23rd : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Sencha Kencha-sai (9:00～) : Sencha (green tea) is offered to Yasaka Shrine Gods at Yasaka Shrine.
●Biwa-hono (13:00～) : Biwa is dedicated at Yasaka Shrine.
●Ennogyoja Yama Goma-daki (14:00～) : Gomagi (wooden stick) is burned at Ennogyoja Yama, to pray for the fulfillment of prayers and the safety of Latter Festival Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession).
●Ohake Kiyoharae-shiki (14:00～) : Ohake, where Yasaka Shrine Gods of 3 Mikoshi (Nakagoza, Hgashigoza and Nishigoza) transfer and rest, is purified at Matabisha (Gokusha).
●Latter Festival Yoiyama : In the evening, Komagata-chochin lanterns are lit on 11 Yamahoko floats and Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) is played on 4 Yamahoko floats with Hayashi-kata (music group). (no pedestrian zone, no food stalls)
●Hiyori-Kagura (20:00～) : yamahoko-cho (yamahoko towns), that have Hayashi-kata (music group), go to the Shijo Otabisho while playing Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music), dedicating Gion-bayashi and praying for fine weather.
●Minamikannon Yama Abare-kannon (23:00～) : Yoryu Kannon (Deity figure) is wrapped around a lotus stand and go around the town. It is performed immediately after Hiyori-Kagura is finished.

【July 24th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Latter Festival Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession, Yamaboko Parade) (9:30～) : 11 Yamahoko floats, led by Hashibenkei Yama, depart from Karasuma-Oike and parade along Oike-dori, Kawaramachi-dori, and Shijo-dori in that order. During Yamahoko-Junko, Gion-bayashi (Gion Matsuri music) is played, and Kuji-aratame (confirmation of order) and Tsuji-mawashi (turning of streets) are held.
Latter Festival Yamahoko-Junko (山鉾巡行)
●Hanagasa-Junko (Hanagasa Parade) (9:30～) : The procession of Hanagasa depart from Shimogyo Junior High School Seitoku Gakusha and heads for Yasaka Shrine. After the procession, traditional performing arts and other performances are dedicated at Yasaka Shrine. In principle, two Hanamachi (Ponto-cho, Gion-Higashi, Gion-Koubu, Miyagawa-cho) participate every other year.
Hanagasa-Junko (花傘巡行)
●Kanko-sai (17:00～） : 3 Mikoshi (Nakagoza, Hgashigoza and Nishigoza) go from Shijo Otabisho to shrine parishioner town and back to Yasaka Shrine via Matabisha (Gokusha). 3 Mikoshi go around separate courses and return to Yasaka Shrine.
Kanko-sai (還幸祭)

【July 25th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Kyogen-hono (11:00～) : Shigeyama-Kyogen is dedicated at Yasaka Shrine.
●Sendango : Dumplings offered to 3 Mikoshi (Nakagoza, Hgashigoza and Nishigoza) are distributed at Matabisha (Gokusha). It is also said that eating it will ward off bad luck.

【July 28th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Shinyou-sui Kiyoharai-shiki (10:00～) : The ritual is held on the east bank of the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, and the divine water for purifying Mikoshi (portable shrine) is pumped from Kamo-gawa River.
●Mikoshi-arai (18:00～) : Nakagoza Mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried from Yasaka Shrine to Shijo Ohashi Bridge and purified with the divine water (water pumped from Kamo-gawa River). It is said that bathing in the divine water sprinkled by Sakaki will bring good luck in warding off bad luck.

【July 29th : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Shinjisumi-hokokusai (16:00～) : Reporting and thanking Yasaka Shrine Gods for the end of Gion Matsuri Festival at Yasaka Shrine.

【July 31st : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Eki Jinja Nagoshi-sai (10:00～) : Passing through Chinowa ring attached to the torii at Eki Shrine, receive an amulet. Nagoshi-sai is the last event to conclude Gion Matsuri Festival.

【irregular : Gion Matsuri Festival】

●Miyabikai Osendo : Kyomai-Inoue Iemoto and maiko and geiko from Gion Kobu walk around the main hall of Yasaka Shrine clockwise, praying for the improvement of their skills and the safety of Gion Matsuri Festival.
●Hamo-docyu : Hamo (pike conger eels) in wooden tubs, Ningyo Joruri puppets, Queen Awaji and Shimabara Tayu, etc. are paraded from Yasaka Shrine to Shijo Street.

【Gion Matsuri Festival Schedule remarks】
*Events may be rescheduled or cancelled. Also, the content of the event may have changed.
祇園祭2025日程一覧（宵山屋台・山鉾巡行・・・）