Houka-hoko (放下鉾) During the Yamaboko Junko (山鉾巡行) in Kyoto, 2012! This float derives its name from the small image of a Hoka-so priest near the middle of its center pole. Hoka-so appeared in the mid-Muromachi period (15th century) and are groups of Buddhist monks who traveled from place to place in rural Japan entertaining local people by performing a variety of stunts for the purpose of disseminating their faith (Photo: Hugo Kempeneer)

Gion Matsuri in Photos: Part 1

Yama Hoko Grand Parade in Kyoto

Hugo Kempeneer   - 1 min read

It’s July in Japan and for the city of Kyoto, that means the Gion Matsuri. This year (2014) the event is split in two, the Saki Matsuri (July 17th: Yama Hoko Grand Parade) and the Ato Matsuri (July 24th: Yama Hoko Grand Parade & Hanagasa Flower Hat Procession).

The following floats are shown in this photo story:

  • Abura Tenjin Yama,
  • Arare Tenjinyama,
  • Ashikari-yama,
  • Ayagasa-hoko,
  • En-no-gyoja-yama,
  • Fune-hoko,
  • Hachiman-yama,
  • Hakurakuten-yama,
  • Hashi-Benkei-Yama,
  • Houka-hoko and
  • Houshou-yama.

More info

Find out more about Yasaka Shrine.

Hugo Kempeneer

Hugo Kempeneer @hugo.kempeneer

I was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and enjoyed my teenage years during the peak of the "Flower Power Hippie" generation. I hitchhiked through Europe, living on a beach south of Agadir, Morocco for some time to learn English. Aside from Japan, I have lived in Indonesia, the Philippines, South Kore...