Kyoto

Gion Matsuri Nights

Three wonderful nights of festival in Kyoto

Cathy Cawood Jul 06, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>If you can catch a fish  in a tissue paper scoop, you get to take it home  </p>

<p>Do you have the skill to win an inflatable doll?</p>

<p>A bridge between an upper floor and one of the tall Gion floats</p>

<p>You can see many beautiful summer kimonos</p>

For three nights from July 13 to 16, the streets around Kyoto's main business area are closed to traffic. Instead, food and amusement stalls line the narrow side streets off Shijo Street, and thousands of people pour into the area to eat, to drink, and especially to look at the Gion floats parked in the streets. Many people wear summer kimonos and the sound of traditional Gion music is everywhere. Lanterns big and small light the scene. One word of warning - the subway gets extremely crowded, so if that is your method of transport, be prepared for long queues.

More info

Find out more about Yasaka Shrine.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...