Gion Matsuri 祇園祭
Visiting Gion Matsuri today
- What it is: Yasaka Shrine's month-long July festival. The highlight is the Yamaboko Junko, when giant wooden floats are pulled through central Kyoto.
- When: In 2026 the Saki Matsuri parade was 17 July (from Shijo Karasuma at 9:00) and the Ato Matsuri parade 24 July (from Karasuma Oike at 9:30). 2027 times are not yet announced; the dates stay fixed.
- Where: Saki parade: Shijo-dori east to Kawaramachi, north to Oike, then west to Shinmachi. Ato parade runs the reverse direction. Nearest stations: Shijo (subway) and Karasuma (Hankyu).
- Watching: Free from the pavement. Paid seats on the route were ¥8,000 front row and ¥6,000 other rows in 2026. The parade goes ahead in rain; umbrellas that block views are not allowed in seats.
- Tip: Arrive by 8:00 for a kerbside spot near Shijo Kawaramachi, where floats make the tsuji-mawashi 90-degree turn. Expect heat; bring water and a hat.
Best time
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Checked against: Gion Matsuri 2026 visitor guide (Kyoto City, PDF) · Gion Matsuri 2026 schedule: yamaboko and Yoiyama (vegcale). Check opening times and prices before you go.
Gion Matsuri on Shibuya246
Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.
Photos
Gion Matsuri
The Gion Matsuri is one of the 3 well known and important annual festivals in Kyoto. Spanning the whole month of July one of its best known events is the parade through the streets of the Yamaboko Junkō on July 17.
Culture
Gion Matsuri
One of the most important festivals of the year, and one that takes over the city of Kyoto for almost a month as the town comes together to prepare and…