Festivals and Events of Kyoto
There are many festivals held in Kyoto throughout a year. Among them, Aoi-matsuri, Gion-matsuri and Jidai-matsuri are called Kyoto's big three.
- Aoi-Matsuri
Aoi-matsuri, Hollyhock festival, is held May 15 every year. This is the
festival of Kamigamo-jinja and Shimogamo-jinja. Main event of the festival
is a procession of people wearing in ancient costume. - Gion-Matsuri
Gion Matsuri, or Gion Festival is held from July 1 to July 31 every year. The big festival has more than 1,000 years of history. There are more than ten events held during the month of the festival.
Yoiyama
This is the eve of Yamaboko-Junko, or procession of floats. Figures and
decorations of Yamaboko floats are displayed for a closer look. The both
sides of the streets are lined with stalls that sell foods, inexpensive
goods or provides entertainment.Yamaboko Junko
The most famous and popular event among events of Gion-matsuri is Yamaboko
Junko where Yamaboko floats parade slowly in central Kyoto in the morning
of July 17.Shinko-sai
Another event, Shinko-sai, held in the evening of July 17, is wild and
masculine. It is not so famous as Yamaboko Junko but it is worth to see
it if you visit Kyoto to see Yamaboko Junko. - Jidai-Matsuri
Jidai-matsuri, or Festival of the Ages dates back to 1895. The festival
was started to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of transferring the capital
to Kyoto. Around 2500 people wearing costume ranging from the 8th to the
19th century parade from the imperial palace to Heian-jingu shrine on October
22 every year. - Hanatouro
This special event is held in March every year as a tourism campaign.
"Hanatouro" or "Hanatoro" literally means "Flower
and light road". Thousands of lanterns are placed along selected paths
in Higashiyama from Sanjo to Gojo. They also exhibit flower arrangements
in Maruyama-koen park. Temples and a shrine in this area light up their
buildings and trees. In addition to Higashiyama Hanatoro, they started
another tourism campaign, Arashiyama Hanatoro in December, 2005.