Gion Matsuri
MatsuriKansai(Kyoto)
Annual eventDates
2026-07-01 — 2026-07-31
Venue
Yasaka Shrine and central Kyoto streets
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Extremely crowdedOne of Japan's three great festivals, held in Kyoto with elaborate float processions.
Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's three greatest festivals, held throughout July in Kyoto. The highlight is the Yamaboko Junko float procession on July 17 and 24, where 33 towering, elaborately decorated floats are pulled through the streets. Evening Yoiyama street festivals from July 14-16 transform central Kyoto into a lively night market with food stalls and lantern-lit floats.
Highlights
Yamaboko Junko float procession on July 17 and 24; Yoiyama evening festivals with lantern-lit floats and street food; Shinko-sai portable shrine procession
Access
5-minute walk from Hankyu Karasuma Station or Shijo Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway. The float procession runs along Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori.
Tips for Visitors
Arrive early for the July 17 procession as streets get extremely crowded. Yoiyama evenings (July 14-16) are the best time to see floats up close. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water for the summer heat.