Written by Alexandra Ziminski
The Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival) is a month-long festival that takes place in Kyoto in July each year. The name comes from the neighborhood of Gion, which is home to some of the more traditional parts of Kyoto — including the geisha quarter.
What happens?
The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, held throughout July, is arguably Japan’s most famous festival. This centuries-old tradition fills the city with towering floats, ritual processions, and nighttime street festivities. Originally a plea to stop plague in the 9th century, it now draws visitors from around the world to see the hand-built floats roll through Kyoto’s downtown.
Schedule 2025
Although there are processions throughout the month, the highlights of the festival are the parades called Yamaboko Junkō. These take place on July 17 and July 24. The floats in the Yamaboko Junkō parade are huge and can weigh up to 12 metric tonnes.
It will be busy, so consider joining this bus tour with special viewing seats and a lunch cruise.
In the three days that lead up to each parade, known as Yoiyama Days (July 14–16), the central city streets are closed to vehicular traffic. Lining the streets are stalls selling a variety of traditional festival food such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki and yakitori.
What else is there to see and do?
Apart from the parades and the other festivities, the festival is also known as an opportunity to snap pictures of geisha or maiko — but you’ll have to be on the lookout!
How to get there
Kyoto is well-served by a metro line, trains, and a bus network, which makes getting around easy and affordable. If you’re traveling from Tokyo, these are your top transport options.
The main procession will go from Shijō Station towards Sai Station, as well as various other streets in Kyoto.
Accommodation
Staying in Kyoto during the Gion Festival is a challenge, to say the least– it’s almost as busy as cherry-blossom season.
More affordable options disappear fast, but there are a few good hotels to keep an eye on. In Kawaramachi, The Millenials offers capsule-like pods.
On the other side of the river, in the Gion district itself, Ryokan Hostel Gion has a more traditional hostel feel but with modern design, starting at a couple of thousand yen a night.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.