Konchikichin, Konchikichin（コンチキチン、コンチキチン）. With the musical accompaniment of Gion, Kyoto in July is all about the Gion Festival（祇園祭）. With a history of more than 1,000 years, the Gion Festival is a month-long festival held at the Yasaka Shrine（八坂神社） from 1 to 31 July, during which a variety of festivities take place.
The festival is particularly popular on the 17th when the Yamahoko procession（山鉾巡行） floats attract huge crowds and the city of Kyoto is filled with a festive atmosphere. Very enjoyable are also the festive evenings preceding the procession (宵山).
Rituals take place over a period of one month
The Gion Festival is a festival of the Yasaka Shrine and its festivities take place over a period of about a month, beginning on 1 July and ending with the Natsukoshi Festival of the Epidemic Shrine on 31 July. The highlight of the festival is the parade of portable shrines and 33 floats at Yasaka Shrine on 17 and 24 July. The word Yamaboko（山鉾） refers to the two types of floats used in the procession: the 23 yama and 10 hoko. The Yamaboko event of the Kyoto Gion Festival has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Another reason for the festival's impressiveness is its long and almost uninterrupted history. It dates back to 869 as a religious ceremony to appease the gods during the outbreak of an epidemic. Even today, the festival continues the practice of selecting a local boy to be a divine messenger.
Opportunities to see mountains and floats other than Yoiyama and the procession
In addition to Yoiyama and the procession, you can also see mountains and floats in each Yamahoko-cho. In Yoiyama, the floats can be seen after dark when the Komagata lanterns are lit and Gion music is played. The town hall is decorated with sacred objects (dolls) and ornaments (textiles, etc.) from the floats, and children can be seen singing warabeuta (folk songs) and selling amulets. The Yoiyama festival also includes a 'Byobu Matsuri', when old houses in Yamahoko-cho remove their grills and open their tatami rooms, decorated with precious screens and other decorations, to the public.
Conclusion
The Gion Festival is an enchanting celebration that beautifully showcases Kyoto's cultural heritage and captures the hearts of visitors from far and wide. With its grand processions, magnificent floats and vibrant atmosphere, it's an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the richness and splendour of Japan's ancient traditions. So if you find yourself in Kyoto in July, be sure to immerse yourself in the magic of the Gion Festival and create memories that will last a lifetime.