DATE:		July 1 to 31, 2007
PLACE:		Yasaka Shrine 625 Gion-cho, Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
DIRECTION:		Subway to Shijo Station (for Yoiyama on July 16)
TEL:		881-75-561-6155
ADMISSION:		Free
TEXT:		The Gion Festival is one of the three biggest festivals in Japan. This grand festival, which has a 1,100-year history, begins with the Kippuiri opening ceremony on July 1 and peaks with Yoiyama (eve of the Yamahoko parade) on July 16. On July 17, some 32 yamahoko (floats) travel through the city, while in the evening there is a mikoshi (portable shrine)parade.This month-long festival concludes with Nagoshi (the summer purification festival) held at Eki Shrine on July 31. Main Events in Gion Festival July 1-5     Kipu-iri, the first ritual of the festival July 2     Kujitori-shiki Ceremony at Kyoto City Hall July 10 16:30 -21:00 Omukae Chochin, a procession to welcome the return of the mikoshi portable shrines used every year in the festival. July 10 20:00   Mikoshi Arai Purification July 10-14     Hoko-tate and Yama-tate, construction of all the festival floats begins July 13 11:00   Sacred Child’s (Ochigo-san) Shrine Visit July 14-16     Yoi yama, the evening events during each float is gorgeously decorated and chochin lantern will be lit up around each float. July 17 9:00   Yama and Hoko Grand Parade July 17 16:00   Mikoshi Departure Ceremony July 24 10:00   Hanagasa Parade July 24 17:00   Kanko-sai Festival July 25  13:00   Kyogen Performance July 28 20:00   Mikoshi Arai Purification