Yasaka Shrine
625 Gion-cho, Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Bus stop at Gion (city bus #100, 206, special 206)
15-minute walk from the Keihan Line at Shijo station or the Hankyu Kyoto Line at Kawaramachi station

The Gion festival is the most popular festival in Kyoto. It is a magnificent event with 1,100 years of history. The approach of summer in Kyoto signals the beginning of the event with the “Kippu Iri” ritual performed on July 1.  This is followed by the most excited event of all, the “Yoiyama” ritual, performed on July 16.  The following day at 9am, a parade of Yama Hoko floats leaves Shijo Karasuma.  After a number of spectacular performances such as “Tsuji Mawashi,” the parade ends on Shinmachi Street.  This is a large summer festival that runs through July 31.