Gion Matsuri

Month : July
Place : Kyoto, Japan
Famous For : Traditional Festival
Attractions : 32 traditionally carved wooded floats covered in ancient tapestries, Street Parties and Markets

Gion Matsuri is an ancient celebration of Japan. Held in Kyoto during the month of July, this month long festivity is the best place to explore the ancient tradition of Japan. The festival of Gion Matsuri traces its origin way back in 869 when a priest lead a purification procession through the streets during a plague to try and please the Shinto gods.

Major Attractions
The main highlight of Gion Matsuri festival are the 32 enormous traditional carved wooded floats covered in ancient tapestries, some up to four storeys high and ten tonnes in weight, parading through the town as the celebrations reach a climax on the 17th of the month. Bands of musicians ride on the floats and teams below pull them through the streets of downtown Kyoto. The grand celebrations include street parties and markets with food and games, held during the rest of the month. Japanese people dress in traditional 'kimono' and 'geta' (wooden raised flip flop style shoes.) on the festival of Gion Matsuri. Another attractions of this festival is an event called 'Folding Screen Season'. In this event, the wealthy houses and kimono merchants traditionally open their doors and allow visitors to look at their most precious art facts. Kyoto is the most traditional looking of Japan"s cities and has some 1800 shrines and temples.

Official Website : http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/kp/koto/gion/2007/jyunban/jyunban.html