Gion Matsuri (Part 2 of 3) – Yoiyama

Yoiyama loosely translates as (eve of the grand parade). On the three nights before the Yamaboko Junko parade (14-16th July) and is in my opinion the best part of the month long Gion Festival. The festival atmosphere reaches its peak as the streets west of Karasuma and south of Oike are crowded with people, many in traditional dress; Gion Bayashi music (made with flutes and gongs) fills the air, and many stalls are set up along the colorfully decorated streets.

The evenings draw up to a million visitors and some of the streets are turned into one-way streets to keep the visitor masses on foot flowing.

The Yoiyama nights are among my favorite festivals (Kurama Fire Festival and the Kumata Danjiri being the two others).

Transport: Don’t try to come by car, take the train .. and the best time to come is on the 16th and book a hotelroom (well in advance – i used the Westin Miyako which is reasonable close) so that you can enjoy the Yamaboko parade on the 17th!

Websites: Kyoto Guide has some nice overview over the whole Gion Matsuri.