When is the best time to go to Japan? This depends on your purpose. Come in the spring to view the cherry blossoms or in the winter for Sapporo Snow Festival. However, you should come in July to see the Gion Matsuri festival.

There is a sad story behind this big festival. In 869, there was a plague epidemic that left thousands dead. To prevent bad things from happening, Japanese people held the Gion Matsuri ceremony to appease the spirits of those who had died from the plague.

Aside from being a sedative for the spirits, Japanese people held this ceremony to pray to the god of healing, Susanoo no Mikoto, so that the plague could subside quickly. Sometime later, after the ceremony was performed, the disease began to subside.

Since then, the Japanese have held this ceremony annually as an expression of gratitude to the god Susanoo no Mikoto.

During the Gion Matsuri event, Kyoto residents decorate a large wooden vehicle called the yamaboko. This vehicle is the hallmark of the Gion Matsuri celebration.

The Gion Matsuri series of events begins on July 1 with the Kippu Iri ceremony, which marks the start of the festival. The order of the groups participating in the yamaboko procession will be decided by lottery the following day.

Then on July 10, the mikoshi (the palanquin of the Shinto deity paraded during the festival) is washed and the yamaboko is assembled. From July 14 to 16, a large yamaboko procession is held. There are also food, drink, souvenir stalls, and carnival games.

Not only that, there are also fairs held in the homes of influential businessmen's families located around the main thoroughfare of Karasuma-dori. Visitors can see items that are the pride of the homeowners.

The highlight of the Gion Matsuri event is the yamaboko procession and carrying of three mikoshi along the streets of downtown Kyoto. At the end of July, the mikoshi is returned to the shrine and washed. The end of the Gion Matsuri celebration is the closing ceremony called Nagoshimatsuri.

Also read: 5 Exciting Day Trips from Kyoto and How to Get There

The Gion Matsuri celebration is usually held in Kyoto from July 1 to July 30, 2023. For one month, there will be a joy that tourists or locals can enjoy.

Gion Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three biggest festivals, is jointly held by Ayatokunaka Shrine and Yasaka Shrine. Make sure to visit these shrines if you're in Kyoto for the Gion Matsuri.

Book tickets and hotels through the Traveloka app to make your vacation in Japan easier. With Traveloka, you can choose various hotels or inns that are close to the location of the Gion Matsuri celebration.