The Gion Matsuri abounds with diverse mystical tales and historical legends. One, the koi dragon legend, describes how a humble carp or koi became a powerful dragon. Part ecology, part life metaphor, part esoteric spiritual teaching, this story has captured a special...
My Gion Matsuri fieldwork began in mid-July 1993 when I was working as a regional correspondent for The Japan Times newspaper. I also lived in the heart of the Gion Matsuri yamaboko floats neighborhood. Every time I walked out my door, the treasures adorning the...
Different from 2022, covid masks were not required at Gion Matsuri 2023. Hikizome, July 20, Kita Kannon Yama. Kyoto’s Gion Festival is a marvel every time, but Gion Matsuri 2023 was especially celebratory. July 2023 saw the first normal Gion Matsuri since covid led to...
Gion Matsuri Dragons: Energy, Enlightenment, Elements & Emperors Dragons appear all throughout Kyoto’s ancient Gion Matsuri. Why are there so many dragons, appearing on so many different levels of the festival? What purpose do they serve? Are they symbols,...
Are you hoping to attend the 2023 Gion Matsuri? Here’s a quick guide for how to best enjoy this year’s Gion festival. Read on for what’s new, some key highlights and how you can stay refreshed and inspired during Kyoto’s summer festival. Help...
Gion Matsuri 2022: The first almost-normal Gion Matsuri in 3 years due to covid. Jubilant, and impossible to social distance. Gion Festival 2022 was a milestone in its history: it marked the first time the festival resumed after being scaled back due to a pandemic....