Visiting Gion Matsuri 2024, Part 1
The decorated “moving museums” of yamaboko floats are a visual highlight of the Gion Matsuri. Minami Kannon Yama. So you’re interested in visiting Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri 2024? Wonderful idea! Read on to ensure you have an enjoyable experience you’ll never...
The Koi Dragon Legend
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...
Gion Matsuri’s Internationally Renowned Textile Collection
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...
Gion Matsuri 2023 Review: In Praise of Generative Travel
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
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,...Get The Book
