Gion Matsuri
(Kyoto, July 1–31)

The Gion Matsuri dates back more than 1,000 years to the Heian Period. It has its origins in the Gion Goryōe, a festival to pray for delivery from outbreaks of epidemic disease. The festival runs for the month of July; the highlights are the nighttime displays of yama and hoko festival floats. These take place on the nights of the 14th through the 16th, and are accompanied by traditional music performances. On July 17, 33 festival floats are paraded through the streets. Numerous related events take place throughout the month at the Yasaka Shrine and throughout the area.