Kyoto

Kyoto's Gion Matsuri

One of Japan's famous festivals, dating back to 869

Anne Lauenroth Nov 17, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Beer tasting with maiko and geisha</p>

<p>Beer tasting at Kyoto's Gion Matsuri, a summer festival</p>

<p>Giant float on the evening before the procession</p>

<p>Beautifully decorated float on Yoiyama, the night before the procession</p>

<p>The streets are lined with food stalls selling delicious festival food</p>

<p>Okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake</p>

<p>Pancakes also come on sticks at festivals</p>

<p>Cold cucumbers on a stick, because sticks are convenient when you're walking around</p>

<p>Taiyaki, fish-shaped cakes with various fillings</p>

<p>Reflection of a food stall in a puddle</p>

<p>Yamaboko Junko, the big parade on July 17. Sadly, it was raining, but at least we saw some beautiful umbrellas.</p>

Kyoto's Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's most important festivals. Dating back to the year 869, it is celebrated each July in the streets of downtown Kyoto. The nights leading up to the big parades of giant floats on July 17 and 24, food stalls line the streets around Shijo and Karasuma Dori, selling delicious festival food. Some of the giant floats can be visited by tourists. With many people dressing up in traditional Japanese garments such as yukata, a stroll through the packed streets is a wonderful experience.

The pictures were taken in July 2015.

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Anne Lauenroth @anne.lauenroth

German writer, translator and editor with a passion for travel, photography and all things Japanese. More about me and my work on www.allwordz.com and www.floating-worlds.com.