Dive into the World of the Gion Matsuri: Expert Insights & the 2022 Return

The Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) is not just any festival — it is widely recognized as one of Japan’s most famous festivals, held annually in July in Kyoto under the auspices of Yasaka Shrine.

1. Dive into the World of the Gion Matsuri: Expert Insights & the
2022 Return
The Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) is not just any festival — it is widely recognized as one of Japan’s most
famous festivals, held annually in July in Kyoto under the auspices of Yasaka Shrine.​
Here’s a detailed blog exploring the festival from the perspective of an expert, including what happened
in 2022, the major activities, and how you can engage deeply if you’re planning to visit.

Who is the “Gion Festival Expert”?
On the official site for the festival, the heading “Gion Festival Expert” refers to Catherine Pawasarat, a
non-Japanese researcher, writer, and long-time student of the festival. According to the site:
“…the leading non-Japanese Gion Festival expert. … Since the early 1990s, I’ve
interviewed festival elders and innovators, and spoken with representatives at all 34 floats
in the Gion Festival.”
Pawasarat’s work gives a rare outsider-insider view: she lives in Kyoto neighbourhoods, has amassed an
archive of nearly 20,000 images, and has published The Gion Festival: Exploring Its Mysteries. ​
Her perspective highlights the deeper layers of Gion Matsuri: community, ritual, continuity, and change.

What Makes Gion Matsuri So Remarkable?
Here are some of the core reasons why this festival stands out:

2. ●​Historic Roots: The festival dates back to 869 CE, originally instituted as a purification ritual to
appease plague-causing spirits. ​

●​Month-long Celebration: While many festivals are short-lived, Gion takes place for the entire
month of July — with multiple events, rituals, float processions, and display days. ​

●​Spectacular Floats (Yamaboko): The floats are massive, ornate, built by neighbourhood
associations, and pulled or carried through the streets on July 17 (Saki Matsuri) and July 24 (Ato
Matsuri). ​

●​Community & Continuity: The festival is maintained by local “chōnai” (neighbourhood
associations) that manage floats, maintain traditions, and pass them on across generations. The
“expert” herself emphasises that much of the tradition is still oral and local. ​

●​Ritual Meaning: Beyond tourism, the festival has spiritual and historical significance:
purification, warding off disaster, communal identity. ​


Activities & Highlights: What to Expect
If you’re planning to attend or simply exploring the festival, here are key activities:
●​Yoiyama / Yoiyoiyama: The nights leading up to the big processions (for example July 14-16
before Saki Matsuri) where the city becomes pedestrian-friendly, floats are displayed, local
houses open their treasures, lanterns light up the streets.​
●​Yamaboko Junko: The main float processions:​

○​Saki Matsuri (Early Festival) – July 17: many floats parade. ​

○​Ato Matsuri (Later Festival) – July 24: remaining floats.​

●​Treasure displays + float houses: Some floats open to visitors to display historic textiles,
carvings, and relics held by the chōnai.​

●​Rituals at Yasaka Shrine and surrounding areas: Including mikoshi processions (portable
shrines), purification rites, and community gatherings.​

3. ●​Stalls, yukata-wearing, street atmosphere: Food, games, traditional dress — all part of the
festival experience.​


The 2022 Edition: A Significant Return
After the disruptions of 2020-21 (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), 2022 marked a major return for Gion
Matsuri. Some important notes:
●​The festival returned with the grand float processions re-introduced.​

●​A major highlight: the re-introduction of the Taka Yama float, which last took part in 1826,
rejoining for Ato Matsuri in 2022.​

●​Due to ongoing caution, certain adjustments were made: fewer or modified stalls, traffic
controls, visitor management.​

●​The return of the full parade format was felt as a renewal, a moment of communal reconnection
after difficult years.​


Tips from the Expert View (and What Visitors Should Know)
Drawing on expert insight and travel commentary:
●​Arrive early: The processions are popular and viewing spots fill quickly.​

●​Best viewing spots: Corners where floats turn are dramatic (watch for the “tsuji-mawashi”
turns).​

●​Weather & comfort: July in Kyoto is hot & humid — stay hydrated, wear light clothes, use sun
protection.​

●​Respect the rituals: While many floats are tourist-friendly, they are still ritual objects. Avoid
obstructing floats, respect cordoned-off areas.​

●​Explore beyond the processions: Visit float houses, look at the treasure displays, talk to
neighbourhood volunteers if possible.​

4. ●​Consider quieter moments: Yoiyama evenings are magical and often less crowded than midday
processions.​

●​Prepare for logistics: Street closures, bus rerouting, and crowds mean transport may be more
complex than usual. ​


Why “Becoming an Expert” on Gion Matters
According to Catherine Pawasarat and her research:
●​Much of Gion’s knowledge is oral, local, and informal — elders hold memories and practices
that have not been fully documented.​

●​Understanding why things are done is as important as ‘what’ is done. The spiritual, aesthetic,
and community dimensions matter.​

●​Visitors who engage with respect, curiosity, and support become part of the festival’s future —
not just observers. Pawasarat writes:​
​
​
“As Gion Festival visitors, we’re also festival participants… I hope that sharing the wonders …
inspires visitors to enjoy their time … as supportive members… of an increasingly diverse
international community.”​
​


Concluding Thoughts
The Gion Matsuri is more than a parade of ornate floats. It is a living ritual, a community undertaking, a
thread that connects centuries. Whether you’re exploring as a visitor, a student of Japanese culture, or
simply someone who wants to witness something extraordinary, you’ll find layers of meaning,
craftsmanship, devotion, and celebration.
And if you’re planning to go to Kyoto in July — aim for the 17th and 24th, the nights before them, dress
in something comfortable (maybe a yukata), and bring patience and curiosity. You’re stepping into a
tradition that’s been carried for over a millennium — and maybe you’ll come away as a “mini-expert”
yourself.