Gion Matsuri (Mikoshi-arai)

Gion Matsuri, one of three great festivals in Japan, takes place in Kyoto annually from July 1st to 31st. Various events are held during the festival, and the highlights are Yoiyama on the 16th (in the evening) and Yamahoko-junko parade on the 17th (in the morning.)

Originally, however, Gion Matsuri used to be a festival of mikoshi portable shrines, so first I went to see Mikoshi-arai (mikoshi purification) on the 10th. Omukae-chochin (a lantern parade to welcome the mikoshi) started at 4:30 p.m. I saw the parade on Kawaramachi Street.

 

the parade to welcome the mikoshi 2
the parade to welcome the mikoshi 2

 

the parade to welcome the mikoshi 3
the parade to welcome the mikoshi 3

 

 

Around 6:30 p.m, I was on Shijo Ohashi Bridge, where Mikoshi-arai (mikoshi purification) takes place. The mikoshi is supposed to come around 8:30 p.m, and already there were many people waiting for it. However, the police came and said no one was allowed to stay on the bridge. Reluctantly, I moved to a nearby place and waited.

After a while, Omukae-chochin parade, which I’ve seen on Kawaramachi Street, arrived at the bridge.

Omukae-chochin parade on Shijo Ohashi Bridge
Omukae-chochin parade on Shijo Ohashi Bridge

 

Being welcomed by the parade, numerous men in charge of the mikoshi gathered on the bridge. Some of them came with their children.

 

powerful men gathering on the bridge

 

A torch was stood. It was so crowded on the bridge!

 

many people and the torch on the bridge
many people and the torch on the bridge

 

 

Night fell, and the mikoshi came on the bridge. Many men were carrying the heavy mikoshi, shouting “Hoitto! Hoitto!” to work together effectively. The mikoshi moved up and down for a while, and then stopped. It was purified by water of Kamo River.

the mikoshi on Shijo Ohashi Bridge
the mikoshi on Shijo Ohashi Bridge

 

After that, the mikoshi went to Yasaka Shrine, where many people were waiting to take photos.

 

the mikoshi in front of Yasaka Shrine
the mikoshi in front of Yasaka Shrine

 

It was carried back into the shrine. Though I thought everything was over, something happened after that.

 

the mikoshi in the shrine
the mikoshi in the shrine

[Yasaka Shrine]
Address: 625 Gion-cho north sides, higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Access: 5 minute walk from Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line)

 

 

After the stirring ritual, there were children’s dances.

First, children in white costumes of egrets danced really well. How pretty!

children in costumes of egrets
children in costumes of egrets

 

Then, older children danced on the stage. They were beautiful, just like adults.

 

children in feminine poses
children in feminine poses

 

Finally, Children in yukata (casual kimono for summer) were making big movements. They were also really cute!

 

children in yukata
children in yukata

The quality of their dances was incredible, especially the first one. I heard children needed to go to school the next day. I hoped they were not so tired and would get up early the next morning.

 

 

Look at the gorgeous mikoshi! Soon after coming back to the shrine, the mikoshi was put between two other mikoshi, and decorated beautifully. Now it looks almost the same as usual, with the phoenix on it.

the mikoshi decorated as usual
the mikoshi decorated as usual

 

Many chōchin lanterns around the mikoshi created a magical atmosphere.

 

chōchin lanterns in the dark
chōchin lanterns in the dark

 

Though I’ve been to Gion Matsuri and even been in charge of the festival many times, it was my first time to see Mikoshi-arai. It’s a lot of fun to know different aspects! Various people work together for this big festival, which is very attractive to me.