Gion matsuri festival in July in Kyoto

Gion Matsuri, the festival of Yasaka Shrine is one of the most biggest 3 famous festival in Japan. It takes place over the entire month of July. Gion matsuri is known as long history starting around from 970 and how magnificence that 32 floats are elaborately decorated and represent unique themes. As we have many website about Gion matsuri in internet, I would like to write an inside story of Gion matsuri today.

It is about Ochigo-san, the sacred child selecting a local boy to be a divine messenger and sits on top of the main procession's float.

Ochigo-san will work as a divine messenger for almost one month. He might not be able to attend school for some periods, not only a boy but his parents also have tight schedule for festival.
Ochigo-san cannot set foot on the ground, can not eat meals served by women ( by custom women used to be forbidden ) can not eat cucumber because the crest of Yasaka Shrine resembles the cross-section of a cucumber, for some periods. It seems so hard. But to be chosen Ochigo-san is an honorable position. Distinguished parents in Kyoto wish their children to be Ochigo-san if they have boy.

(Ochigo-san in front of picture)

I grew up in Kyoto but I did not know this inside story. For me, Gion matsuri festival is one of good memory I spent with my family or with very closed friends walking in the street to enjoy the sounds, to look massive floats wearing Yukata in festival atmosphere.
To choose Yukata for Gion matsuri is the most enjoyable moment.
Wearing Yukata in Gion matsuri must be cool memory under the summer evening, I am sure!
Yukata is available at rental yukata shop. Accommodation will help.

Posted by staff at http://www.yado-web.com/