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Gion Matsuri festival is one of the famous Japanese festivals held yearly from July 1 and July 31. The festival took its name from the Gion district of Kyoto city and highlights the summer festivals. During the event spectators, visitors and participants help themselves with beer and street food and watch the (yamaboko) or two processions/traditional parade floats. The festival originated way back to 869. At that time, Japan was affected by an epidemic that caused fatalities. The people thought that the malevolent spirits caused the epidemic and since then they held the festival. Now, it's part of the city's culture and history.

The festival highlights the Yamaboko or fluvial parade that can tower up to 25 meters high and can weigh 12 tons. Its route starts from the stations Kawaramachi to Karasuma, and from the stations of Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae to Karasuma Oike-dori.

The schedules include:

Yoijama (night festival) - July 14 to 16
Saki Matsuri (Yamahoko float procession or Pre-festival)- July 17  - Float departs from Shijo Karasuma at 9:00 am.
Ato Matsuri (latter festival)- July 24 - Float departs from the Karasuma Oike at 9:30 am

Tags: Gion matsuri, japanese festivals, kyoto, kyoto festival, festivals of japan, festivals, japanese traditions, Kyoto city