Fidgety, fidgety, fidgety.
(SARUDONO)
Why are you so nervous, Usahime?
(USAHIME)
Yes, sir.
Tomorrow is the first day to apply for reserved seats for the Gion Festival in Kyoto!
(SARUDONO)
Oh~!
I think the Gion Festival will be held a little later.
As Sarudono said, the Gion Festival is still a little ways away.
It will be held over a month from July 1 to 31.
The most exciting events are on the 17th and on the 24th.
The glittering floats that circle around the city of Kyoto are a sight to behold.
(SARUDONO)
That’s right.
Do you know that the Gion Festival was originally held to ward off the plague?
No, I don’t know.
(SARUDONO)
It is said that back in the Heian period (794-1185), a plague broke out in the capital of Kyoto.
In an effort to quell the epidemic, 66 spears, the same number used throughout Japan, were erected in the Shinsen-en Garden.
A portable shrine from the Gion Shrine (now Yasaka Shrine) was dedicated in the Shinsen-en Garden to hold a Goryokai (a ceremony to pray for the repose of the souls of the dead) to drive out the plague.
(USAHIME)
That’s how the Gion Festival began!
Heian period…
It has such a long history!
(SARUDONO)
That’s right.
We came from the Edo period (1603-1867), at that time there were three major fires: the Hoei Fire in Kyoto, the Tenmei Fire in Kyoto, and the Genji Fire in Kyoto.
During those fires, a large portion of the floats were burnt down.
(USAHIME)
That is why the Gion Festival could not be held.
I heard that some of the floats that burned down have yet to be rebuilt.
Even now? That’s a shame!
I heard that the Gion Festival was cancelled during World War II.
(USAHIME)
That was a time when all festivals in Japan were being held in self-restraint, wasn’t it?
Yes.
In 1942, the Yoiyama lanterns were cancelled.
The festival was stopped for 4 years from 1943 to 1946.
(SARUDONO)
It is a pity.
Yes.
After the war, the first float was erected in 1947.
At that time, there were two floats, but only one went on parade.
(USAHIME)
What！！
After that, the floats were rebuilt little by little,
and now there are 34 of them☆
(SARUDONO)
It is a peaceful and happy thing to be able to hold a festival.
That is very true・・・。
By the way, the Gion Festival, as Usahime was concerned about,
will start selling paid spectator seats tomorrow, Tuesday, June 11, from 10:00 a.m!
There are two types of bleachers: general bleachers and premium bleachers.
All general bleachers seats are reserved, and all seats come with a pamphlet and commemorative tickets.
July 17 (Wed.) Saki Matsuri parade
Location: Between Kawaramachi Dori and Shinmachi Dori on Oike Dori
Passing time: 10:20 a.m. (Kawaramachi-Oike) to 11:20 a.m. (Shinmachi Oike)
or
July 24 (Wed.) Ato Festival Parade
Location: between Karasuma St. and Takakura St. on Oike St. and between Teramachi St. and Kawaramachi St.)
Passage time: 9:30 a.m. (Karasuma Oike) to 9:50 a.m. (Teramachi Oike)
Prices are
General seats (front row): 6,000 yen, General seats (second row or later): 4,100 yen
Manabi seats (front row): 11,000 yen, Manabi seats (second row or later): 9,000 yen
Includes earphone commentary by an exclusive instructor.
Next, Premium Bleacher Seats
July 17 (Wed.) Saki Matsuri Parade
Location: Kawaramachi Oike, corner of the intersection
Passage time: 10:20 a.m. ( Kawaramachi Oike ) ~ ( Kawaramachi Oike )
“Saki-matsuri” Yamahoko parade and Hakata-kamaboko special loan cuts, ride on lessons
July 16th (fire) and 17th (water)
Hakodate-kamaboko, Kawaramachi, Ikegaikoujoukaku
(Hakodate-kamaboko ride) July 16 (fire) 2:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm
(Yamaboko parade) July 17 (water) 10:20 am (Kawaramachi Ike)
Prices are
Gion Festival Premium Seats: ¥150,000
Gion Festival Premium Seats with special private boarding tour of Hakodani float on Yoiyama: ¥200,000
60 special Japanese-style seats with seating and cushions
The first row is free space
Second and third rows of seats are raised in height to allow back rows of seats to be used for viewing
Sunshade parasols installed to protect the audience from the heat
Cold beverages and other refreshments are provided.
Earphone guide with commentary on the parade (in Japanese and English)
In the “Yoiyama Hakodani Hoko Special Tour,” participants will be given a special tour, explanation, and musical performance of Hakodani Hoko on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 16, Yoiyama. Participants will also receive souvenirs such as chimaki (rice cake).
(SARUDONO)
Premium seats are quite expensive.
Yes, we have.
However, we have lowered the price.
Last year, premium seats were priced at 400,000 yen.
(USAHIME)
I heard that the premium seats allow us to see the “Tsuji-mawashi,” a 90-degree turn of the float, up close.
Father, I would like to see the “Tsuji-mawashi” up close!
(SARUDONO)
That’s right.
The Gion Festival has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Since it’s a good opportunity, let’s make it a premium one!
Well, I’ll make the reservations for you ♪
祇園祭「有料観覧席のご案内」｜【京都市公式】京都観光Navi (kyoto.travel)
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