Gion Festival

The Gion Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, with a history of over 1,150 years. The festival is held every year in July at Yasaka Shrine, and various events are held over a month in the shrine and each town where Yamahoko floats are located. The festival is especially famous for the Yoiyama, where the decorations of Yamahoko floats are unveiled, and the Yamahoko Junko, where the Yamahoko floats are paraded down the main street. With the sound of Gion's musical accompaniment, the city of Kyoto is bathed in the colors of the festival as gorgeous Yama and Hoko make a lively parade.

Downtown Kyoto

When you think of Kyoto, the first thing that comes to mind is visiting temples and shrines, but there are actually many fun spots in the city as well. Nishiki Market, the kitchen of Kyoto people, Pontocho, famous for its "noryoyuka", and the Takase River, which gives the entertainment district a unique Kyoto feel.