Gion Matsuri 2026: Dates, Yoiyama & Float Parade Times (Complete Guide)
Gion Matsuri 2026 runs all July at Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine. Saki Matsuri yoiyama is July 14-16 and the float parade is July 17 at 9:00; Ato Matsuri yoiyama is July 21-23 and the parade is July 24 at 9:30. Verified dates, times and access.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/07/17 – 2026/07/24
- Where
- Yasaka Shrine & downtown Shijo-Karasuma, Kyoto（625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto (Yasaka Shrine)）
- Getting there
- Yasaka Shrine is ~5 min walk from Keihan Gion-shijo Station, ~8 min from Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station. For the parade and Yoiyama, use Karasuma subway 'Shijo' Station or Hankyu 'Karasuma' Station.
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Yasaka Shrine / Gion Matsuri Yamahoko Federation
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Yasaka Shrine is ~5 min walk from Keihan Gion-shijo Station, ~8 min from Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station. For the parade and Yoiyama, use Karasuma subway 'Shijo' Station or Hankyu 'Karasuma' Station. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
Highlights
- Saki Matsuri float parade (Jul 17, 9:00 - 23 floats led by the Naginata-hoko)
- Lantern-lit Yoiyama evenings with Gion-bayashi music (Jul 14-16 & 21-23)
- The tsuji-mawashi float-turning at Shijo-Kawaramachi
Background & story
Traced to the Gion Goryo-e of 869, when 66 halberds (one per province) were raised at Shinsen-en and portable shrines from the Gion shrine of Gozu Tenno were sent to pray for an end to a plague.