For the first time in 49 years, the After Festival is revived for Gion Festival 2014. There are 23 floats in the Main Festival but only 10 appear in the After Festival.

After Festival Floats (Ato Matsuri)

The After Festival is basically the same as the Main Festival, involving construction of traditional style floats and the Byobu Festival or Screen Festival. Although there are only 10 floats in the After Festival, this year marks the first time in 150 years the Ofune float once again makes its return to the float procession.

Gion Festival 2014

Gion Festival 2014

Byobu Festival (Screen Festival)

Priceless family heirlooms and antiques are also exhibited in the 3 days referred to as Yoiyama, leading up July 24-the float procession day.

Gion Festival 2014

Gion Festival 2014

Shops, Small Eats & Drinks

However, one main difference to the Main Festival or Saki Matsuri is there are no food stalls lining the main street of Karasuma and other side streets. This makes it a relatively quieter atmosphere. I did however notice smaller shops selling yukata, summer style kimono and the odd stand selling drinks and snacks.

Gion Festival 2014

Gion Festival 2014

After Festival 2014-Float Procession

Gion Festival 2014Tomorrow is the first float procession ofthe After Festival in 49 years. I wonder how the atmosphere will be compared to the Main Festival float procession? I’m sure the reappearance of the Ofune float will also bring out a larger crowd.