Getting ready for the Main Parade of the Gion Festival Kyoto 2014

During Yoiyama, the period from July 14-16 I’ve seen the floats go from a skeleton made of timbers and rope to priceless works of art on wheels. The 23 floats are now ready for the Main Parade of the Gion Festival Kyoto 2014.

Gion Festival Kyoto 2014 Under Construction
Using traditional tying techniques, timbers for the boat float are secured

In a matter of days, traditional style floats on wooden wheels are assembled take up residence along both the main street of Shijo and other minor roadways. Astonishingly, no nails are used. Instead, rope binds timbers using traditional tying methods.

Fune-After-op

Gorgeous tapestries decorate main parts of the float while roofs of the larger floats called hoko and yama tend to be gilded and lacquered.The boat shape is inspired by a tale about Empress Jingu.

Some of the poles on top of the floats are 25 metres
Poles on top of the floats are made from bamboo and wood
Naginata-Float-op
Decorative blades rise up to 25 metres high

 

Byobu Matsuri-Folding Screen Festival

While building the floats for the parade merchants also showcase priceless heirlooms. This is referred to as the Byobu Matsuri. Merchant houses selling kimono, textiles, paper etc. are the ones who own and build the parade floats. You can find kimono, statuary, samurai armour, and countless other objects on display.

Buddhist Statue from Kofukuji Temple in Nara
Buddhist Statue from Kofukuji Temple in Nara

This statue for example dates back to 734 C.E. and originally belonged to Kofukuji Temple in Nara. You could tell the owner Yokoyama-san was very proud when he talked about the statue. This was while he was taking pictures of his 5 year-old grandson doing funky poses of his favourite anime character.

 

A figure of a statesman in courtly dress
A figure of a statesman in courtly dress

A statesman is on display. He’s flanked by sake barrels in the corner while Shinto Shimenawa (rice straw rope) and Gohei (lightning bolt shaped paper) meant to symbolise purification can also be seen.

Miniture model of Naginata- Lead float in parade
Miniature model of Naginata- Lead float in Main Parade

Gold leaf adhered to byobu or folding screens painted over by exquisite designs and colours line both sides of the room. There is a miniature float of Naginata Hoko, named after the halberd that skies 25 metres in the air. In the back there is a long table with place settings. I took this picture through a window where people can peak inside. Last year, there were Geisha entertaining everyone!

 

Musicians playing flutes, ringing bells and drums
Musicians playing flutes, ringing bells and drums

On the Shijo-main street, musicians practice the almost entrancing music they play while being pulled along the street by 40-50 people. When full, the float probably weighs up to 12 tons and the musicians sit about 8 metres off the ground resting on the outer lip of the float. I’ve heard some people have fallen.

 

 

Food Stalls

What’s great about a festival is the food and drink. All the basic festival foods like yakitori, okonomiyaki and yakisoba are here. You can buy beer, sake and other alcohol too.

Food Stalls
Food Stalls