Kyoto’s long history firmly and proudly stands on pillars of tradition. Every July, one of Kyoto’s biggest historical traditions is held: Gion Festival, or Gion Matsuri.
As one of Japan’s most famous yearly festivals, it dates all the way back to 869, nearly uninterrupted.
It’s not a single day, but a span of time. On any given day, on any given street, there’s a festival waiting to happen.
Elaborate floats called yamaboko are decorated with mythical creatures, historical figures, and references to Japanese literature. They’re pulled often by hundreds of people and accompanied by musicians and dancers.
Here, a glimpse into a smaller event. I only knew it was happening by the crowd it was drawing.
Normally, this is a prime shopping street packed with buses and traffic. This day it was clear of anyone who wasn’t a participant, with the exception of a few kids.
A man on horseback catches my attention.
He’s calm, unfazed by the coming show of tradition, and hasn’t said a word to anyone. He’s doing what I’m doing – watching and waiting. I can’t help but fixate on his stillness.
The man on the horse led the march down the street, with the other participants not far behind. They carry a humble yamaboko by comparison to the ones at the main event days ago.
Shirts off, towels out.
Summer is already hot and humid in Japan, but Kyoto is infamous for trapping heat longer than anywhere else in the country.
Thank you for all your hard work everyone.
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