[Kyoto's summer tradition] The gorgeous Gion Festival and the delicious food on the riverside terrace to enjoy the cool weather

• Table of Contents
• What is the Gion Festival?
• See traditional crafts and techniques up close.
• Enjoy summer in Kyoto with all your senses.
• Not just Japanese food, but Italian and Thai food too.
• Summer in Kyoto is full of charm.

Kyoto Brighton Hotel official website

What is the Gion Festival?

The Gion Festival, a festival of Yasaka Shrine, began about 1,000 years ago as a prayer to ward off epidemics. The Gion music that can be heard from all over town gets locals excited and they sense the arrival of full-fledged summer. Various events are held throughout the month of July, including a procession that takes place twice, the Maematsuri and Atomatsuri, and the Byobu Matsuri, where the townspeople are surrounded by lanterns lit up. In fact, there are some people who don't eat cucumbers during this period. It is an old custom to pray for a safe festival by eating a cucumber, which resembles the sacred crest of Yasaka Shrine. (There are various theories.)

See traditional crafts and techniques up close.

The gorgeous Yamahoko floats, also known as moving art museums, require the efforts of around 180 people to assemble and parade the largest ones, weighing around 12 tons and standing 25 meters tall, making them an overwhelming sight. It is also recommended to watch the Yamahoko floats being assembled day by day using traditional techniques without the use of nails, as they are gradually completed. The Kyoto Brighton Hotel has good access to the area where many of them are lined up, and operates a convenient shuttle bus. Why not enjoy the Gion Festival at your leisure on a stay-at-home trip to Kyoto?

Enjoy summer in Kyoto with all your senses.

The riverside terraces of Kibune and Takao are located in mountain villages rich in nature and surrounded by green maples. You can enjoy the taste of summer in a soothing space filled with negative ions, with the sound of the flowing water and the water surface so close you could reach out and touch it. For those who also want to enjoy a walk around the town, we recommend the Kamogawa River noryoyuka. It is said to have a history dating back to the Edo period, and has transcended time to become a beloved summer feature to this day.

Not just Japanese food, but Italian and Thai food too.

When you think of Kyoto's food culture, you may think of Japanese food, but Kyoto people also love Western Chinese food. At the Kamogawa Riverside Cool Floor, you can enjoy not only Kyoto cuisine, but also Italian, Thai, yakiniku, cafes, and all kinds of other cuisines. If you can't decide on a restaurant or get there just from a guidebook, be sure to ask your hotel concierge for help. They'll tell you the best spots.

Summer in Kyoto is full of charm.

Summer in Kyoto is less crowded than the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Besides the Gion Festival and the riverside terraces, there are many other attractions, such as the beautiful green maple gardens and the Gozan no Okuribi bonfires in August. Please come and visit!

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