By KENSAKU NISHIDA/ Staff Writer
July 17, 2023 at 18:59 JST
The Naginatahoko float makes a 90-degree turn at an intersection in Kyoto on July 17 during the Gion Festival. (Yoshiaki Arai)
KYOTO--Under the blaze of the scorching sun, 23 elaborately decorated floats paraded through downtown streets here on July 17 in a climax of the Gion Festival.
The Naginatahoko float led the procession called Yamahoko Junko during the Saki Matsuri (the first climactic part of the festival).
Hikaru Taki, 11, who was appointed as “chigo,” or a messenger of god, slashed the “shimenawa” sacred straw rope with his sword aboard the float, winning loud applause.
At major intersections, the floats made a dynamic 90-degree turn to change directions on strips of bamboo spread under the wheels.
About 150,000 people watched the float procession as of 12:30 p.m., according to prefectural police.
The 23 exquisite floats are collectively known as “museums on the move.”
Eleven floats will participate in Yamahoko Junko of the Ato Matsuri (the latter climactic part) on July 24.
The Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three largest festivals, returned to its normal form for the first time in four years as novel coronavirus restrictions have been lifted.
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