Gion Festival Postcards
Included in Festivals & Holidays box
- Description: The Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri), one of Japan’s most famous festivals, takes place in Kyoto at the Yasaka-jinja Shrine almost the entire month of July. It is known for its some 30 floats called yamaboko. These exquisitely decorated floats are two stories tall; each toped with a long pole in the shape of a spear. Children and musicians playing flutes, drums and bells sit on the second level as the float proceeds along the main streets. Other festivals are held during this time such as the Yoiyama Festival, held July 14-16th where the floats are on display and good luck charms are bought.
For more information, visit: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/festival/gion.html
- Links
- About the Gion Festival
- Gion Festival Details (maps, events, history)
- Video: Gion Festival Floats
- Video: Gion Festival at Night
- Lesson Plans
- Standard Reference
(If you know of another standard that may link to this item, please add it to the comment box below.)- Social Studies:
- Grade K: A Child’s Place in Time – #4
- Grade K: A Child’s Place in Time – #6
- Grade 1: Families Now and Long Ago, Near and Far – #4
- Visual Arts:
- Social Studies: