٠٠:٠٣:٣٥Japan's largest festival, Gion Matsuri, captivated spectators with its magnificent procession of decorated floats, known as Yamaboko Junko, in Kyoto on Wednesday.
The event, steeped in history and tradition, showcased floats guided by bamboo poles. Performers wore traditional costumes while crowds lined the sidewalks and looked out from windows of buildings in the street.
"It was my first time here, and it was great. I came from Aichi today because I really wanted to see the last Funahoko [Boat shape float], and I am really glad I was able to see it. I have always wanted to see it at least once in my life," said one participant.
Another attendee reflected on the festival's significance: "It has a very long history, and I think it has a very important meaning to the people here."
Gion Matsuri, named after Kyoto's Gion district, renowned for traditional events, spans the entire month of July, with festivities continuing until the 31st. Yamaboko Junko is the highlight, with its elaborately decorated floats towering up to 25 metres in height, weighing up to 12 tons, and rolling on massive wheels.
'Very important meaning to people here'- Gion Matsuri Festival delights spectators in Kyoto with magnificent float procession
Japan's largest festival, Gion Matsuri, captivated spectators with its magnificent procession of decorated floats, known as Yamaboko Junko, in Kyoto on Wednesday.
The event, steeped in history and tradition, showcased floats guided by bamboo poles. Performers wore traditional costumes while crowds lined the sidewalks and looked out from windows of buildings in the street.
"It was my first time here, and it was great. I came from Aichi today because I really wanted to see the last Funahoko [Boat shape float], and I am really glad I was able to see it. I have always wanted to see it at least once in my life," said one participant.
Another attendee reflected on the festival's significance: "It has a very long history, and I think it has a very important meaning to the people here."
Gion Matsuri, named after Kyoto's Gion district, renowned for traditional events, spans the entire month of July, with festivities continuing until the 31st. Yamaboko Junko is the highlight, with its elaborately decorated floats towering up to 25 metres in height, weighing up to 12 tons, and rolling on massive wheels.
Japan's largest festival, Gion Matsuri, captivated spectators with its magnificent procession of decorated floats, known as Yamaboko Junko, in Kyoto on Wednesday.
The event, steeped in history and tradition, showcased floats guided by bamboo poles. Performers wore traditional costumes while crowds lined the sidewalks and looked out from windows of buildings in the street.
"It was my first time here, and it was great. I came from Aichi today because I really wanted to see the last Funahoko [Boat shape float], and I am really glad I was able to see it. I have always wanted to see it at least once in my life," said one participant.
Another attendee reflected on the festival's significance: "It has a very long history, and I think it has a very important meaning to the people here."
Gion Matsuri, named after Kyoto's Gion district, renowned for traditional events, spans the entire month of July, with festivities continuing until the 31st. Yamaboko Junko is the highlight, with its elaborately decorated floats towering up to 25 metres in height, weighing up to 12 tons, and rolling on massive wheels.