Yasaka Shrine, nicknamed "Gion-san," is the site of the magnificent Gion Festival held every July. The "Kayanowa-mamori" is a mythical amulet that is awarded to pray for the repelling of disease and good health. The Gion Festival fan, whose design changes each year, is a favorite of many people. This year's fan features the motif of a blue dragon, one of the four gods, because the shrine protects the east, which is the location of the four gods.

Rituals and Events/Detailsherecheck
Benefit / ward off bad luck, epidemics, etc.
Place of distribution / Yasaka Shrine awarding office
Distribution period / July 1 (Sat.) - 31 (Mon.), 2023, 9:00 - 17:00
Initial fee: 800 yen for Kayonowa-mamori, 1,500 yen for Gion Festival fan
*Limited quantities (while supplies last)

The nagatohoko is the only float that carries a live child and stands at the head of the procession. The long sword is attached to the end of the float as a means of exorcising plague and evil. Chimaki, a type of paper charm to ward off bad luck, is very popular and the number is limited, so it is recommended to get in line early. Seven types of tenugui (hand towels) are available, each depicting a scene from the rituals of the Hoko and shimenawa cutting, adding color to the festival.

Name of the float: Naginataboko
Hoko-kuri / Monday, July 10, 2023 - Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 7:00 a.m. each day
Beginning of pulling / Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 3:30 p.m.
Benefit / ward off bad luck and epidemics
Place of distribution: Choto-Hokoko-cho Kisho (East and West)
Distribution period / Thursday, July 13, 2023 - Sunday, July 16, 2023, 10:00 - 21:30 approx.
Distribution price: 1000 yen for chimaki, 500 yen each for tenugui (hand towel)
*Limited quantity (payment in cash only, while supplies last)

The Mantis is the only float with a moving praying mantis on top of the goshogawashi. The decorative fan features cute mantis and pop colors that give people hope, and is designed by Haneda Koubou, a hand-painted Kyoto yuzen artist. Although not a gift, the unique Omikuji lottery, in which the praying mantis rotates in accordance with the movement of the handle and receives the lottery number drawn, is also a must-see!

Name of the float: Mt.
Mountain Construction / Thursday, July 13, 2023, 8:00 a.m.
Benefit / ward off bad luck and epidemics
Place of distribution: Mantis Town Hall, Mantis Offering (Nishinotoin-dori, Shijo-agaru) for fortune-telling
Distribution Period / Thursday, July 13, 2023, 13:00 - 16:30; Friday, July 14 - Sunday, July 16, 2023, 10:00 - 21:30
*Friday, July 14, 2012 - Friday, July 14, 2012
Distribution price: Decorated folding fan, 6,000 yen; fortune, 200 yen
*Limited quantity (payment in cash only)

The name "Guo Gao Shan" is derived from a legend in the Chinese historical tale "Twenty-four Filial Piety". The Yaku-yoke zongzi is accompanied by a koban, which is a lucky charm for money and business, named after the origin of the zongzi. The nyuko-no-mamori (charm of milk), which is named after the only decoration on the float called nyukakushi (concealment of milk), protects the mother's milk supply, which is a slightly unusual benefit.

Name of the float: Kakko-yama (Mt. Kakkyo)
Mountain Construction / Thursday, July 13, 2023, 7:00 a.m.
Benefit/good fortune, improved money, protection of mother's milk supply
Place of distribution: In front of the Kakkozan Town Hall andKakkosan Online Store
The distribution of milk charms is available only at the meeting place.
Distribution period (in front of the meeting hall)/July 14, 2023 (Fri.) 10:15-22:00, July 15 (Sat.) 10:30-22:00, July 16 (Sun.) 10:15-22:00
*Subject to change without notice due to weather and other factors.
Price: 1,000 yen for zongzi (dongzi) to ward off evil spirits (with koban), and omamori (talisman) for milk (with oshin).

Hachimanzan], a beautifully crafted small shrine with all gold leaf stamping is perched on top of the mountain. Above the torii gate, two pigeons, messengers of the Hachiman God, are perched facing each other, a sign of conjugal bliss that has been worshipped to this day. The dove bells and flutes, with their cute, plump faces, are believed to be beneficial for preventing children from crying at night, and many people come to receive them.

Name of float: Hachiman-yama
Mountain construction / Early morning of Thursday, July 20, 2023, same day at around 16:00 - street installation
Benefit: Harmony between husband and wife, good health for children, and prevention of crying at night.
Place of distribution / Hachimanyama Town Hall
Distribution period: Friday afternoon, July 21, 2023 (after the purification ceremony) - 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, 2023 (9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
*Starts as soon as distribution is ready, and ends as soon as stock runs out.
Distribution price: 600 yen each for dove bell beans and small size, 700 yen each for medium and large size, 900 yen for dove whistle
*Two colors: red and white.