Each of the floats has its own red seal, and many people visit the floats to collect these precious seals, which are only awarded during Yoiyama. In addition, at Yasaka Shrine, red seals are awarded only in July, the month of the Gion Festival, for the Goreikai, which is believed to be the origin of the Gion Festival. A deposit may be required to receive a red seal, so be sure to check with the shrine.

<One Point Tip.
It is convenient to prepare 100 yen coins! Also, if you prepare scissors paper, the color will not transfer after the red seal is stamped. Tissues can be used as substitutes. The official red seal book for the Gion Festival can be purchased on site, so don't worry if you forget your red seal book.

The sound of a gong, "Konchikichin," is a summer tradition in Kyoto. The Gion Matsuri, which originated as a festival to pray for the eradication of the plague, has a custom of luring the god of plague back to the town of Yamahoko during the procession of Yamahoko floats with a musical accompaniment. The music is played by a group called "bayashi-bata," which consists of a gong, a drum, and a transverse flute.
On the day before the procession of the floats, the musicians of each float make a pilgrimage to the Shijo Otabisho to pray for fine weather the next day and dedicate the Gion music to the festival.

The Byobu Matsuri is an annual event during the Yoiyama period of the Gion Festival in which old houses and long-established stores in Yamahoko-cho display art works and furnishings from their collections in order to cherish the traditions and culture of Yamahoko-cho. The festival is called "Byobu Matsuri" (folding screen festival) because the main items displayed are folding screens, but there are also other valuable traditional items on display. Although it is not an official event of the Gion Festival, it is one of the highlights of the Yoiyama period that should not be missed. During this period, the front gates are removed so that the general public can enjoy the festivities, but please enjoy it with moderation as it is a private event held by private residences and companies. (*Since this is a private event, it may be canceled without notice.

Place】※Introduction of only some of them
Sugimoto Residence (Ayakoji-dori Shinmachi Nishiiru)
Dates: July 4 (Fri.)-6 (Sun.), July 14 (Mon.)-16 (Wed.), July 21 (Mon.)-23 (Wed.)
Hours/10:00-17:00
*13:00-17:00 on 7/5 (Sat), 17:00-20:00 on 7/14 (Mon), 10:00-20:00 on 7/15 (Tue) and 16 (Wed) (last admission 1 hour before closing)
Admission: Adults 1500 yen, High school students and younger 800 yen *Adults 2000 yen, High school students and younger 1000 yen from July 14 (Mon.) to 16 (Wed.)
Reservations/Reservations not required *Reservations have priority from July 14 (Mon.) to 16 (Wed.)
For more information.here

Nagae Family Residence (Shinmachi-dori, Ayakoji-sagaru)
Dates: July 13 (Sun.) - 16 (Wed.)
Time/10:00 - 20:00 (registration closes at 19:30) *July 13 (Sun.): 13:00 - 18:00 (registration closes at 17:30)
Admission: Adults 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 300 yen, preschool children free of charge
Reservation/Not required
For more information.here

Yokoyama Shoten (southwest corner of Nishinotoin Ayakoji)
Dates: July 14 (Mon.) - 16 (Wed.)
Hours/10:00-22:00
Fee/No charge
Reservation/Not required

Hiraoka Flag Manufacturing Co.
Dates / Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16
Hours/18:00-22:00
Fee/No charge

During the Gion Festival, there are many limited gourmet specialties! Especially during the two days of Mae-matsuri, Yoiyama (15th) and Yoiyama (16th), popular restaurants offer special menus that are only available during this period. Be sure to line up to try these rare delicacies!

On July 15 and 16 every year, Karasuma-dori (Sanjo-dori to Takoyakushi-dori area), Muromachi-dori (Yamabushi to Shirakutenyama area), Shinmachi-dori (Houshita-hoko to Iwatoyama area) and some other areas become pedestrian zones and the streets are lined with food stalls. Some stalls are open from morning, so you can stop by and visit them during your sightseeing tour. In the evening, when the weather cools down a bit, the area becomes even more crowded with people on their way home from work. Don't miss out on this seasonal treat.