宵山July 16th is the best night of the year in Kyoto.
On that night, 12 hours before the Gion Festival parade, Kyotoites turn out in the thousands - actually, hundreds of thousands - in their cotton summer yukata to stroll and drink beer and eat squid on a stick and stare at women (and men) and look up close at the massive Gion floats that will be pulled around for the masses the next morning.
The streets of downtown Kyoto are closed to cars from 6 pm, and a huge street party ensues.
The floats are on display in the streets in the neighborhood northwest of Shijo-Karasuma.
Young and old come in groups, on a date, with grandmom. And nearly everyone comes decked out in a beautiful yukata. It is indeed a moveable feast.
Moreover, people who live in this part of downtown display their heirlooms: byobu, kimono, armor, textiles, decorative folding fans, etc.
Access
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line two stops north to Shijo Karasuma Station (which is also on the Hankyu Line for Osaka).
For cyclists, park on Oike and walk south.
Note: the same festival is actually held three nights running: July 14, 15, and 16. It varies only in scale, with the last night being the biggest.
© CycleKyoto.com
Tags
Japan
Touring
Kyoto
Cycle
Yoiyama
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