Gion Matsuri: Ato Matsuri

If there's one thing you absolutely have to experience while in Japan, it's one of the many matsuri--or festivals--that take place throughout the year. The Gion Matsuri is quite commonly associated with Kyoto's summer because it is the biggest and most important one within Kyoto. It is also one of the three largest matsuri in Japan along with the Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka) and the Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo). This spectacular festival takes place throughout the entire month of July with the main parade occurring on the 17th every year. The main parade has consisted of two parades (Saki Matsuri and Ato Matsuri) combined into one for many years, but that changed in 2014. The Ato Matsuri, which takes place a week after the Saki Matsuri (the main one), was revived and while the number of floats aren't as much, it is still incredibly impressive to experience. 

My friend and I were supposed to go to the Gion Matsuri on the 17th, but were forced to cancel because of the continuous pouring rain that went on for the entire day. We went a week later for the Ato Matsuri and the weather was perfect :) People transfer the deity from one shrine to a special place in a ritual called Shinko-sai Festival (Saki Matsuri) and return it during the Kanko-sai Festival (Ato Matsuri). Despite arriving at 7:30 in the morning to get decent spots, the streets were already quite crowded with people who were anxiously waiting for the matsuri to start at 9:00. Lots of photos to show so I hope you all enjoy!

Trying to nab the perfect shot :)

Pulling the float around a corner is quite tricky.They first place thin, flat bamboo sticks under the wheels...

Then make sure everything is set before they pull

Last float! :)

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Arashiyama: Off the Beaten Path

Back again with another Arashiyama post! However, this one is a bit different as I wanted to stay away from the major tourist spots (the bamboo grove, the main street, Tenryuji and Togetsukyo Bridge). That being said, I couldn't resist walking through the bamboo grove before anyone else was there and not include a picture of it! As I exited the grove, I made my way through the side roads with the help from an elderly man who told me he came from Nara and was one his way to Ginkakuji after he was done at Arashiyama! We walked past Jojakkoji Temple, Nison-in Temple and Gioji Temple before arriving at the Saga Toriimoto preserved street. It's a bit of a walk from the main area so it was fairly empty. The street has been preserved to fit the style of the Meiji period and many of its buildings are traditional machiya that have been converted into various restaurants and shops. I was also lucky enough to see a matsuri pass through the street!! Not sure what it was for, but I was glad to have seen it nonetheless :). 

I don't think there are enough signs here.

Arriving at the Saga Toriimoto preserved street.

This little shop was one of my highlights actually! The two ladies working inside were incredibly kind and chatted with me after giving me a cup of tea and a sweet :) 

The shop specializes in cocoon-shaped figurines made with the same material that is used for kimono and other clothing. 

One of the many impressive figures that I saw in the shop.

Many locals in the neighborhood gathered out in the streets to wait for the matsuri procession :)

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a wonderful day! :)