Gion Matsuri - Yamahoko junko

You need to reserve a hot seat on the parade route early because they go fast. We got up as early as 7.30 am and headed for the Kawaramachi-Oike junction. We were dying for some good shots, although we know that we are still one class below Ai Ling. Our photos could not match hers. Is it because of our camera, or our skills ? What say you Eddie.

The names of the floats are drawn to decide the order in which the floats should be placed for the parade. But the naginata hoko has been given the privilege as head float to lead the procession for some years back.

In modern times, the naginata hoko is also the only float that has a living 'celestial' child, who has been chosen to represent the shrine god.

Hoko are giant floats on large wooden wheels. Meanwhile the yama floats are smaller ones. The toro yama float is based on a Chinese fable story, an ancient idea of bravery which was inspired by a mantis - a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

At each corner, the excitement heightened as huge hoko floats were pulled and pushed over green bamboos which have been split and watered down to enable the float to maneuver the corners. Once everything in proper order, the four men (in front carrying fans) chanted loudly 'yoi yoi yoi to sei' and the rest prepared to pull and steer the gigantic float. The process is repeated 3 - 5 times to make a 90-degree turn.

We were betting against each other on how many times of maneuvering were needed and the crowds were fascinated when this group of men managed to corner the huge 12-tons hoko by just two maneuvers. They were applauded for their great effort.

In other hoko floats, puppets were used to represent the shrine god.

There were several people on the roof of the float. Not sure what task were they required to accomplish, perhaps to maintain the balance of the shingi pole, which can be as high as 22 meters.

This is the jyomyo yama float. This float depicts a scene during the civil war in 1180. On the Uji river, a warrior monk Ichirai Hoshi jumped over his fellow monk Jyomyo to lead the vanguard during the Uji River Battle. These smaller floats were carried by men on their shoulders when steering the corner. Nevertheless, they did not fail to impress the crowd. Instead of just making a 90-degree maneuver, they turned for several times. Again, the crowd applauded.

Here comes the funaboko - my favorite float of the festival.

Policemen on duty had their hands full trying to control the crowd. But I think they did a good job.

Together we celebrate and share the rich cultural heritage of the Gion festival. In addition, let us all pray in hope for good health and happiness.

More about each yama-hoko floats, click here: http://www.kyoto-np.co.jp/kp/koto/gion/2005/jyunban/jyunban_e.html