In days of old, the day was held to begin at sunset. Therefore, to put this in modern perspective, the day of the festival was thought to have already begun on the evening of the previous day; and this was called Yoiyama, or procession eve.

Procession eve is the time during the Gion Matsuri when flames are lit in the decorative komagata lantern of each Yama-Hoko, and the Yama-Hoko are beautifully bedecked with their figures, tapestries and metal fittings. One can hear the voices of the children who spell protective charms singing their children's songs, dressed in their Yukata style. It is now that the festival spirit reaches its height. The 16th in the Early Festival (Saki Matsuri) and the 23ed in the Latter Festival (Ato Matsuri) are the actual date of Yoiyama, but in recent years the term has been extended to include from the 14th to 16th in the Early Festival (Saki Matsuri), and from 21st to 23ed in the Latter Festival (Ato Matsuri) as well.

July 14～16	Former Festival Yoiyama The pedestrian roads and the floats themselves are gorgeously decorated with festival lanterns. At dark, all of these are lighted, and the Gion Matsuri music from the floats fills the air. Each float has its own room nearby, where the treasures which are to be fastened to it for the procession may be seen.
July 17, 9 a.m.	Former Festival Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession) The procession of 23 floats is demonstrated along Shijo, Kawaramachi, and Oike streets. Their beautiful decorations appear even more splendid under the bright summer sunshine.
July 21～23	Latter Festival Yoiyama The pedestrian roads and the floats themselves are gorgeously decorated with festival lanterns. At dark, all of these are lighted, and the Gion Matsuri music from the floats fills the air. Each float has its own room nearby, where the treasures which are to be fastened to it for the procession may be seen.
July 24, 9:30 a.m.	Latter Festival Yamahoko-Junko (Float Procession) The procession of 11 floats is demonstrated along Oike, Kawaramachi and Shijo streets.

We ask all visitors to Gion Matsuri Festival ’s Yoiyama evenings and the Yamahoko Float processions

We ask all visitors to Gion Matsuri Festival’s Yoiyama evenings and the Yamahoko Float processions to kindly take note of the following:

• Be careful not to get heat strokes. Rehydrate frequently and take rests as needed.
• Take advantage of Kyoto’s efficient public transportation network to visit.
• Follow safety instructions from the police and other security staff to avoid accidents caused by congestion of pedestrian traffic.
• To avoid accidents, when you come to observe the festival, do not bring your bike with you into the areas with spectators.
• Refrain from eating or drinking as you walk.