Kyoto's Gion Matsuri

Kyoto's Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's most important festivals. Dating back to the year 869, it is celebrated each July in the streets of downtown Kyoto. The nights leading up to the big parades of giant floats on July 17 and 24, food stalls line the streets around Shijo and Karasuma Dori, selling delicious festival food. Some of the giant floats can be visited by tourists. With many people dressing up in traditional Japanese garments such as yukata, a stroll through the packed streets is a wonderful experience.

The pictures were taken in July 2015.