The final day of “Senzaki Gion Festival 2023

Senzaki, the last day of the 6-day summer festival

Today (Wednesday, July 26) was the last day of the Senzaki Gion Festival in the Senzaki district (click here for an overview of the first day of the festival ). The mikoshi (portable shrine) and floats will travel around the town, and Japanese dance will be performed on the floats.

Floats depart

We will gather in front of the post office on Misuzu Street around 1:30 p.m. People from "Nishiki-cho" will pull the float on this day. They will take commemorative photos while preparing the float.

After the photo shoot, the floats are taken out on the street to perform the dance. After that, they will depart for a tour around Senzaki Town.

The floats are moved by directly pushing the ropes or main body provided at the front, and are moved by more than 20 people who call out to each other.

Maiko also ride on the floats and travel together.

Also, festival music is played from the rear of the float while it is moving.

In addition, the floats are accompanied by boys in haori hakama called "keigo" (guardians). These are also Nishiki-cho children.

Tour around Senzaki Town

We headed for "Suzaki-cho," stopping here and there to perform dances. From the "Kogion" here, the omikoshi dolls brought from Yasaka Shrine on the first day of the festival were being carried out.

The people of "Imaura-cho" were in charge of the Omikoshi on this day. They were separated from the floats and headed for Yasaka Shrine, the goal of the festival, as they toured around Senzaki.

The floats, on the other hand, move south along Misuzu Street. The chants of the floats gradually become more enthusiastic.

Halfway through the entire trip, we will take a break.

Fairs at Yasaka Shrine

On the other hand, at Yasaka Shrine, a fair was held on the grounds as on the first day of the festival, and various stalls were lined up.

Second half of Senzaki town tour

Around 6:30 p.m., everyone who had returned from their break gathered around the floats one after another.

We are starting the second half of the season with renewed energy!

The temperature is dropping as the sun is setting, but the heat is not pleasant as we keep moving. Everyone is taking on the challenge while drinking water frequently.

At dusk, the floats finally arrive at Yasaka Shrine. Finally, the dance is performed in front of the shrine.

After all the dancing was over, the sun had set and this year's Senzaki Gion Festival came to a successful conclusion.

Surprise Fireworks Launch

Fireworks were launched at Senzaki Fishing Port from 8:30 p.m. immediately after the Gion Festival. This was planned by local volunteers to replace the Senzaki Fireworks Festival, which unfortunately was announced to be terminated this year. The audience was delighted by the surprise fireworks.

With this, the summer festival in Senzaki has come to an end. We hope it will be held again next year!