The 2025 Gion Festival began on July 15th with the "Yoiyoyama" pre-festival. Shijo-dori and Karasuma-dori in the center of Kyoto City, where the floats stand, became pedestrianized from the evening, and were filled with the excitement of spectators who had flocked to the area.
When traffic restrictions were gradually implemented from around 6pm, young people in yukata and families flooded the main streets decorated with komagata lanterns, and lively conversations echoed through the streets. As the crowds swelled over the time, drawn by the adorable voices of children singing "How about some chimaki?" and the Gion music, the crowds grew larger and larger, until the narrow streets of Shinmachi-dori and Muromachi-dori became so crowded that people could not move.
As a pleasant breeze blew through at times, people were seen walking around the stalls, cooling themselves with fans and enjoying the unique atmosphere of a summer night.
According to the Kyoto Prefectural Police, as of 9:30 pm, the number of people in the area was about 190,000, 40,000 less than last year. A pedestrian zone will also be set up on Yoiyama on July 16th, marking the finale of the Yoiyama period.
