On July 15, 2026, the Gion Festival marked *Yoiyoiyama*—the second of the three nights leading up to the main procession—as part of the *Sakimatsuri* (Early Festival) events. As dusk fell in central Kyoto, the *yamahoko* floats, illuminated by the soft glow of *komagata* lanterns, created a magical spectacle that delighted the throngs of visitors.
Shortly before 6:00 p.m., the sound of whistles echoed along Shijo-dori and Karasuma-dori streets in Nakagyo and Shimogyo wards as traffic restrictions were swiftly put into effect. Crowds—including families in *yukata* and office workers finishing their day—packed the streets, which had been converted into pedestrian-only zones, and browsed the rows of stalls. The traditional *Gion-bayashi* music resonated through the neighborhoods where the floats are based, and the areas bustled with people eager to purchase *chimaki* (ritual rice dumplings) and other festival charms.
On narrow streets like Muromachi-dori and Nishiki-koji-dori, one-way traffic rules caused confusion among some visitors who found themselves unable to proceed in their desired direction.
According to the Kyoto Prefectural Police, the crowd size stood at approximately 280,000 as of 9:30 p.m.—an increase of 90,000 compared to the previous year. In contrast, the turnout on July 14 (*Yoiyoiyoiyama*) had been around 37,000. The festival's *Yoiyama* period will reach its grand finale on July 16 with the main *Yoiyama* event.
