On July 16, 2026, the Gion Festival’s *Saki-matsuri* (Early Festival) reached the *Yoiyama* stage. The sounds of the *Gion-bayashi* music—characterized by the rhythmic "kon-chiki-chin" melody—echoed through central Kyoto, where the towering *yamahoko* floats stood in a row, illuminated by the warm glow of *komagata* lanterns against the summer night sky. Crowds of people soaking up the festive atmosphere filled the streets late into the night.