On July 20, 2026, ahead of the Gion Festival’s *Ato-matsuri* (Latter Festival) float procession on July 24, test pulls of the assembled *yamahoko* floats—including the *Ofune-hoko* (Big Boat Float) in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto—were conducted. Temperatures in Kyoto City hit a record high for the year at 38.1°C, yet many citizens and tourists alike sweated as they pulled the ropes.
At the *Ofune-hoko*, which allows for impromptu participation, eager volunteers began lining up two hours in advance, taking advantage of the holiday. At 3:00 p.m., accompanied by the sounds of Gion festival music and the *ondo-tori* (chant leader) calling out "En-yara-ya," the float began to move. Creaking on its wheels, it proceeded slowly, making a round trip of approximately 350 meters along Shinmachi-dori Street between Shijo and Takatsuji—a journey that took 40 minutes.
Sasha Heasley, a 26-year-old American Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) living in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, participated for the first time. "I pulled with all my might," she said with a smile. "The decorations are absolutely beautiful, and the atmosphere is great. I'm happy to experience this traditional culture."
Test pulls also took place that day for the *Kita-Kannon-yama*, *Minami-Kannon-yama*, *Taka-yama*, and *Hachiman-yama* floats.
