Four geisha districts—more than in usual years—join together for a spectacular flower umbrella procession, with the smiles of geiko and maiko adding radiance to the 60th-anniversary celebration.｜overview

On July 24, 2026, the Yamaboko Float Procession—the highlight of the Gion Festival’s *Ato-matsuri* (Latter Festival)—took place in central Kyoto. Amidst heat that had intensified since the *Saki-matsuri* (Former Festival) a week earlier, the floats—some featuring newly crafted ornaments—advanced majestically. Spectators lining the route also offered thunderous applause to the *geisha*, *maiko*, and children participating in the Hanagasa (Flower Umbrella) Procession, which was marking a milestone anniversary.

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Articles are excerpts from reports and news in the Kyoto Shimbun. Due to automatic translation, some expressions may not be accurate.

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The reception hall of the Reizei Family Residence—the only surviving court noble's mansion and a designated Important Cultural Property—will be transformed into a Noh stage for a "Kanjin Noh" performance this September in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto.

Tickets for the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, will go on sale from April 1st. Front row seats cost 6,500 yen.

"Kyoto Artistic Fireworks 2026" will be held on June 3rd at Kyoto Racecourse in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City

A station in northern Kyoto Prefecture will hold a "100th anniversary event" from October 11th.Hoping to revive its former bustle

Why not enjoy "moon viewing and music appreciation" at a temple in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City? Held to coincide with the harvest moon

Kyoto's first beer event will be held for five days in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City

A Harvest Moon Banquet will be held at an old castle in western Kyoto Prefecture. It will also feature Japanese dance, a Taisho harp performance, and a tea ceremony.

The annual "Kayabuki Concert" will be held in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture in October. The 73-year-old and 25-year-old will perform together on piano and violin for the third time.

A "passing ritual" will be held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a World Heritage Site in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. A special exhibition of the "Wooden Demon Statue," an Important Cultural Property, will also be held.

"Miyako no Nigiwai" is a grand gathering of geisha and maiko from the five geisha districts of Kyoto. It will be held at the Minamiza Theatre in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City from June 28th.

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