On July 10, 2025, Kyoto hosted one of its most beloved annual traditions—the Gion Matsuri Omukae Chochin (迎え提灯) Lantern Procession. This special event sees children and young participants, dressed in festive attire, parade from Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) to Kyoto City Hall, illuminating the city with lanterns as dusk approaches. The Omukae Chochin parade is a key part of the larger Gion Festival, a celebration with centuries-old roots deeply tied to Kyoto’s historical and cultural fabric.

Starting at 4:30 PM, festival participants, and especially local children, take on significant roles in this procession, carrying decorative lanterns, traditional banners, and even musical instruments. The spectacle draws enthusiastic crowds of tourists, both domestic and international, who gather along the procession route. Visitors are often moved by the youthful energy and colorful pageantry, as well as by the warm welcome extended by the city to all who come to witness the event.

The Gion Festival itself, one of the three great festivals of Kyoto, spans nearly the entire month of July. The Omukae Chochin parade signals the start of the festival’s most exciting days. The route, which stretches from Yasaka Shrine near the Gion district to the modern governmental heart at Kyoto City Hall, showcases Kyoto’s seamless blend of tradition and contemporary life. Yasaka Shrine is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Shinto traditions, while the area around City Hall offers easy access to shopping, restaurants, and further festival activities.

If visiting Kyoto in July, the Gion Matsuri and its parades, including the Omukae Chochin, provide a unique opportunity to experience Kyoto’s culture, interact with locals, and witness time-honored rituals in a vibrant, festive atmosphere. For more details on the Omukae Chochin event or to plan your own festival experience, the Kyoto Travel website provides up-to-date guides.