Kyoto comes alive every July with the Gion Festival (祇園祭, Gion Matsuri), one of Japan’s most renowned traditional celebrations. The video, recorded on July 12, 2025, presents the ‘hikizome’ (trial pulling) of two iconic yamaboko floats—’Kikusui-boko’ and ‘Tsuki-boko’—as they are drawn through the streets of Shijo Muromachi. This annual event signals the final preparation for the grand festival procession, attracting both locals and international tourists to Kyoto’s historic downtown.

The hikizome is an important prelude to the main parade, allowing participants to test the movement and safety of the massive wooden floats, many of which are lavishly decorated with centuries-old textiles and ornate carvings. The video captures the moment when both the Kikusui-boko (菊水鉾) and Tsuki-boko (月鉾) floats are moved consecutively, a rare and exciting sight for festival enthusiasts. Viewers can observe the collaborative effort required to pull these tall, wheeled structures through the narrow city streets while traditional festival music sets the festive mood.

Both Kikusui-boko and Tsuki-boko have fascinating histories and distinct symbolism rooted in Kyoto’s culture. The Gion Festival itself, centered in the Shijo area, is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event that has brought communities together for over 1,000 years. As thousands gather to watch or participate, the event offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto’s living traditions and vibrant street life. For travelers, witnessing hikizome provides an up-close experience of Japanese craftsmanship, communal spirit, and the anticipation leading up to the festival’s main parade days.

The Shijo Muromachi district, where this video is set, is a core area for festival activities, conveniently accessible via public transit near central Kyoto. Visitors to Kyoto in July can experience multiple events tied to Gion Matsuri, with the hikizome serving as a highlight for those interested in Japan’s seasonal celebrations and historical culture.