A festival on the scale of Gion Matsuri takes a lot of work and organization. I heard the musicians practice the strange haunting festival music for months in advance. As for the floats, they begin building them on July 10 so they are ready for the three festival nights before the procession. As builders construct the floats it's business as usual in Kyoto's bustling Shijo Karasuma area, but it's a great time for sightseers to check out the floats. There are also opportunities to visit traditional wooden Kyoto townhouses and enjoy displays of antique screens.
More info
Find out more about Yasaka Shrine.
