A UNESCO: Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

The Gion Matsuri, or Gion Festival, is a religious ceremony at Kyoto’s famous Yasaka Shrine, and its roots stretch back to the year 869. Originally a plea to the gods to save the citizens of Kyoto from the plagues that were sweeping through the city and country during this period, nowadays people flock from all over the country to be a part of the festivities. The highlight of the festival is the parade of the 33 “floats” called “yamaboko,” and sometimes referred to as “moving museums” due to their cultural importance. From 2014, the previously one-day parade will be split over two days, with 23 of the floats parading on the 17th of July, and the remaining 10 parading later on the 24th. The pageantry and scale of this parade are of utmost cultural significance, leading to the Gion Festival’s main parade of yamaboko floats being designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Feel and experience the beauty of kimono!

The Center aims to publicize the beauty of kimono. In addition to the exhibits of traditional Nishijin textiles, you can enjoy kimono shows, experience hand-weaving under the guidance of professional craftsmen, and try on kimono yourself (including a juni-hitoe-12-layer kimono, maiko costume, and traditional town clothes). One-day rental of kimono is also available so you can stroll around Kyoto dressed in kimono.