Spectators, including many tourists, enjoyed a parade of colourfully decorated floats at the annual Gion Festival in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto on Monday (July 17).
A total of 23 floats were paraded through the city. It’s a highlight of the month-long summer festival.
Originally held to pray the gods to prevent plague from ravaging the city, the festival has turned into a broader celebration of Kyoto culture.
Ten more floats will take to the streets on August 24.
Men from the various neighborhoods pull the floats through the streets on the procession days.
