Kameoka Festival Yamahoko Ritual (Yoimiya Eve Festival)

About this event

This Yamahoko float event is held in the former Kameyama castle town in conjunction with the annual festival of Kuwayama Shrine in Kameoka City. Affectionately known as the "Gion Festival of Kuchi-Tanba," 11 Yamahoko floats handed down in each district are displayed. In 2026, the Yoimiya eve festival takes place on Saturday, October 24, and the Main Festival on Sunday, October 25. On Yoimiya (October 24), from dusk onward, lanterns and handmade andon paper lamps from each float neighborhood illuminate the town in a magical atmosphere. During the Main Festival, eight Hikiyama floats parade using traditional wooden wheels, and around 11:00 AM, the Yamahoko floats assemble in Hatago-machi for the lottery verification ceremony (Kuji-aratame no Gi) conducted by the mayor. A key attraction is the ability to enjoy both the atmospheric townscape of the castle town and the powerful procession of Yamahoko floats. In addition, as part of the "Kameoka Andon Road" coinciding with Yoimiya, handmade andon lamps are placed in each float neighborhood, and events such as flower arrangement (ikebana) exhibitions and complimentary sacred sake service are held. Starting in 2024 (Reiwa 6), the Yoi-Yoiyama (two nights before the main festival) is no longer held.

Venue

Kuwayama Shrine

22-2 Kamigaito, Kamiyada-cho, Kameoka, Kyoto 621-0856