Kameoka Festival Yamahoko Ritual (Main 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 neighborhood line the streets. On the Yoimiya eve festival of the 24th, lanterns and handmade andon paper lamps from each float neighborhood illuminate the town from dusk, and during the Main Festival on the 25th, all eight Hikiyama floats parade using traditional wooden wheels. Around 11:00 AM, the Yamahoko floats gather at Hatago-machi for the lottery verification ceremony (Kuji-aratame no Gi) performed by the mayor. This festival is well suited for visitors who want to see both the castle townscape and the Yamahoko floats together. During Yoimiya, lanterns and andon lamps are lit from dusk, and events such as flower arrangement (ikebana) exhibitions and complimentary sacred sake service are also offered. There are 11 Yamahoko floats: Kuwayama-yama, Hachiman-yama, Takeuchi-yama, Miwa-yama, Takasago-yama, Ebisu-yama, Namba-yama, Inari-yama, Urashima-yama, Hagoromo-yama, and Okina-yama. The highlights of the Main Festival are the procession of all eight Hikiyama floats on traditional wooden wheels and the gathering of the Yamahoko floats at Hatago-machi around 11:00 AM for the lottery verification ceremony by the mayor. Following the ceremony, the Yamahoko floats return to their respective neighborhoods. Spectating along the route is free of charge.

Venue

Kuwayama Shrine

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