What Are the Yamahoko Floats? A Beginner’s Guide to Kyoto’s Gion Festival
- Sora Campers Japan
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Every July, thousands of visitors travel to Kyoto to experience the famous Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri). While the spectacular Yamahoko Procession is the festival’s highlight, many first-time visitors don’t realize that the magnificent floats are not all the same.
The floats are collectively known as Yamahoko (山鉾), but they are actually divided into two different categories: Yama (山) and Hoko (鉾). Understanding the difference will make your visit to the Gion Festival much more meaningful.
What is a Yama?
Yama floats are generally smaller than Hoko floats and are built around a specific historical figure, legendary hero, or scene from Japanese and Chinese folklore.
For example:
* Taishi-yama (太子山), dedicated to Prince Shōtoku.
* Kuroshi-yama (黒主山), inspired by the famous poet Ōtomo no Kuronushi.
* Tōrō-yama (蟷螂山), featuring a lifelike praying mantis that moves during the procession.
Each Yama tells its own story, making every float unique.
What is a Hoko?
Hoko floats are the giants of the festival.
Their most recognizable feature is the enormous wooden pole rising from the center of the float, often reaching over 20 meters (65 feet) into the sky. They are pulled through Kyoto’s streets by dozens of participants, creating one of Japan’s most impressive festival spectacles.
Some of the best-known Hoko include:
* Kanko Hoko (函谷鉾)
* Tsuki Hoko (月鉾)
* Fune Hoko (船鉾)
* Ōfune Hoko (大船鉾)
These towering floats are among the symbols of the Gion Festival.
How Many Yamahoko Are There?
They are divided into two separate processions:
* Saki Matsuri (Front Festival): 23 floats
* Ato Matsuri (Later Festival): 11 floats
The separation dates back to 2014, when the Later Festival procession was revived after being discontinued for nearly 50 years.
More Than Just Festival Floats
One of the most fascinating parts of the Gion Festival happens before the procession even begins.
During the Yoiyama evenings, many Yamahoko are opened to the public, allowing visitors to climb aboard selected floats and admire their incredible craftsmanship.
Unlike modern vehicles, these floats are traditionally assembled without nails, using sophisticated Japanese woodworking techniques passed down through generations.
Inside, you’ll also find priceless decorative textiles from Japan, China, Persia, and Europe. Some date back hundreds of years and include rare Flemish and Belgian tapestries imported through historic trade routes.
Because of these extraordinary cultural treasures, the Yamahoko are often called “moving museums.”
A Different Way to Experience the Gion Festival.
For many visitors, the Yamahoko Procession is simply a beautiful parade.
But once you understand the stories behind each float, the symbolism of the Yama and Hoko, and the remarkable craftsmanship that has been preserved for centuries, you’ll see why the Gion Festival is recognized as one of Japan’s most important cultural traditions.
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto in July, don’t just watch the parade—take time to explore the Yamahoko up close during Yoiyama. It is one of the best ways to appreciate the history, artistry, and spirit of the Gion Festival.
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