Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Ren Xiang
Gion Matsuri, Tenjin Matsuri, Mimikko Matsuri... Japan’s summer festivals begin in July, with Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri — one of the three most iconic festivals in Japan — spanning an entire month. Alongside Gion Matsuri, Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri, also counted among Japan’s top three festivals, draws over a million visitors each year. Join the "Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe" app on a journey through Kansai to experience the beauty of festival culture.
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The "Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe" not only provides detailed introductions to attractions by area but also offers in-depth coverage of Kansai through vertical themes such as festivals, trains, and ancient cities (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
● Gion Matsuri
This year’s Gion Matsuri kicks off on July 1 around Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine and Kawaramachi Shijo Street, running for a full month. The "Yoiyama" festivities take place from July 14–16, while the "Yamaboko Junko" parade is held on July 17. Visitors can take the Hankyu Railway and get off at Kawaramachi Higashi.
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This year’s Gion Matsuri runs from July 1 around Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine and Kawaramachi Shijo Street, lasting a full month (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
● Tenjin Matsuri
The Tenjin Matsuri takes place on July 24 and 25 at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Visitors can take the JR Osaka Tenmangu Station on the JR Tozai Line, or the Keihan Electric Railway or the Chuo Subway Line to Kitahama Station.
Attracting over a million visitors annually, the Tenjin Matsuri — along with Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri — is one of Japan’s three great festivals. With a history of over a thousand years, the festival centers around the "Land Procession" (Riku no Gyōdō) and the "Water Procession" (Funa no Gyōdō) on July 25. The Land Procession is a street parade, while the Water Procession features boats parading along the waterways. This tradition originated during the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi when Osaka Castle was being constructed. Many Osaka businesses, major stores, and merchant associations organize their own decorative boats to join the water parade. Not only do they compete in boat size and decoration, but participants also beat drums, cheer, sing, and dance, turning the river into a full-blown carnival. When fireworks light up the sky, spectators along the riverbanks and bridges, as well as those on the boats, are all swept up in the excitement.
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The Tenjin Matsuri takes place on July 24 and 25 at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine (Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
MOOK’s self-guided travel app bookstore, the "Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe," not only provides detailed introductions to attractions by area but also delves into Kansai through vertical themes such as festivals, trains, and ancient cities. From July 8 to July 14, purchasing the "Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe" app comes with triple bonuses—
First Bonus: Enjoy a 50% discount when purchasing during the campaign period.
Second Bonus: Show your app purchase ID at the designated book purchase link to buy the physical book "Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe Complete Domination 2013–2014" at a special price of 295 JPY (original price 399 JPY)
Third Bonus: Readers who purchase the "Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe" app will also be entered into a draw for "Japan Railway Travel"![](\"/pic/20200317/f009ac920801484912de60b8f4713515.jpg\")
MOOK’s self-guided travel app bookstore — from July 8 to July 14, purchasing the "Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe" app comes with triple bonuses—(Image provided by Mook Editorial Department)
The "Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe" app and the physical book "Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe Complete Domination 2013–2014" together elevate your travel experience to another level. Before your trip or while staying at your hotel, you can slowly read the book to plan your itinerary. On the go, use your mobile phone to easily access information, eliminating the hassle of carrying bulky books. This new experience allows travelers to explore the city’s unique attractions and experience the diverse charm of foreign cultures with ease.
MOOK Self-Guided Travel App Bookstore — Ultimate Guide to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe:
https://itunes.apple.com/tw/app/id495070783
● Further Reading: Experience American Culture with the "Complete Self-Guided USA West" APP
http://www.tripass.net/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=8715