Gion Festival: Kyoto

A month long affair, Gion Festival in Kyoto is one of the most colorful festivals of Japan. Kyoto prepares itself for the gala event months before the start. Every nook and corner of the city is decorated with lights and there is an air of excitement looming over Kyoto. The main attraction of the festival is the three day parade organized in the middle of the month. The three nights before the parade, only the pedestrians are allowed into the downtown area of Kyoto. Few days before Yoiyama, few families open up their homes to public displaying traditional family heirlooms. Do not miss this chance as it is a golden opportunity to gaze at traditional Japanese houses.