Kyoto’s Gion Festival: A Social History

This book focuses on the long history of what is arguably the most prestigious and influential festival in Japan – Kyoto’s Gion festival. The book explores this history from the festival’s origins in the late 10th century to the 21st century, drawing on Japanese historical studies and archival materials as well as the author's participant observation fieldwork.
Whilst research to date has focused on Shinto ideas and rituals, Kyotos' Gion Festival is the first to focus on this famous Shrine festival and demonstrates the importance of shrine festivals in understanding Japanese religion. Covering both historical and contemporary perspectives, it includes discussion of the festival's status as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the interplay of religion and tourism, as well as its symbol of national unity.