Gion Matsuri Nights

For three nights from July 13 to 16, the streets around Kyoto's main business area are closed to traffic. Instead, food and amusement stalls line the narrow side streets off Shijo Street, and thousands of people pour into the area to eat, to drink, and especially to look at the Gion floats parked in the streets. Many people wear summer kimonos and the sound of traditional Gion music is everywhere. Lanterns big and small light the scene. One word of warning - the subway gets extremely crowded, so if that is your method of transport, be prepared for long queues.