Kyoto’s Festival Float Makes Its First Appearance In Tokyo

TOKYO, JAPAN - JUN. 19: The Ofunehoko is the star float in Kyoto's classic summer festival, the Gion Matsuri, which takes place in July each year. The float made its first appearance in Roppongi, Tokyo a little before the festival in Kyoto on Friday June 19. It was displayed at “Honmamon Dake 3 DAYS”, three-day real Kyoto event, held in Roppongi Hills Arena, Tokyo. This special event was co-sponsored by the city of Kyoto, its tourism association, and JR Central, and presented a special public viewing of cultural treasures from Kyoto together with a sight-seeing campaign. On the first day visitors could watch the Ofunehoko being assembled, or enjoy an exhibition of food and other products from Kyoto. A traditional crafts experience corner was also set up. The Ofunehoko measures 7.5 meters in length, 6.3 meters in height, and 3.3 meters in width. It is a yamahoko style float -- a float mounted with a decorative halberd -- with a history of over 500 years.