Hoka Boko

Hoka Boko is one of the grand floats in Kyoto’s Gion Festival Early Festival (Saki Matsuri). Its name is believed to derive from Hoka, a form of medieval Japanese performing arts that combined acrobatics, music, and dance.

Standing about 25 meters tall, the float is lavishly decorated with magnificent tapestries, intricate wood carvings, and traditional ornaments. Unlike many other festival floats, Hoka Boko features a unique boy figure known as Sankomaru, who sits atop the roof throughout the procession.

During the Yoiyama evenings, visitors can climb aboard the float and admire its remarkable craftsmanship.

History

The origins of Hoka Boko date back to the Muromachi period, and it has been preserved by Kyoto’s townspeople for centuries.

Its name is thought to refer to the Hoka performers, itinerant entertainers who traveled Japan presenting acrobatics, juggling, music, and other popular performances at temples and shrines.

One of the float’s most distinctive features is Sankomaru, a young figure seated on the roof instead of a sacred deity or living child. His name refers to the Three Lights—the sun, moon, and stars—which symbolize harmony and protection.

Although destroyed during the Onin War, Hoka Boko was later rebuilt and continues to be one of the highlights of the Gion Festival.

Highlights

Sankomaru on the Roof

The float is famous for the young figure Sankomaru, who rides atop the roof during the procession.

One of the Festival’s Grand Floats

Standing around 25 meters tall, Hoka Boko is among the largest and most impressive floats of the Gion Festival.

Superb Traditional Craftsmanship

Visitors can admire exquisite Nishijin textiles, wood carvings, and decorative metalwork.

Climb Aboard During Yoiyama

The float is open to visitors during Yoiyama, offering a close look at its elegant interior and historic construction.

Visit Tips

The Yoiyama evenings are the best time to experience Hoka Boko, when the float is beautifully illuminated by lanterns and open to visitors.

Located in the Shijo-Karasuma festival district, Hoka Boko can easily be visited together with Naginata Boko, Tsuki Boko, Niwatori Boko, and Kikusui Boko. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see Sankomaru, a unique feature found only on this float.