Iwato Yama

Iwato Yama is one of the large floats in Kyoto’s Gion Festival Early Festival (Saki Matsuri). It is inspired by the famous Ama-no-Iwato (Heavenly Rock Cave) myth, one of the most important stories in Japanese mythology.

The float recreates the moment when Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess, emerged from the Heavenly Rock Cave after hiding herself inside, restoring light to the world. Beautifully decorated with traditional textiles and carvings, Iwato Yama is one of the festival’s most impressive floats.

During the Yoiyama evenings, visitors can enter the float and admire its elaborate decorations and sacred figures.

History

Iwato Yama is based on the Ama-no-Iwato episode recorded in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, Japan’s oldest historical chronicles.

After becoming distressed by the violent actions of her brother Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu Omikami hid inside the Heavenly Rock Cave, plunging the world into darkness. The assembled gods devised a plan to lure her out using the joyful dance of Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto and the sacred mirror Yata no Kagami. When Amaterasu emerged, Tajikarao-no-Mikoto pulled open the cave entrance, allowing sunlight to return to the world.

Iwato Yama recreates this dramatic scene with sacred figures representing the principal deities of the legend, making it one of the festival’s most important mythological floats.

Highlights

The Ama-no-Iwato Myth

The float recreates one of the best-known stories in Japanese mythology.

Sacred Figures

Visitors can see figures representing Amaterasu, Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, and other deities connected with the legend.

One of the Festival’s Large Floats

Iwato Yama is an impressive large float that plays a prominent role in the Yamahoko Procession.

Magnificent Decorations

Rich Nishijin textiles, traditional carvings, and elegant craftsmanship showcase the artistry of Kyoto’s famous festival.

Visit Tips

The Yoiyama evenings are the ideal time to visit Iwato Yama, when the float is open to visitors and its sacred figures can be viewed up close.

Located in the Shijo-Karasuma festival district, it is within walking distance of Hoka Boko, Funeboko, and Hosho Yama, making it easy to explore several of the Gion Festival’s most historic floats in a single visit.