Moso Yama

Moso Yama is one of the floats featured in Kyoto’s Gion Festival Early Festival (Saki Matsuri). The float is inspired by the story of Meng Zong (Moso) from the Chinese classic Twenty-four Filial Exemplars, celebrating the virtues of filial devotion and compassion.

It depicts the famous legend in which Meng Zong prayed for bamboo shoots to feed his sick mother during the middle of winter. Moved by his sincere devotion, heaven caused bamboo shoots to miraculously emerge through the snow, allowing him to fulfill his mother’s wish.

History

Moso Yama is based on the story of Meng Zong, one of the most celebrated figures in the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars.

According to the legend, Meng Zong’s mother longed to eat fresh bamboo shoots despite the deep winter snow. Unable to find any, he prayed earnestly in a bamboo grove. Miraculously, the snow melted and bamboo shoots emerged from the ground, demonstrating that sincere filial devotion could move heaven itself.

This inspiring story spread throughout East Asia and became a timeless symbol of gratitude, compassion, and respect for one’s parents.

Highlights

Inspired by the Twenty-four Filial Exemplars

The float celebrates the legendary story of Meng Zong, one of China’s most famous models of filial piety.

Miracle of the Winter Bamboo Shoots

Its central theme depicts the miraculous appearance of bamboo shoots through the snow in response to sincere devotion.

Symbol of Filial Devotion

Moso Yama reminds visitors of the enduring importance of family, gratitude, and respect for parents.

Elegant Festival Decorations

During Yoiyama, visitors can admire the float’s beautiful traditional textiles and decorative ornaments.

Visit Tips

Moso Yama is located in the Shijo-Karasuma festival district and can easily be visited together with nearby floats such as Kakkyo Yama, Urade Yama, and Yamabushi Yama. Learning the stories behind these floats offers a deeper appreciation of the cultural and moral traditions preserved within the Gion Festival.