Shijo Kasa Boko

Shijo Kasa Boko is one of the historic umbrella floats featured in Kyoto’s Gion Festival Early Festival (Saki Matsuri). Together with Ayagasa Boko, it preserves the earliest style of the Gion Festival before the magnificent yamaboko floats became the festival’s defining feature.

Centered around a large vermilion umbrella decorated with sacred paper streamers and tassels, Shijo Kasa Boko offers visitors a rare glimpse into the festival’s ancient traditions and elegant simplicity.

History

Shijo Kasa Boko preserves the style of the original umbrella floats that appeared in the early centuries of the Gion Festival.

Like many festival floats, it disappeared from the procession after periods of war and social upheaval. Thanks to the dedication of the local community, however, it returned to the Yamahoko Procession in 1985, after an absence of approximately 120 years.

Today, together with Ayagasa Boko, it plays an important role in preserving the oldest surviving traditions of Kyoto’s most famous festival.

Highlights

One of the Original Umbrella Floats

Shijo Kasa Boko preserves one of the earliest forms of the Gion Festival procession.

Revived After 120 Years

The float returned to the Yamahoko Procession in 1985, symbolizing the successful revival of Kyoto’s festival traditions.

Elegant Vermilion Umbrella

Its large red umbrella, decorated with sacred ornaments and tassels, creates a graceful and distinctive appearance.

A Rare Companion to Ayagasa Boko

Together with Ayagasa Boko, it represents the oldest surviving umbrella-float tradition in the Gion Festival.

Visit Tips

Shijo Kasa Boko is best appreciated during both the Yoiyama evenings and the Yamahoko Procession. Comparing it with nearby Ayagasa Boko provides a fascinating insight into the earliest form of the Gion Festival before the development of the towering festival floats.

The float is also within easy walking distance of Naginata Boko, Tsuki Boko, Niwatori Boko, and Kanko Boko, making it an excellent stop while exploring the Shijo-Karasuma festival district.