Crowds Join First Pull of 10-Ton Gion Festival Float

Jul 13, 2026 | News On Japan

KYOTO - A 10-ton hoko float was pulled through central Kyoto on July 12 in a trial run ahead of the Yamahoko Junko procession during the Gion Festival's early parade.

The Kikusui Hoko slowly began moving along Muromachi Street in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward at 3 p.m., marking the start of the traditional hikizome trial pull.

The hikizome is held to test a fully assembled float before the main procession. In the case of the Kikusui Hoko, women and tourists are also allowed to take part in pulling the float.

"It's heavy," one participant said. "It's fun," said another. A third said, "You really feel like you're pulling it. You can feel the weight."

The Yamahoko Junko procession for the festival's early parade will be held on July 17.

Source: ABCTVnews

Kumamoto Mall Search Ends With Seven Confirmed Dead

Authorities ended the five-day search and rescue operation at Aeon Mall Kumamoto on August 1 after confirming that all people reported missing had been accounted for, leaving seven dead and five others injured in an explosion that devastated the shopping complex shortly after the powerful Kumamoto earthquake.

Typhoon No. 13 Threatens Japan's Southern Islands

Very strong Typhoon No. 13 (Dolphin) was moving west-northwest near Minamitorishima as of 9 p.m. on August 1 and is forecast to pass near the Ogasawara Islands before approaching Okinawa's Daito Islands later in the week.

Kyushu Shinkansen Reopens Northern Section as Southern Damage Persists

Kyushu Shinkansen services between Hakata and Kumamoto resumed on a reduced schedule on July 31 after a three-day suspension caused by the earthquake, while extensive rail damage has left no timetable for reopening the section south to Kagoshima-Chuo.

Rescue Efforts Continue in Kumamoto as 72-Hour Mark Nears

Rescue operations continued across Kumamoto Prefecture as the critical 72-hour period approached following the July 28 earthquake that registered the maximum seismic intensity of 7, with authorities confirming 34 deaths by July 30.

Kego Fault Zone Also Faces Unruptured Segment Risk

The Kego Fault Zone running through central Fukuoka could produce an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7, leaving 1,800 people dead, 800 disaster-related deaths and 319,000 evacuees, according to prefectural damage estimates, as experts warn that an unruptured section may remain under stress.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Osaka's Tenjin Festival Under Tourism Pressure

Osaka's Tenjin Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals and a tradition dating back more than 1,000 years, drew about 1.29 million visitors this year, close to a record high, even as organizers struggled with extreme heat, growing numbers of foreign tourists, waste and mounting safety concerns.

International Travel Demand Slows During Summer Holiday Period

International flight bookings for Japan's Obon holiday period have lost momentum for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, with airlines pointing to global uncertainty and the weak yen as factors discouraging overseas travel.

One Piece Premier Summer Returns to Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan launched its annual One Piece Premier Summer event on July 30, offering live battle performances and new festival-themed food inspired by the popular anime series.

New Theme Park Reshapes Tourism Across Northern Okinawa

Junglia Okinawa will mark its first anniversary on July 25 after generating an estimated 32.2 billion yen in economic activity during its first six months, drawing more tourists to northern Okinawa and expanding business with local companies, although the benefits have varied widely across the region.

Thomas and Percy make Dream Appearance at Shin-Kanaya Station

Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy appeared side by side at Oigawa Railway's retro-style Shin-Kanaya Station in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, drawing cheers from passengers and children who packed the platform for the dream pairing.

Japanese Winemaker in Bordeaux Reports Tour Cancellations

Wildfires continued to burn across southwestern France, spreading closer to Bordeaux and disrupting tourism as a Japanese winemaker in the renowned wine-producing region reported fewer visitors and tour cancellations.

Stone Walls Collapse at Kumamoto Castle

A powerful earthquake that registered the maximum seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28 caused stone walls to collapse at 28 locations within Kumamoto Castle, reviving painful memories among residents who experienced the devastating earthquakes a decade ago.

Flights Resume Between Osaka and Kumamoto After Quake Disruption

Flights at Kumamoto Airport were gradually returning to normal on July 29 after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that registered the maximum seismic intensity of 7 forced the cancellation of all domestic services at the airport the previous day.

< 2 3 4 5 >