Kobe Hirano Gion Festival 2026

Dates & time: July 13, 2026 (Mon) - July 20, 2026 (Mon) First day (13 Jul) from 11:00; stalls open from around 17:00 into the night (earlier on weekends)
cost: Free to enter (stalls charge individually)
Venue & access: Gion Shrine (Hirano, Hyogo Ward, Kobe) From Okurayama Station (Kobe Municipal Subway) or Minatogawa Station (Kobe Electric Railway), take a Kobe city bus and alight at Hirano, then about a 5-min walk.
There is no dedicated parking and the area gets crowded during the festival, so public transport is recommended.

There are 4 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Gion Shrine (Hirano, Hyogo Ward, Kobe). The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

The summer festival of Gion Shrine, set on a rise in Hirano, running eight days from 13 to 20 July each year. With around 1,150 years of history, it prays for protection from plague and water disasters and a safe passage through summer. Food and game stalls line the approach and the grounds, and visitors stroll in yukata. Inside the precinct, shrine maidens perform kagura to flute and bell — a festival that keeps the feel of an old-town ennichi. A local summer fixture, easy to drop by on a cool evening.

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NOTE

Origins

It is said to date from 869, when a procession carrying a divided spirit of Susanoo-no-Mikoto from Hiromine Shrine in Himeji toward Kyoto stopped overnight here in Hirano — about 1,150 years of history.

How to enjoy

Food stalls (takoyaki, ika-yaki) and game stalls fill the approach
Shrine maidens perform kagura (flute and bell) in the precinct
Many visitors come in yukata, giving it a classic old-town summer-festival feel

Main events (2026)

Sat 18 Jul, from around 9:35 — mikoshi (portable shrine) at Gion Shrine
Sat 18 Jul, 20:00 (approx. 30 min) — dedicatory performance of Tsugaru shamisen and Japanese folk song (west of the kagura hall in the precinct)
Kagura runs 18:00–21:00 (kagura ticket: 2,000 yen each)
Amulet office open 10:00 to just past 21:00

※Daily programmes and times can vary by year. Check Gion Shrine's official site and Instagram for the latest.

※Enquiries: Gion Shrine (078-361-3450)

Hyogo Wadamisaki Events Festivals History Heritage Food Walk Family

出典: 祇園神社公式サイト

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FAQ

Is there an admission fee?

Entry and worship are free. Food and games at the stalls are charged individually.

Is it good for families with children?

With many food and game stalls, it is enjoyable for families. The approach has slopes and steps, so a stroller can be awkward in places.

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Kobe Hirano Gion Festival 2026

Why You Should Visit

Photo Gallery

NOTE

Where to go next

FAQ

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