The "Shinko-sai" ritual of Gion Festival was held on the evening of July 17 at Yasaka Shrine, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Three portable shrines dedicated to the deities of the shrine paraded the parish, and then headed for Shijo-Otabisho, Shimogyo Ward, later in the evening.

The portable shrines left Yasaka Shrine and gathered at "Ishidan-shita," or the main stone steps of the shrine, at just past 6:00 p.m. The potable shrine carriers performed "Sashiage," where they lifted the shrines up high and shook them while shouting out. Thrilled by the carriers' excitement while braving the light rain and the gorgeous sight of the vermilion Nishiromon Gate and golden portable shrines, viewers erupted into cheers and applause.

Each of the three portable shrines paraded the vicinity of Gion, including Sanjo-dori Street, Teramachi-dori Street and Kawaramachi-dori Street. The carriers' calls and clinking sounds of the shrines' metallic decorations resonated throughout the evening streets. The portable shrines will be enshrined in Shijo-Otabisho until the "Kanko-sai" ritual on July 24.