The "Shinko-sai" ritual of Gion Festival was held on the evening of July 17. Three "Mikoshi," or portable shrines, departed from Yasaka Shrine, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, and paraded their parishes accompanied by calls of "Hoitto, hoitto," and the clicking sounds of metallic ornaments on the shrines.

A Shinto ritual was performed from 4:00p.m. at Yasaka Shrine. At just past 6:00p.m., three portable shrines, called "Nakagoza," "Higashigoza," and "Nishigoza" respectively, gathered at "Ishidan-shita," or the main stone steps of the shrine, showing their brilliant images as they were bathed in the light of the setting sun.

The "Yocho," or portable shrine carriers, dressed in Happi coats performed "Sashiage," or lifting the portable shrines till their arms are straight up, and "Sashi-mawashi," or slowly rotating each shrine, in respect for the deity. Spectators applauded thunderously at the sight.

The three "Mikoshi" paraded through their parishes of Higashiyama, Nakagyo and Shimogyo Wards before arriving at Otabisho, Shijo-dori Teramachi Higashi-iru. They will return to Yasaka Shrine in the "Kanko-sai" ritual on July 24.