The "Shinko-sai" ritual of Gion Festival was held on the evening of July 17. Three "Mikoshi," or portable shrines, departed from Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, and headed to Shijo Otabisho at Shijo-dori Teramachi Higashi-iru, Shimogyo Ward, after parading across their parishes with calls of "Hoitto, Hoitto."

At 6:30p.m., led by "Kuze Komagata Chigo," or the sacred child on horseback, three portable shrines, "Nakagoza," "Higashigoza," and "Nishigoza," which each enshrine deities of Yasaka Shrine, gathered at the bottom of the main stone steps to Yasaka Shrine. While spectators filling the sidewalks watched, the "Yocho," or portable shrine carriers, performed "Sashiage," or lifting Mikoshi over their heads, and slowly rotated each Mikoshi, at the called signal of "Mawase." The air was filled with excitement.

Amid the lingering heat and humidity of the day, the three Mikoshi were vigorously marched through the Gion area and the shopping arcade along Kawaramachi Street with the sound of their metal ornaments jingling. They gathered again around midnight at Otabisho, where they will remain until the "Kanko-sai" ritual on July 24.