The annual Gion Matsuri in Kyoto features grand displays with its famous elaborate floats. This month-long festival occurs in July and includes parades showcasing these stunning floats, known as yamaboko, which are beautifully decorated and represent different neighborhoods of Kyoto. The festival is deeply rooted in Shinto traditions, believing that the floats carry away bad spirits and invoke protection against disasters. Besides the procession, local events take place throughout the month, enriching the cultural and spiritual significance of the celebration.