Kyoto’s Gion Festival Part 1: History

If you make it down to Japan’s old capital of Kyoto in July, you are bound to be drawn into the festivities all around throughout the month for the grand festival of Gion. If you thought Kyoto’s Aoi Festival was a long and outstanding event, then wait till you have seen how the entire city goes all out for the entire month, regardless of how hot or rainy it might get, in order to celebrate the Gion Festival! Gion Festival is considered to be one of the three grand festivals of Japan, along-side the Tenjin Festival in Osaka and the Kanda Festival in Tokyo.

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How to Survive the Sizzling Summers in Japan: Thrifty Tips that Won’t Break the Bank

Stifling heat and excessive humidity — Japan’s summer can be relentless, pushing the mercury well beyond 40°C. Each day, the wailing sirens of paramedics can be heard frequently, racing to attend to heat collapse cases. So, how do you keep cool without breaking the bank during a Japanese summer? Here are some handy, affordable tips!

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