In Japan, summer time is matsuri (festival) time. One of the most famous festivals in all of Japan is Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri. While Gion Matsuri endures about the whole month of July, most consider the peak to be on July 17th, with the Yama Hoko Parade.

A while ago, I mentioned a festival in Shiogama where people carry a small portable shrine. Although that shrine weighs about 1 ton, it is nothing compared to the massive ones at Gion Matsuri! For more information about Gion Matsuri can be found or the Japan Photo Guide

This photograph was taken by Evan Pike. If you would like to see more, check out the gallery .