Narita Gion Festival

Narita Gion Festival is an important traditional matsuri (festival) taking place not too far from Narita Airport.

What happens?

Gion festivals take place all over Japan, the most well-known being the one held in Kyoto throughout July. But this one in Chiba Prefecture also has a long 300-year history and lasts for an impressive three days. Floats decorated with intricate carvings and a mikoshi (portable shrine) parade will take place around the area surrounding Narita Station. Of course, there will also be plenty of stalls and snacks to be had.

Schedule 2023

Each night, around 9 p.m. on the 7th and 8th and 10 p.m. on the 9th, floats will be lit up and there will be a festive atmosphere in the air.

Here is what else is happening:

• July 7 (Fri.): Floats and dancers will appear near the main hall of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple from around 1:30 p.m.
• July 8 (Sat.): Dances will start from 9 a.m. around Narita Station.
• July 9 (Sun.): From 1 p.m. floats will be pulled up the street Naritasan Omotesando Nakacho and there will be a dedicated dance at 5 p.m. in Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.