Gion Matsuri

Hi Nana,

The Yoi-yoi-yama on July 15 starts around dusk and ends at 10pm. You'll be able to see the floats at designated spots on the main streets of Kyoto, like Shijo-dori. You can watch the main festival from anywhere on the route, but the most interesting to see are the corners where the floats need to turn directions. More details are on this website. http://www.insidekyoto.com/gion-matsuri-kyotos-biggest-festival

Shinko-sai is about the three gods of Yasaka Shrine coming to Kyoto city by Mikoshi or portable Shrine. The festival at Yasaka Shrine starts at 16:00, and the Mikoshi depart from the bottom of the stone steps of the shrine at 18:00 to parade around the Ujiko area and then head to the Otabijyo in Shijo-machi. The 3 Mikoshi stay there until the return trip in 1 week. So go to Yasaka Shrine to see the festival and the departure of the 3 gods.