Gion Matsuri was restored to its former glory in 2014, almost 50 years after its two processions were merged into one. Again one parade precedes the deities' journey from the shrine to their temporary abode during the festival, and another precedes their return. The festival's revival was led by the resurrection of the Ofune Hoko float after 150 years. Now the Taka Yama float, absent for 190 years, will also be rebuilt. Discover the pride and passion of locals in bringing back old traditions.

Japanese believe their ancestors' spirits visit in mid-August. To safely guide the spirits back to the other world, they light bonfires on 5 mountains in the Gozan-no-okuribi ceremony. The residents charged with the Hidari-daimonji bonfire solemnly uphold the traditional spirit of prayer and allow only local participation. Here, a large torch is used to transport the fire from the temple at the foot of the mountain. Discover the customs that continue to bind the living and the dead in Kyoto.