Stroly Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; President and CEO, Manachi Takahashi; hereinafter 'Stroly') will release the illustrated digital map 'Gion Festival Illustrated Map,' created in collaboration with Kyoto Shimbun Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; hereinafter 'Kyoto Shimbun'), on Wednesday, July 1, coinciding with the Gion Festival taking place throughout Kyoto City starting July 1, 2026.
The Gion Festival is one of Japan's three great festivals, with over a thousand years of history. Held at Yasaka Shrine from July 1 (Yofu-iri) to July 31 (Ekanjin Natsugoshi Festival), the month-long celebration fills Kyoto with vibrant festivities, highlighted by the Gion Bayashi music. Particularly on July 17 (Sakimatsuri) and July 24 (Atomatsuri), the grand Yama-Hoko processions and their preceding evening festivities (Yo-yama) attract massive crowds, immersing the city in celebratory energy.
The 'Gion Festival Illustrated Map,' a collaborative project between Stroly and Kyoto Shimbun, marks its 7th year since its launch in 2020. Driven by the shared vision of allowing festival-goers to experience not only the Yama-Hoko floats but also Kyoto's rich culture and history, the map features an original illustration by Kyoto-based artist Mori Yuka. With a light, whimsical style reminiscent of the 'Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga' (Animal-Parody Scrolls), the artwork depicts each Yama-Hoko and its unique characters joyfully celebrating the festival. Each spot on the map provides detailed explanations about the history and origins of the floats, as well as information on rituals and events held during the festival, aiming to contribute to local and festival revitalization.
Additionally, by integrating GPS functionality, users can check their current location, making it a practical tool for touring the Yama-Hoko. The map allows switching between the 'Sakimatsuri (Preliminary Festival) Illustrated Map' and the 'Atomatsuri (Main Festival) Illustrated Map,' and supports three languages: Japanese, English, and Korean, making it accessible to international tourists. Furthermore, at each Yama-Hoko spot, related YouTube videos and previously captured panoramic images are available, with descriptions viewable in multiple languages including Japanese, English, and Korean.
[Spot Information Icons and Main Features]
[Artist Profile]
Mori Yuka: A Kyoto-based illustrator known for her traditional Japanese aesthetic. She works across diverse media, from magazine illustrations and picture books to murals, and is active in various creative fields.
<Biography>
Graduated from the Master's Program in Japanese Painting, Kyoto City University of Arts
Has created numerous illustrated maps in collaboration with Stroly
2012: Honorable Mention, 1st White Quartz MOE Picture Book Award
2013: Honorable Mention, 2nd White Quartz MOE Picture Book Award
2018: Published 'Kyoto Wa no Nazo Nazo Ehon' (Kyoto's Traditional Riddle Picture Book) (Text: Chihiro Ishizu, Illustrations: Mori Yuka) by Shuwasen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niwatoriusagi/
[Overview of 'Gion Festival Illustrated Map']
URL Sakimatsuri Map: https://stroly.com/viewer/1655178288?spot=127231
Atomatsuri Map: https://stroly.com/viewer/1655855927?spot=127350
Languages Supported: Japanese, English, Korean
Usage: Free
Recommended Browsers: Chrome, Safari
Produced by: Stroly Co., Ltd.
Distribution Platform: Stroly
[About Stroly]
Stroly, the illustrated digital map platform operated by Stroly, is a map platform that thoroughly guides users to 'discover, learn, and experience' exciting local information through easy-to-understand illustrations that convey a unique worldview. Featuring over 13,000 illustrated digital maps worldwide, it supports tourism, festivals, events, and regional promotions across Japan. Users can customize maps by placing illustrations like stickers, receive recommendations, and access event information. Moreover, by analyzing map viewing data, Stroly visualizes foot traffic and usage patterns and supports multilingual features for inbound tourism strategies.
[Company Overview]
Company Name: Stroly Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 109-1 Kanai-cho, Inokuma-dori Shio-koji-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Representative: President and CEO Manachi Takahashi
Service URL: https://stroly.com/ja/
[Inquiries about Illustrated Digital Maps]
https://biz.stroly.com
[Stroly Recruitment Information]
https://corp.stroly.com/recruit/
[Inquiries regarding this press release]
Stroly Co., Ltd.
Email: info@stroly.jp
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event