Soundscapegraphy of old-town of Kyoto with the Gion Festival

Abstract

The soundscape of the Yamahoko-cho area in the old capital of Japan, Kyoto, is described from various aspects based on an intensive survey of acoustic ecology. The area located in the city center is famous for the Gion Festival, which is one of the biggest and oldest festivals in the country. The area’s soundscape on ordinary days is basically dominated by the noises of automobiles passing through the streets, since there are also companies and shops in the area, which is the trading center of Japanese costumes, kimono. In July, when the ceremony and festival are undertaken for 1 month, the soundscape changes to be dominated by a variety of sounds related to the festival. Particularly during the days when bands of music by flutes, drums, and small gongs are performed, the soundscape of the area becomes a complete festival one. The music is so famous that it is recognized as characteristic of the city. The residents in the area are raised listening to the sounds in summer, and these sounds are closely connected with their lives. Though the music is no doubt the loudest sound heard in the area, no one complains.