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Gion Matsuri - Kyoto's Greatest Festival
About This Event
Experience Japan's most spectacular festival, the Gion Matsuri, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event that transforms Kyoto into a vibrant celebration for the entire month of July. This 1,150-year-old festival features magnificent floats called yamaboko, some reaching 25 meters tall and weighing up to 12 tons, assembled without a single nail and adorned with priceless tapestries.
The festival's main highlights are the grand processions on July 17 (Saki-matsuri) and July 24 (Ato-matsuri), where these "moving museums" parade through central Kyoto accompanied by traditional music. The majestic yamaboko floats are decorated with exquisite tapestries from around the world, including Persian rugs and Belgian tapestries, earning them the nickname "mobile art museums."
The evenings of July 14-16 and 21-23 (Yoiyama) transform the city into an enchanting street party with illuminated floats, traditional food stalls, and locals dressed in colorful yukata. During these magical evenings, you can actually climb aboard some of the floats, purchase protective chimaki amulets, and enjoy festival foods like yakitori, takoyaki, and kakigori (shaved ice).
Witness the dramatic tsujimawashi corner turns where teams of men skillfully rotate the massive floats 90 degrees using bamboo, water, and sheer determination. This spectacular feat requires perfect coordination and draws enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Purchase chimaki amulets from each float for good luck, board select floats during Yoiyama evenings, and immerse yourself in centuries of Japanese tradition and community spirit.
Reviews
Event Review
Our family enjoyed every moment of the Gion festival! Including the evenings before, in the lovely streets of Kyoto! We found particularly wonderful that during the festival, despite the harsh weather with the rain, all the participants - including on the carriages, in front of those, and the organisers in the various places, did their part without the smallest sign of difficulty, proudly enjoying the fantastic moments. We liked a lot the brochures that described the different carriages and their origins, which added to this unique cultural experience!!! Unfortunately our photos are not the best quality so I do not attach any picture. Thank you very much for the whole organisation!!!
Event Review
The Gion Matsuri is absolutely spectacular! I've been to many festivals around the world, but nothing compares to the grandeur and tradition of this event. The yamaboko floats are incredible works of art, and the atmosphere during the parade is electric. Make sure to arrive early to get a good viewing spot!
Event Review
京都の夏の風物詩、祇園祭に参加できて本当に良かったです。山鉾巡行は圧巻で、それぞれの山鉾の装飾や彫刻の美しさに感動しました。宵山の夜も屋台が立ち並び、浴衣を着た人々で賑わっていて、日本の夏祭りの雰囲気を満喫できました。
Main Experience
Kyoto Gion Festival Viewing Ticket
Witness the captivating Kyoto Gion Festival, a vibrant celebration of Japanese tradition. Marvel at colorful floats, traditional music, and mesmerizing performances. Reserve before tickets sell out! Experience the Iconic Yamaboko Junko Float Procession of the Gion Matsuri! Witness one of Japan's most legendary festivals, the Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Float Procession, from a reserved seat with excellent visibility. This centuries-old tradition is held twice: ・Saki Matsuri(features 23 Yamaboko): July 17 ・Ato Matsuri(features 10 Yamaboko): July 24 Both processions showcase magnificent floats, traditional music, and Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. With a reserved seat, you can relax and enjoy unobstructed views--no need to worry about crowds or long hours of standing. ✨ Limited Hotel Package Available (Optional) For a more comfortable and seamless experience, we also offer limited-quantity hotel packages, including 2 nights (the day before and the day of the festival) with your reserved seat ticket. Available hotels: ・Rinn Kyoto Gion Shinbashi ・Rihga Place Kyoto Shijo Karasuma Hotel packages are available in limited numbers and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. **Time & Location** Saki Matsuri : Jul 17 10:20 AM -- 11:20 AM Ato Matsuri : Jul 24 9:30 AM -- 9:50 AM ## **Ticket Information & Pickup** This is a physical paper ticket, not an e-ticket. On the day of the festival, please come to the following location to receive your ticket directly from our staff. After your reservation, we will contact you with the specific pickup time by the day before the event. Pickup Location: TKP Kyoto Shijo Conference Center 6F Shijo SET Bldg. 99 Tachiurinakano-cho, Shimogyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8006, Japan https://maps.app.goo.gl/K3dsev1z8tRygfhx9 ⚠︎Seat selection is not available. ## **About accommodation packages** ・Stay plan for Rinn Kyoto Gion Shinbashi Reservations for parties of two only Please make your own way to the hotel and check in. A two-night stay including the day before and the day of the festival Standard twin room Room only(Meals are not include) ADDRESS: 2-415-1, Hashimotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City 〒605-0083 ・Stay plan for Rihga Place Kyoto Shijo Karasuma Reservations for parties of two only Please make your own way to the hotel and check in. A two-night stay including the day before and the day of the festival Standard twin room Breakfast included ADDRESS: 551-Sanno-cho, Takatsuji-agaru, Muromachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku 600-8424 ## **How to use** - Please present your paper ticket to the attendant at the entrance gate. - Once you enter the venue, please be seated in the seat indicated on your ticket. ## **What's included** - Paper tickets - Pamphlet ## **What is not included** - Transportation to the venue - Other personal expenses ## **Cancellation Policy** - All sales finalTravelers will not receive any refund regardless of cancellation status. ## **Confirmation before booking** - Yamaboko Junko(Parade) will be held rain or shine. No refunds will be made unless the Yamaboko Junko is not performed.Ticketing and delivery fees related to payment are not refundable. - We shall not be held responsible for any damage once the ticket(s) have been handed to you by our staff on site. Please be careful not to lose them. - Seat numbers are listed on the ticket. Please present your ticket to the receptionist near your seat and sit in the chair marked with your seat number. ## **Notes for the day** - We expect extreme heat, so please take care to stay hydrated and in good physical condition. Even if you are not thirsty, please drink water frequently. Please take precautions against the heat, such as bringing a hat. (Parasols are not permitted as they block visibility.) - We recommend that you bring a raincoat in case of rain. (Rain umbrellas are not permitted as they block visibility.)Please be aware that the restroom facilities at ⚠︎ are inadequate. - The use of tripods is prohibited in the bleacher area. Photography and videography are not permitted in the bleachers area. - Persons who behave in a manner that disturbs other patrons inside or outside the venue and who do not follow the instructions of the staff will be forcibly asked to leave the venue. Tickets will not be refunded in such cases. - The event may be subject to change or cancellation due to the effects of new coronavirus infections, etc. - Please act in accordance with the policies of the national and local governments regarding infection control measures. - The organizers will not be liable for any damage caused inside the bleachers. 
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Event Information
- Location
- Kyoto
- Categories
- Traditional Festival (matsuri)
- Event Dates
- July
- Official Website
- Visit Official Site
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