Kyoto Gion Festival Viewing Ticket
Active
1h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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.
Available options
Stay plan_Rihga Place Kyoto
Rihga Place Kyoto Shijo Karasu: ・A two-night stay including the day before and the day of the festival
・Standard twin room
・Breakfast included
Stay plan_Rinn Kyoto Gion
Rinn Kyoto Gion Shinbashi: ・A two-night stay including the day before and the day of the festival
・Standard twin room
・Room only(Meals are not include)
Viewing Ticket Only
Viewing Ticket : Please pick up your tickets at the TKP Kyoto Shijo Conference Center and proceed to the seating area on your own.
What's included
Gion Festival Yamaboko Junko reserved seat Ticket
Pamphlet＆Commemorative card
Detailed itinerary
1
The Gion Matsuri’s "Yamaboko Junko" parade is a must-see event.
The streets of Kyoto are filled with large, beautifully decorated floats pulled by local teams.
You can enjoy the parade from a reserved seat, ensuring a comfortable, unobstructed view of the floats and the lively atmosphere.
・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
What's not included
Transportation to the venue
Other personal expenses
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Yamaboko Junko（Parade） will be held rain or shine. No refunds will be made unless the Yamaboko Junko is not performed.
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 are inadequate.
The use of tripods is prohibited in the bleacher area. Photography and videography are not permitted in the bleachers area.
Smoking is not permitted.
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.
Important notes
⚠️ These are paper tickets (not electronic) and will be delivered to your accommodation provided while booking prior to the event.
Please provide your accommodation details for 3–5 days before the Gion Festival on July 17 (ideally between July 12–14).
⚠️ Ticket Delivery Schedule
Tickets are scheduled to be shipped in early July and cannot be sent before that date.
Please ensure that your shipping address for July is confirmed and accurate before completing your purchase.
⚠️Required Ticket Shipping Information:
– Hotel name
– Hotel address
– Check-in date and number of nights
– Name used for the hotel reservation
– Hotel reservation number
(Tickets will be shipped based on this information.)
• Once your ticket has been shipped, a tracking number will be sent to your registered email address. Please check your inbox for updates.
⚠️ Important Notes
• Before purchasing, please confirm with your accommodation or recipient whether they can receive "Simplified Registered Mail" (Kan'i Kakitome).
•Tickets cannot be delivered to unmanned accommodations (such as some vacation rentals) or locations like schools where registered mail cannot be received.
•If your accommodation cannot accept registered mail, please do not purchase the tickets.
We cannot be held responsible for undelivered tickets due to incorrect or incomplete shipping information, or if the tickets cannot be received at your accommodation.
•Shipping address cannot be changed after the tickets have been sent. Please double-check the details before submitting.
•We are not responsible for any loss or damage to the tickets after they are delivered to your accommodation. Please keep them safe.
⚠️ 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.
⚠️In some cases, tickets may be handed out in person at a designated location in Kyoto on the day of the event. If so, we will inform you via email in advance.
About Kyoto
Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.
Top Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.
Religious
2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike)
Free
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.
Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)
Gion
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).
Cultural
1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event)
Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kaiseki Ryori
A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.
Dinner
Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.
Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)
A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.
Matcha Desserts
Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the mountains
Cycling through the countryside
Rafting on the Hozu River
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Scenic walks in gardens and parks
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional tea ceremonies
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.
15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn)
59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited/Rare
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto
By train
Kyoto Station
By bus
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gion
Higashiyama
Arashiyama
Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)
Day trips
Nara
40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day
Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
Uji
20 km from Kyoto • Half day
Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).
Kurama and Kibune
25 km from Kyoto • Full day
Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Festivals
Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th)
Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd
Aoi Matsuri • May 15th
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
- Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
- Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.
$93
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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