The Gion Matsuri Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals, incorporates a number of festivities held throughout July, with the highlights taking place during the Yamahoko Junko procession on July 17th (Early or Saki Matsuri Festival) and July 24th (Latter or Ato Matsuri Festival).

The Gion Festival's history reaches over 1,000 years in the past and is a month-long festival held at Yasaka Shrine from July 1st to July 31st (Nagoshi Matsuri Festival). The Yamahoko procession on the 17th and 24th is also called a “moving gallery” because the floats are decorated with beautiful embroidery, imported fabrics, and other gorgeous ornaments.　　

*For more information (Kyoto Sightseeing Official Website)
https://kyoto.travel/en/season_festivals/gion_matsuri.html

The Kyoto City Tourism Association will provide paid viewing seats for the procession. We will be offering “Gion Matsuri Premium Seats” this year in order to provide a one-of-a-kind experience. In addition, we will also be selling reserved seats in the general seating area that will allow visitors to watch the procession closely from the front-row. A part of the proceeds of the sales will be used to preserve and support this festival.

This year, all seats will come with a pamphlet and commemorative card.

City Hall area (from Kawaramachi-dori street to Teramachi-dori street) approx. 1,600 seats.
Karasuma Oike area (Karasuma-dori street to Takakura-dori street) approx. 2,000 seats.

Click here or on the image to enlarge it

(2) Route of the Latter Festival procession (July 24th)

Click here or on the image to enlarge it

4. Prices

*Seat type and price (All seats are reserved seats and come with a pamphlet and commemorative card. Tax included in the price.)

Seating type	Price	Remarks
Gion Matsuri Festival Premium Seat with a special view of the Kanko Hoko floats during Yoiyama (pre-festival, July 16th)	200,000 yen	A special private viewing of the Kanko hoko floats during Yoiyama (pre-festival, July 16th) limited to the participants of this plan only.
Gion Matsuri Festival Premium Seat	150,000 yen	Explained further below.
General seating (front row)	6,000 yen	-
General seating (second row onwards)	4,100 yen	-
"Learning" seating with audioguide (front row)	11,000 yen	・With audioguide commentary by a dedicated narrator ・Available between Ainomachi-dori street and Higashinotoin-dori street
"Learning" seating with audioguide (second row onwards)	9,000 yen	・With audioguide commentary by a dedicated narrator ・Available between Ainomachi-dori street and Higashinotoin-dori street

About Gion Matsuri Festival Premium seat tickets:

During the Former Festival (July 17th), the Gion Matsuri Festival Premium Seats will offer a comfortable one-of-a-kind experience to visitors enjoying the Yamahoko Junko procession.

Location: Kawaramachi-Oike intersection (southwest) Services offered: Special Japanese-style seating with zaisu chairs and cushions will be set up for 60 visitors. The first row is freely available for use. The second and third rows are raised so that even those in the back rows can enjoy the view. Sunshade is installed so that it is possible to enjoy the view without being exposed to the summer heat. In order to help avoid the possibility of heatstroke we will provide cold water, tea and juice. * No alcohol or food will be provided at the seats.  An earphone guide providing commentary by a dedicated narrator on the parade (in Japanese and English) will be prepared. Yukata will be provided. You may also bring your own yukata with you and we can assist you in putting it on. *Advance reservations are required for yukata rental and its dressing (it is possible to bring your own yukata; hair styling is not available). Please let us know the name, gender, height, shoe size of each person who wishes to participate (in order to prepare the necessary yukata) as well as whether or not you would like to bring your own yukata with you. Please gather and send the necessary information to matsuri@kyokanko.or.jp by July 10th (Wed). Hotel Okura's 3rd floor banquet hall "Suiun" is freely available for use, even during the procession. Beverages can be ordered from 9 a.m. (*No alcoholic drinks will be available). Buffet style meals will be served between 12:00 and 14:00. The "Special Viewing of the Kanko Hoko float during Yoiyama" event will be held on Yoiyama, July 16th (Tue) from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (meeting and reception from 2:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. at the Kyoto Economic Center 1st floor entrance). The Kanko Hoko Preservation Society will provide commentary, boarding tour and a live musical performance. Souvenirs such as chimaki (woven grass charms) will be prepared and given to the participants as well.  Premium seating at the Gion Festival in 2024 (conceptual image) Premium seating at last year's Gion Matsuri Festival (2023)

5. How to purchase 

Through the internet:

Ticket PIA: 
●Early Festival (July 17th)
https://w.pia.jp/a/gionmatsuri0717eng/


●Latter Festival (July 24th)
https://w.pia.jp/a/gionmatsuri0724eng/ 

At the convenience stores:

・Seven-eleven:
●P code: 650-534 (Early Festival) / 650-535 (Latter Festival)

・Lawson (excluding Lawson Store 100)
●L code: 50454 (Early Festival) / 50455 (Latter Festival)

・FamilyMart

*Up to 6 tickets can be bought per purchase. For Gion Matsuri Festival Premium Seats up to 4 tickets can be bought. 

• Yamahoko Junko will be held rain or shine. No refunds of any kind, except in the event that the Yamahoko Junko is not performed. Refunds will be made only at the place of purchase. Please note that ticketing and delivery fees related to payment are not refundable.
• Please take care to stay hydrated. Even if you do not feel thirsty, please drink water frequently. 
• Please bring a hat or other protection against the heat. 
• The use of parasols, umbrellas, and tripods will not be allowed in the viewing seats, as it may block the views of others. 
• Please bring raincoats in case it begins to rain during the event.
• Accompanying pets are prohibited.
• Flashing photography is prohibited.
• Please be mindful of other visitors when taking photographs or videos.
• Please be aware that the number of restrooms may not be sufficient.
• Please follow the instructions of the staff. Failure to comply will result in forced removal from the premises. In such cases, there will be no refund of tickets or any other compensations.
• Please note that Kyoto City Tourism Association cannot accept any responsibility for damages that occur within the seating area.
• Please take your garbage home with you.
• Smoking is prohibited.
• In case of natural disasters, the festival's schedule and route may be changed or canceled. 
• Please refrain from bringing in or drinking alcoholic beverages during the event.
• Please make sure not to lean on steps or railing and to not reach or try to lean over the railing with your body or mobile devices.
• Please remain quiet while viewing the exhibits and refrain from wearing overly revealing or flashy clothing.