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. Part of the proceeds from the sales of these seats will be used to preserve and support the Gion Matsuri 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. 1,700 seats.
• Karasuma Oike area (Karasuma-dori street to Takakura-dori street) approx. 2,000 seats.
*The number of seats for sale may change depending on the number of tickets sold.

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 an official guidebook and decorative towel. Tax included in the price.)

Seating type	Price	Remarks
General seating (front row)	6,600 yen
General seating (second row onwards)	4,600 yen
Soyokaze ("Zephyr") seating	13,500 yen	・With fans installed behind the seats to help prevent overheating.  ・Available only on July 17th (Thu).
Gion Matsuri Festival Premium Seat (front row)	120,000 yen	・Explained further below. ・Available only on July 17th (Thu).
Gion Matsuri Festival Premium Seat (second row onwards)	150,000 yen	・Explained further below. ・Available only on July 17 (Thu).

About Gion Matsuri Festival Premium Seat tickets:

During the Early 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. This year the very front row will have a number of available seats as well.

Location: Kawaramachi-Oike intersection (southwest)

Sales date and time: 10AM on May 20th (Tue), 2025~

Details:

[At every row]

• Half of the east side of the front row (near Kawaramachi-dori street) is freely available for use.
• In order to help avoid the possibility of heatstroke we will provide cold water, tea and juice. * No alcohol will be provided at the seats. 
• An earphone guide providing commentary by a dedicated narrator on the parade (in Japanese) will be prepared. *Commentary in English by an interpreter guide will be available for foreign guests.
• Yukata will be provided. You may also bring your own yukata with you and we can assist you in putting it on. *Only for those who are interested. 
• Hotel Okura's 3rd floor banquet hall "Suiun" is freely available for use. 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.

[Front row]

• 12 reserved seats with chairs and desks will be installed in the west half of the front row (near Teramachi-dori). 
• No sunshade, cushions or drink holders will be available. 

[Second and third rows]

• Special Japanese-style seating with zaisu chairs and cushions will be set up for 60 visitors.
• 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.

5. How to purchase 

Through the internet:

・Ticket PIA 
*Link to the ticket sales webpage will become available soon.

At convenience stores:

・Seven-eleven:
●P code: 656-765 (Early Festival) / 656-766 (Latter Festival)

• 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.

7. Commemorative goods