Gion Matsuri - Kyoto's Greatest Festival

music
Kyoto / July

About This Festival

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. ![Gion Matsuri Float Procession](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1545569341-9eb8b30979d9?w=1200&h=800&fit=crop&q=80) 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." ![Traditional Musicians on Yamaboko Float](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1493780474015-ba834fd0ce2f?w=1200&h=800&fit=crop&q=80) 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). ![Yoiyama Evening Festival Scene](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522623349500-de37a56ea2a5?w=1200&h=800&fit=crop&q=80) 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

Festival Review

Michael S. 2024-07-24

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!

Festival Review

田中 美咲 2024-07-17

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。

Festival Review

Sarah L. 2024-07-16

The festival is truly amazing, but be prepared for massive crowds. The heat in July can be quite intense, so bring water and a fan. Despite the challenges, witnessing the yamaboko parade is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The craftsmanship and dedication that goes into each float is remarkable.

Main Experience

Kyoto Gion Festival July 17 Admission Ticket

Kyoto Gion Festival July 17 Admission Ticket

Experience the iconic Yamaboko Float Procession of the Gion Matsuri on July 17, 2025, From a Reserved Seat! Marvel at colorful floats, traditional music, and mesmerizing performances. Reserve your seat now to be part of this iconic cultural event before tickets sell out! (Paper tickets, not digit) Experience the magic of Kyoto’s Gion Festival—one of Japan’s most iconic cultural events with over 1,000 years of history. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with colorful floats, traditional music, and captivating performances. Reserve your seat now to witness the Saki Matsuri (Pre-Festival) Parade on Thursday, July 17, from the comfort of a paid viewing area. This ticket ensures a safe and enjoyable view of the festivities. **Important:** This is a **physical paper ticket** (not digital) and will be **delivered to your hotel in Japan** prior to the event. *Seat selection is not available. ## **Ticket delivery** When booking, please provide your accommodation details for delivery. **Required info:** - 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) ## **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** - Ticket Delivery ScheduleThe viewing tickets are scheduled to be shipped in early July. They cannot be sent before that. Please make sure that your shipping address in July is confirmed before purchasing the tickets. - Receiving the TicketsBefore 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 delivery location does not accept registered mail, please refrain from purchasing. - Tickets may be handed over at a designated location in Kyoto on the day of the event, depending on circumstances. - 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 will send your ticket to the hotel where you are staying. Please present your ticket at the local entrance gate. - Paper tickets, not electronic tickets, mail to the hotel. Please let us know your hotel and check-in dates when you make your reservation. - will not be held responsible for any damage after receiving a report of completed delivery to the hotel where you are staying. 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. ![](https://assets.hldycdn.com/events/d3ae06_de017cd43ba64296b2c925670769a595~mv2.jpg)

$74.24 / person
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Festival Information

Location
Kyoto
Categories
music
Event Dates
July
Official Website
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