Kyoto Gion Festival Guided Tour with Reserved Seats July 17, 24
- Japan’s Top 3 Festival: Secure guaranteed reserved seats for Kyoto’s iconic Gion Matsuri (July 17 & 24) and experience the grand Yamaboko float procession without fighting dense street crowds
- Live English Commentary: Personal earphone guides ensure you clearly hear insightful stories and rich cultural history from your expert guide even amidst the vibrant festival energy
- Historic Imperial Palace: Tour the peaceful grounds of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the majestic former home of Japan’s Imperial Family, before immersing yourself in the festival
- Comfortable Vehicle Transfers: Avoid the intense summer heat and public transit hassles with seamless private vehicle transportation directly from Kyoto Station
What to expect
Why Choose This Tour:
Guaranteed Reserved Seats Witness one of Japan’s Top 3 summer festivals in complete comfort. Avoid dense street crowds and enjoy a clear view of the majestic Yamaboko float procession from your pre-booked seat!
Engaging Live Commentary via Earphone Guides Never miss a detail! Personal earphone guides allow you to hear your English guide’s clear explanations about the deep history of each float, even amidst the festival noise.
Kyoto Imperial Palace & Seamless Transfers Visit the historic former residence of Japan’s Imperial Family before the festival. Travel comfortably between spots with dedicated vehicle transfers from Kyoto Station.
Reviews
It is very worthwhile to join this tour because the tour guide will do his best to arrange the time and remind guests not to forget things. I have participated in HIS tours twice and the tour guides are very attentive and highly recommended. However, the Yamaboko parade of the Gion Festival this year was very slow, and those who participated in the full-day tour had to give up the tour because they had other schedules. Next time I will only join the half day tour.
I really liked this tour except for the reserved seats for the Gion Festival. Sounds nice on paper, but in July and with no shade, it was horrible. It was better to stand on the sidewalk with shade. But it was nice because they give you a frozen drink, a cold towel and other goodies. I really liked the Biwa boat ride. It was nice and I was going to do it on my own, but I'm glad that we booked through the app instead. It was more than I wanted to pay. The guides were terrific and nice and so was the driver.
excellent service and kind tour guide
Good to know
- The schedule is subject to change without prior notice.
- Due to traffic conditions, festival procession schedules, or unforeseen circumstances, the order of sightseeing, duration of visits at each destination, or arrival times may be adjusted or shortened.
- Refunds will not be provided if you fail to arrive at the meeting location on time (no show).
- In the event of a natural disaster, such as a typhoon, the tour will be canceled, and a full refund will be issued.
- Wearing your seatbelt is mandatory while the bus is in motion due to legal regulations.
- Please note that the use of umbrellas is prohibited at the Gion Matsuri.
- Gion Festival viewing in the guided tour is 60 minutes. The tour ends on-site, but you are welcome to stay and watch at your own leisure.
- The program is subject to change or cancellation due to natural disasters or social conditions.
- Specific seats within the reserved viewing area cannot be selected. Seat assignments are automatic.
Equipment Use Policy We provide earphone guides for your convenience during the tour. Please handle them with care and return them after use. In case of loss or damage, participants may be required to cover a replacement fee of up to 18,000 yen.
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