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Experience Japanese Culture
Culture/Kabuki Performance/Sumo Match
Kyoto
Watch the historic event from the spectator's seat!

Exclusively on July 17! Spectator Seating Tickets for Gion Festival's Saki Matsuri (Early Festival) - Kyoto

USD76.91(JPY11,000)

  • Instant Booking
  • Required Time:
    60minutes

    *The procession moves to (Kawaramachi-Oike) at around 10:20 AM and then to (Shinmachi-Oike) at around 11:20 AM

  • Supported Languages:
    Japanese
Participants(Min.):
1 Person
Participants(Max.):
10 People
Min. Participants Required For Activity:
1 Person
Payment Method:
Credit Card (VISA/MASTER/AMERICAN EXPRESS/JCB)
Fee:
USD 76.91
Age (Min.):
0 years old
Parent/ Guardian Required:
Under 18 years old
Cancellation:
No
Booking deadline:
7 days prior by 00:00

Activity

Exclusively on July 17! Tickets for reserved spectator seating at the Gion Festival's Saki Matsuri (Early Festival)—one of Kyoto's most popular summer festivals!

From the spectator seats, you can enjoy the Gion Festival, a tradition that has been held at Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine for over 1,000 years.

Get your tickets in advance before they sell out!

Tickets may sell out quickly once public sales start in early June! Be sure to secure yours in advance!

All seats are reserved and include a pamphlet and a commemorative viewing ticket

Limited edition souvenirs are also included! *Seat selection is not available.

Travel insurance included

It includes travel insurance to cover injuries, allowing you to travel with peace of mind.


Schedule

  • Please arrive at the venue with your spectator seat ticket

    Tickets will be sent to your hotel in advance. After making a reservation, simply show the confirmation screen at the hotel to receive them.

  • 10:00 AM: Show your ticket at the gate to the spectator area

    Gates vary by seat location (between Kyoto City Hall and Karasuma Oike Station). Please present your ticket to the staff at the designated gate indicated on your ticket. *A venue map in your preferred language will be sent with your ticket.

  • 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM: Enter the viewing area and take your seat

    Please enter the viewing area and take your seat at the chair indicated by the seat number on your ticket.

  • 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM: Enjoy the Gion Festival's Saki Matsuri (Early Festival)

    The procession moves from Kawaramachi-Oike at around 10:20 AM to Shinmachi-Oike at around 11:20 AM.

  • End of the experience

    After watching the procession, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Gion Festival. *Please refrain from occupying your seat for an extended time after the procession has passed.


Included in the Fee

Gion Festival's Saki Matsuri (Early Festival) paid spectator seat ticket (including postage to hotel)
Pamphlet and a commemorative viewing ticket (one pamphlet per ticket)
Accident insurance

Not included in the Fee

Transportation to the festival site
Other personal expenses, such as food and beverages

Meeting Place

Kyoto City Office

488 Kamihonnojimae-cho, Oike-agaru, Teramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 604-0925 *Gate location varies based on your assigned seat. Please check your ticket and proceed to the designated gate on the event day.

Directions

Nearest StationKyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Karasuma Oike Station

Directions to Nearest Station10-60-minute walk (depending on the level of congestion)

Destination by TaxiKyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Karasuma Oike Station


Things guests need to prepare on the day of the activity (clothes, belongings, etc.)

Heat protection (hats, sunglasses, beverages)

Raincoat (the festival is held regardless of weather)

*Umbrellas (including parasols) are not allowed as they obstruct the view.


Cancellation Policy

No cancellation/changes can be made

Notes

Things to verify before making a purchase/reservation:
• Children who require a seat, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket. (Infants who can be held on a lap can attend for free.)
• Spectator seating tickets will be sent to your accommodation 2-5 days before the event. Since we cannot send them earlier, please confirm that your accommodation's shipping address is finalized 3-5 days before the Gion Festival on July 17 (around July 12-14) before purchasing the tickets.

Regarding the kimono rental package plan:
• The store is Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku (Gion Store). You will receive detailed information via email from Holiday Travel within 3 business days after making your reservation.
• In addition to the included rental items, optional accessories such as obi (sash) decorations and tulles are available for JPY 500 each. If you'd like to add any, please request them on-site and pay directly.
• The kimono is generally one-size-fits-all, suitable for waistlines up to approximately 100cm. If the kimono doesn't fit well during the dressing process, larger-sized options are available, though availability may be limited.

Ticket pickup:
• Before booking, please confirm that your accommodation or delivery address can receive registered mail, as the tickets will be sent as paper tickets (not e-tickets).
*Please note that delivery cannot be made to unmanned accommodations (such as some private lodging) or locations like schools where registered mail cannot be received.
*If your delivery address does not accept registered mail, please refrain from booking.

Ticket shipping:
• When making a reservation, please provide your accommodation details 3-5 days before the Gion Festival on July 17 (around July 12-14).
• Required information: Hotel name, hotel address, check-in date and number of nights, the name of the person who made the reservation, and the hotel reservation number. Tickets will be shipped based on this information.
• Once the ticket shipping process is complete, a tracking number will be sent to the registered email address. Please check your email for this information.
*Please note that we cannot be held responsible for undelivered tickets due to incorrect shipping details or the inability to receive them at the accommodation.
*After the tickets are shipped, changes to the shipping address cannot be made, so please ensure the details are correct.
*We are not responsible for any damage once the tickets have been delivered to the accommodation, so please be sure to keep them safe.
*In some cases, tickets may be provided in person at a designated location in Kyoto on the day of the event. If this is the case, you will be notified via email in advance.
• For any inquiries regarding ticket receipt, please contact the email address provided after your reservation.

Important notes for the day:
• Due to expected congestion at the venue, we recommend arriving well in advance.
• Your seat number will be listed on the ticket. Please present your ticket at the reception near your seat and sit in the chair marked with your seat number.
• The event may be subject to changes or cancellations due to natural disasters, unforeseen circumstances, or social conditions.
• The Yamahoko Procession will proceed in rainy weather. No refunds will be issued unless the procession is canceled.
• Given the expected extreme heat, please take care of your health and stay hydrated. We also recommend bringing a hat or other heat protection. (Parasols are not allowed as they obstruct the view.)
• We recommend bringing a raincoat in case of rain. (Umbrellas are not allowed as they obstruct the view.)
• Please note that toilet facilities may be limited.
• The use of tripods is prohibited within the seating area.
• Ensure that your photography and videography do not disturb other attendees.
• Smoking is prohibited.
• Any behavior that disrupts other guests or failure to follow staff instructions may result in removal from the venue without a refund.
• We are not responsible for any damage caused within the seating area that is not attributable to the organizers.
• Please refrain from bringing or consuming alcohol on the premises.
• Be cautious of steps, barriers, or leaning over fences with your body or mobile devices.
• Please remain quiet during the event and refrain from wearing overly revealing or decorative clothing.

Regarding cancellations:
• This product is non-refundable, non-exchangeable, and cannot be canceled.

Cancellation policy:
• The Yamahoko procession will proceed in case of rain, but in the unlikely event of cancellation, neither the ticket issuing fee nor the delivery fee will be refunded. *Details will be provided by the operator as soon as refund arrangements are decided.
• In case of cancellation, the organizer will contact the emergency contact after 6:00 PM on the day before the event. Please make sure to check your email and incoming calls.


Language support:
• We will send you information along with your ticket in your preferred language.
• On the day of the event, guidance at the venue will be provided in Japanese.

Organizer

Holiday Travel Inc.

Takamichi Building 4F, 2-15-16 Nihonbashi Ningyo-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

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