Kyoto

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[The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu] A special viewing package offering a close-up view of the Yamahoko floats in summery Kyoto, filled with the sounds of Gion Bayashi ~ Experience the charm of the Gion Festival from a cool, prime viewing spot ~

2026.05.22

The Gion Festival, accompanied by the sounds of Gion Bayashi music, heralds the arrival of summer in Kyoto. Ranked as one of Japan’s three great festivals, the Gion Festival is held as the annual festival of Yasaka Shrine.

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu is situated within the parish area of Yasaka Shrine, and the Gion Festival is a special traditional event for our hotel, which has grown alongside the local community. With our newly introduced ‘Gion Festival Special Viewing Package’, you can relax and enjoy the highlight of the festival—the Yamahoko Procession of the Maematsuri—from the comfort of our cool indoor spaces.

The exhibition venue is located on the third floor of a building facing Kawaramachi-dori, opposite Kyoto City Hall. Here, you can view the magnificent Yamahoko floats and the ‘Tsujimawashi’—one of the highlights of the procession—up close. The venue is fully air-conditioned, allowing you to take your time admiring the intricate designs of the Yamahoko’s decorations—including beautiful embroidery and imported fabrics—which have earned them the nickname ‘moving art galleries’.

Before the procession, a former musician from the ‘Naginatahoko’ float will give a talk about the Gion Festival, offering you a special experience that will allow you to enjoy the festival even more.

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu was established by preserving and repurposing the former Kiyomizu Primary School, built in 1933, under the concept of ‘Carving memories and connecting to the future’. We will continue to promote the appeal of the traditions and culture passed down within the local community, ensuring their value is passed on to future generations.

Gion Festival: Maematsuri – Accommodation Package Including Viewing of the Yamahoko Parade

Sales Start: Saturday 16 May 2026 (Members’ Priority Sale)
Saturday 23 May 2026 (General Sale)
Date of Stay: Thursday 16 July 2026
Includes: 1 night’s accommodation with breakfast (late check-out until 6 pm)
Special viewing seats for the Ma-matsuri on Friday 17 July 2026, including return transport to the venue
Price: 98,000 yen per person per room (based on double occupancy)
*Accommodation tax will be charged separately

>Click here for more details

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