[HOTEL VMG RESORT KYOTO] Limited Offer for July 23 Stay – Gion Festival Kawadoko Dinner Plan with Exclusive “Tsuji-Mawashi” Viewing Tickets (Limited to First 3 Groups)
Thank you for your continued support of our hotel.
The Gion Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals, attracts many visitors each year with its vibrant atmosphere and rich history.
As the festive sounds of kon-chiki-chin (Gion festival music) echo through the summer sky, the highlight of the festival—the Yamahoko Junko (Grand Procession)—unfolds, with elaborately decorated floats often called “moving museums” parading through the streets.
We are pleased to offer a special accommodation plan that includes tickets to the exclusive “Tsuji-Mawashi” seats, not normally open to the general public. From these reserved seats, you can enjoy a close-up, seated view of the magnificent floats turning the corners in a powerful and dramatic spectacle.
Please enjoy the unique pleasures of a Kyoto summer to the fullest.
1. Overview of the Gion Festival Viewing Ticket Plan
The Gion Festival, with a history spanning over 1,100 years, dates back to 869 during the Heian period (794–1185). It is said to have originated to appease the gods and stop the spread of a plague that had struck the ancient capital of Kyoto.
The festival unfolds over the entire month of July, beginning with the Kippuiri (ritual opening) on July 1 and concluding with the Eki-jinja Nagoshi-sai (summer purification ceremony) on July 31, with various ceremonies and events held throughout the month and city.
One of the major highlights is the Yamahoko Junko (Grand Procession), where ornately decorated floats cleanse the streets of evil spirits and create a path for the deities of Yasaka Shrine, the central shrine of the festival. The sound of traditional Gion-bayashi music echoes through the summer sky as the towering floats—some as tall as 5 to 8-story buildings—make their way through the city. The sight is nothing short of breathtaking.
A particularly thrilling moment is the Tsuji-Mawashi, where the nearly 10-ton floats are turned at intersections using coordinated chants and rope-pulling techniques. This dramatic maneuver is a highlight of the parade.
This accommodation plan includes access to special, non-public viewing seats located along the main avenue where the Tsuji-Mawashi takes place. Guests can enjoy an up-close view of this powerful spectacle and immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of one of Japan’s most iconic festivals.
◯Plan Details
1.Exclusive “Tsuji-Mawashi” seat access to view the Gion Festival’s Second Procession, normally closed to the public
2.A French dinner on the riverside terrace (Kawadoko), a quintessential summer tradition in Kyoto, set against a backdrop of historic architecture
3.A refined Western-style breakfast with a view of the scenic gardens (Shin’en) of Heian Shrine Hall
◯Schedule on the Day
— Day 1: Wednesday, July 23 —
15:00–20:00 Check-in
Please arrive at the “Ryoui – Kawaramachi Guest Room Building”, where our front desk is located.
From 16:00
Enjoy a relaxing moment with a carefully selected drink at the exclusive Kawadoko Lounge, available only to guests staying in the Ryoui building.
From 18:00
Take a short walk (about 2 minutes) from the Ryoui building to LE UN Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort, where you will enjoy a refined French dinner on the Kawadoko terrace, surrounded by the gentle summer breeze.
— Day 2: Thursday, July 24 —
From 8:00
Enjoy a refined Western-style breakfast while overlooking the beautiful Shin’en Garden, a nationally designated scenic spot of approximately 33,000 square meters, located within the grounds of Heian Shrine.
(A taxi arranged by us will take you there – approx. 15 minutes)
※Please note: Large luggage is not allowed in the special Tsuji-Mawashi viewing area, but we will gladly keep your belongings at the hotel.
From 9:15
Depart for the viewing area via a taxi arranged by the hotel.
Around 9:30 — Arrival & Reception
※Reception remains open during the procession; you may enter and exit freely.
However, due to crowding and road restrictions, we highly recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the lead float passes to ensure smooth entry.
10:00–Around 12:00
Watch the Yamahoko Junko parade from the exclusive Tsuji-Mawashi viewing seats.
(The full procession, from the first to the final float, takes approximately 2 hours.)
※You may enter or leave at any time during the viewing.
Around 12:00
Viewing ends. Return to the hotel on foot or by train.
Guests are free to depart at their convenience afterward.
Make Your Reservation Here
Check details and book the accommodation plan at HOTEL VMG RESORT KYOTO
We also offer dining plans with Tsuji-Mawashi viewing tickets at our sister properties in Kyoto:
Check details and book the lunch plan with Tsuji-Mawashi viewing tickets at Heian Shrine Hall
2. Funatsuru Kawadoko Dinner
Riverside Dinner at LE UN Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort
Experience an elegant riverside dinner at the Kawadoko terrace of LE UN Funatsuru Kyoto Kamogawa Resort, just a 2-minute walk from the Ryoui building. This historic hotel, formerly a traditional ryokan, holds the status of a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Its Kawadoko terrace is renowned as one of the largest and most atmospheric dining spots along the scenic Kamo River.
Enjoy exquisite French cuisine crafted with seasonal local ingredients, including fresh Kyoto vegetables, set against the stunning backdrop of the Higashiyama mountains and timeless beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.
◯MENU
・Appetizer
・Warm appetizer
・Lobster dish
・Main dish: Beef fillet
・Dessert
◯ Important Notes
・When making your reservation, please select your preferred dinner start time from:
17:30 / 18:00 / 20:00 / 20:30
and enter it in the inquiry field.
Please note that your requested time may not be available depending on reservation status.
・Images are for illustrative purposes only. The menu may change due to ingredient availability.
・In case of rain, indoor seating will be provided. On days with a high chance of rain or severe weather such as strong winds, meals may be served indoors regardless of whether it actually rains.
・We cannot accommodate requests for specific seating locations, including riverside seats.
・Seating is limited to a 2-hour duration.
Make Your Reservation Here
Check details and book the accommodation plan at HOTEL VMG RESORT KYOTO
We also offer dining plans with Tsuji-Mawashi viewing tickets at our sister properties in Kyoto:
Check details and book the lunch plan with Tsuji-Mawashi viewing tickets at Heian Shrine Hall
HOTEL VMG RESORT KYOTO Ryoui Building & Kawadoko Lounge
“Ryoui” opened in March 2023. It is the perfect hotel to enjoy Kyoto’s summer, featuring the famous Kamogawa “Kawadoko” (riverside dining terrace).
Located on Kiyamachi Street, lined with many long-established shops and restaurants, the building once served as a traditional ryokan beloved by the local community. It has been renovated into a guest room wing with seven unique rooms. The rooms combine the elegance of Japanese architectural details—such as the intricate coffered ceiling with traditional lattice patterns crafted by Kyoto artisans—with simple, modern interior finishes, creating a distinctive atmosphere.
Situated between the charming Kamogawa River and the scenic Takasegawa River lined with cherry blossom trees, Kiyamachi Street offers excellent convenience, with historic shops nearby and easy access to Pontocho and Gion, making it an ideal base for a comfortable Kyoto stay.
Particularly, the rooms with Kamogawa views feature expansive windows and private terraces where guests can relax while enjoying the gentle sounds of the river and the seasonal mountain landscapes.
Additionally, during the summer season, the Kawadoko terrace is available as a lounge space. Please unwind along the riverside with a carefully selected drink in hand, feeling the refreshing breeze.
Available hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Western Breakfast Overlooking the Masterpiece Japanese Garden, the Renowned Heian Shrine Garden
The Heian Shrine Garden, a masterpiece Japanese garden designed by the 7th generation landscape architect Jihei Ogawa, is one of the Meiji era’s (1868–1912) most celebrated gardens. It is regarded as the finest among the scenic gardens created along the Lake Biwa Canal in Kyoto’s Okazaki district.
We reserve the lounge space exclusively for our guests to enjoy breakfast during the time when the garden is at its most beautiful, bathed in the soft morning sunlight. Please enjoy a breakfast made with seasonal Kyoto ingredients while taking in the garden’s ever-changing seasonal scenery.
Transportation to the breakfast venue will be provided by car.
(Service hours: 8:00 AM–9:00 AM; closes at 10:00 AM)
Our staff looks forward to welcoming you warmly.
Make Your Reservation Here
Check details and book the accommodation plan at HOTEL VMG RESORT KYOTO
We also offer dining plans with Tsuji-Mawashi viewing tickets at our sister properties in Kyoto:
Check details and book the lunch plan with Tsuji-Mawashi viewing tickets at Heian Shrine Hall