Kyoto Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour

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(1 reviews)

11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join one of Japan's most famous festivals, the Gion Matsuri, and experience its spectacular procession with included viewing tickets. This tour offers both a half-day and a full-day option.

For the Full-Day Plan
After viewing the procession, you will take a relaxing Lake Biwa Cruise, which includes a delicious lunch buffet. Following lunch, you will visit La Collina Omihachima to enjoy its unique architecture and beautiful green landscapes, complete with cafes and a bakery. The tour then concludes with some time for shopping at MITSUI OUTLET PARK SHIGA RYUO.

Available options

Full Day Plan

Duration: 11 hours<br/>Lake Biwa lunch cruise

Half Day Plan

Duration: 4 hours: The half-day plan concludes at the Gion Matsuri venue.

What's included

Gion Matsuri Festival Procession Viewing Seat Tickets

Bottled water

Air-conditioned bus

English guide

Lake Biwa Cruise with lunch buffet (Full Day Plan only)

Detailed itinerary

Departure from Kyoto Station (Hachijo Exit) - Tourist Bus Parking at 8:15.
※Please meet the guide by 8:00AM in front of the Kyoto AVANTI Building.

Stop 2

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a huge beautiful garden which spreads in the historical center of Kyoto. Kyoto Gosho is located in Kamigyo Ward.
※If Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, we will take you to visit Heian Shrine instead.

During traditional festivals, the Deity is moved from its shrine to a special place and returned after the festival. The grand parade, known as the Procession, occurs on July 17th and 24th through Kyoto's streets. It's the most exciting part of the Gion Matsuri festival. You can enjoy the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere from the Reserved Viewing Seat.

11:40 The half-day plan concludes at the Gion Matsuri venue.

※ The duration of the Gion Festival is 60 minutes. Please note that you will leave during the festival (Full day Plan).

Stop 4

The Lake Biwa Cruise is a popular attraction, especially in the summer season! During the cruise, you can enjoy a lunch buffet featuring a wide variety of delicious dishes, including both Japanese and Western cuisine, amidst the fantastic and beautiful surrounding scenery.

La Collina Omihachiman has beautiful green landscapes and Unique places including cafe shops and a bakery.

It is one of the largest outlets in the Kansai region, with approximately 230 stores, offering a wide range of brands. We hope you enjoy your shopping experience!

Tour bus will go back to Kyoto station and it will take around 1hour. Finish time: around 19:00

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please arrive at the meeting location 15 minutes prior to the departure time.

The schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

Due to traffic or other reasons, the duration of visits at each destination may be shortened, and arrival times may be delayed.

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 personally take responsibility for your valuables.

Please note that the use of umbrellas is prohibited at the Gion Matsuri. In case of rain, we will provide you with a raincoat.

The duration of the Gion Festival is 60 minutes. Please note that you will leave during the festival.

The program is subject to change or cancellation due to natural disasters or social conditions.

- This tour involves a lot of walking. If you have trouble walking, we advise you not to book this tour.

Meeting point

Kyoto Station - Hachijo Exit Tourist Bus Parking Area
(In Front of KYOTO AVANTI)

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.