[Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto] Limited Plan with Special Viewing of Gion Festival Yamaboko Parade Released

Gion Festival Yamaboko Parade Image, Kyoto

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City; General Manager: Tomoaki Yamada), the flagship brand of Banyan Group, a leading independent hospitality group worldwide, is launching a special accommodation plan to allow guests to fully enjoy the Kyoto summer during the Gion Festival, one of Kyoto's three major festivals.

The Gion Festival boasts over 1150 years of history and is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This plan focuses on the highlight of the festival, the Yamaboko Parade of the Saki Matsuri (pre-festival), and offers a premium viewing experience from a historic machiya (traditional townhouse) alongside geiko and maiko. Guests can experience Kyoto's traditional culture, passed down for over a thousand years, from a special perspective.

After immersing yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Kyoto during the festival, you can enjoy a moment of tranquility unique to Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, nestled on the elevated grounds of Higashiyama, adjacent to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Surrounded by a bamboo forest, blessed with abundant nature, natural hot springs, and an open location overlooking the Kyoto cityscape, we offer a luxurious stay to soothe your mind and body away from the hustle and bustle.

Attractions of the Yamaboko Parade

The Yamaboko Parade features 34 floats (23 for Saki Matsuri, 11 for Ato Matsuri) parading through the heart of Kyoto. These massive floats, reaching approximately 25 meters in height and weighing 10 to 12 tons, are known as "moving museums," adorned with precious art and craft objects from the Muromachi to Edo periods. It is a rare opportunity to see exquisite domestic and international crafts up close, such as Nishijin textiles, Yuzen dyed decorative cloths, and carpets imported from China and Persia.

A particular highlight is the "Tsujimawashi" (corner turning). Although the floats have large wooden wheels, their direction is fixed, requiring a special technique to turn them at intersections. The sight of dozens of men working together to rotate these giant floats is breathtaking and elicits loud cheers from the crowd. Furthermore, the Gion Bayashi music is played from atop the floats, with the "Konchikichin" melody echoing through the streets of Kyoto.

The Gion Festival, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is not merely a tourist event but a living cultural heritage carefully passed down by the people of Kyoto. Our hotel has prepared a Yamaboko Parade viewing experience in a historic machiya, allowing you to enjoy this venerable festival in the tranquil environment of Higashiyama.

We offer a relaxing stay unique to our hotel, located on the elevated grounds of Higashiyama overlooking the Kyoto cityscape and adjacent to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, along with a luxurious moment to experience Kyoto's traditional culture.

[Limited to 10 seats] Gion Festival Yamaboko Parade Premium Viewing Stay

Experience a Thousand Years of Tradition from a Historic Machiya in a Prime Seat

We have prepared a special accommodation plan that allows you to luxuriously view the Yamaboko Parade, the highlight of the Gion Festival's Saki Matsuri, from a machiya designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Kyoto City. Enjoy the magnificent and overwhelmingly powerful parade of the Yamaboko, known as "moving museums," while relaxing to your heart's content in a historic architectural space and savoring Kyoto-style Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) bento boxes.

In addition to this exclusive one-day experience, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto offers blissful moments of healing for your mind and body with the cool breezes of the Higashiyama bamboo forest and natural hot springs.

This plan includes a special indoor viewing seat limited to 10 guests, so we encourage you to book early to secure your spot.

◆ Plan Overview

◇ Sales Period: On sale now ~ July 14, 2026 (Tue)

◇ Stay Period: July 16 (Thu) & 17 (Fri), 2026

◇ Yamaboko Parade Viewing Event: July 17, 2026, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (scheduled)

* The start time may vary depending on the situation on the day.

◇ Price (per room, per night): ¥210,000 (for single occupancy) / ¥270,000 (for double occupancy)

(Includes Serenity King/Twin room, consumption tax, and service charge; accommodation tax is separate)

* Prices vary depending on the room category.

* For stays of 3 or more people, please inquire.

◇ Number of Guests: Limited to 10 guests

* Sales will end once the capacity is reached.

◇ Reservations: www.banyantree.com/ja/japan/kyoto/offers/gion-festival-exclusive-stay

◇ Inquiries: Sales-Kyoto@banyantree.com

◇ Benefits

・Daily breakfast set menu

・Special viewing of the Gion Festival Saki Matsuri Yamaboko Parade from a machiya, including a bento lunch

・Transportation to near the viewing venue (due to traffic restrictions on the day)

Gion Festival Yamaboko Parade Image, Kyoto

Gion Festival Image, Kyoto

Guest Room: Serenity Twin

◆ Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto Overview

A sanctuary located on the elevated grounds of Kyoto's Gion and Higashiyama districts.

This hotel, with its 52 rooms, is situated on the elevated grounds of Higashiyama, adjacent to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering views of the Kyoto cityscape. Embraced by the mountain's bamboo forest and rich in nature, it is a sanctuary. It features a Noh stage and natural hot springs, and while conveniently located within walking distance of Gion's tourist attractions, it offers a tranquil space away from the hustle and bustle.

You can experience "Sense of Place," "Locally-Infused" immersion, and "Romance of Travel," the common spirit of Banyan Tree Resorts.

◎ Location: 7 Shokanzancho, Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

◎ Access: 10 minutes by taxi from Keihan Main Line Gion-Shijo Station / 15 minutes by taxi from JR Kyoto Station

◎ Rooms: 52 rooms, including 8 rooms with private hot springs

6 types: Serenity, Grand Serenity, Wellbeing Sanctuary, ONSEN Retreat, Grand ONSEN Retreat, Banyan ONSEN Retreat

◎ Facilities: Ryozan (Japanese cuisine), BAR RYOZEN, Banyan Tree Spa, Public Bath, Gym

◎ Homepage: https://banyantreehigashiyamakyoto.com/

◎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banyantreehigashiyamakyoto/

◆ About Banyan Group

Banyan Group ("Banyan Tree Holdings Limited" or "the Group", SGX: B58) is a purpose-driven independent global hospitality company. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences, and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio includes over 100 hotels and resorts, more than 140 spas and galleries, and 20 branded residences in over 20 countries. It comprises 12 global brands, including its flagship brand Banyan Tree, each unique yet united by the experiential membership program "withBanyan." The founding spirit of "caring for the environment and empowering people" is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining a leading advocate for sustainable travel, focusing on regenerative tourism and innovative programs that enhance guest experiences.

◆ About Banyan Tree Brand

Banyan Tree (www.banyantree.com) offers sanctuaries for the senses to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the world. Rediscover the romance of travel as you embark on destinations where memorable, authentic experiences await. Banyan Tree offers true service and exclusive, premium retreat experiences.

Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto

Public Relations: Kyoko Otani (Kyoko.Otani@banyantree.com / TEL. 070-3250-5327)