Experience Kyoto's Summer from a Prime Seat with NHK Culture: Special On-Site Courses to Deeply Understand Gion Matsuri and Savor Kyoto's Traditional Culture with All Five Senses.

We are holding experiential courses designed to help participants deeply learn and experience Kyoto's traditional culture, savoring the worldview of Kyoto, including "Gion Matsuri," "Ryotei Culture," and "Tea Ceremony," with all five senses.

While learning the multifaceted charms of Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals, participants will touch upon the profound depths of Kyoto's unique culture through food culture experiences at historic ryotei and visits to floats and town assembly halls.

Enjoy Gion Matsuri at Nakamura-ro Details here

Savor Kyoto's unique hospitality culture at Nakamura-ro, a long-established ryotei with ties to Gion Matsuri.

Nakamura-ro, located in front of Yasaka Shrine's gate, is one of Kyoto's leading long-established ryotei, boasting approximately 480 years of history since its founding in the Muromachi period.

Nakamura-ro Main Gate

It has supported Kyoto's hospitality culture by welcoming numerous figures from the business world, arts, literature, and the Imperial family.

Chigo Mochi

It is also known as a resting place for the child participants (chigo) during Gion Matsuri, and the "Chigo Mochi" served at that time has been passed down as a traditional confection that colors the festival.

Summer Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine (Image)

On the day, the 12th-generation head of Nakamura-ro, Masamitsu Tsuji, will give a special lecture on the history of the ryotei and its deep connection with Gion Matsuri.

Following the lecture, participants will experience Kyoto's food culture while savoring Kyoto kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients and the Chigo Mochi, unique to this season.

Course Highlights

- Special project coinciding with Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals

- Held at Nakamura-ro, a long-established ryotei with 480 years of history since its founding in the Muromachi period

- Historical and cultural commentary by the 12th-generation head

- Enjoy summer Kyoto kaiseki cuisine and "Chigo Mochi," associated with Gion Matsuri

*Chigo Mochi can be purchased on the day.

*Content may be subject to change depending on circumstances.

Post-Festival Gion Matsuri Floats and Assembly Hall Tour Details here

Special tour to visit the post-festival Gion Matsuri floats and precious artworks with an expert guide.

"Gion Matsuri," which colors Kyoto's summer, is a representative Japanese festival where numerous rituals and events are held for about a month starting July 1st.

Post-Festival Gion Matsuri

In this course, participants will learn about the history and highlights of the floats, including "Takayama" and "Ofuneboko," which parade in the post-festival procession, while visiting them.

Mr. Shinya Yoshimura, who is well-versed in Gion Matsuri, will serve as the guide.

Shinya Yoshimura, Representative of Kyoto Tabiya Tour Guide

He will explain the origins and designs of each float, and the cultural value passed down by the townspeople.

Furthermore, at the "machiaisho" (town assembly hall), the base for the float towns, participants can view the deities' images, gorgeous decorative items, and precious art and craft objects up close. This is a special opportunity to experience the profound world of Gion Matsuri.

Course Highlights

- Visit Gion Matsuri's iconic floats with expert commentary

- View precious cultural assets and artworks displayed at the town assembly halls

- Learn about the connection between Kyoto's town and the festival while touring the float towns

- Detailed study of the highlights of the post-festival floats, including "Takayama" and "Ofuneboko"

Understanding Kyoto Culture Multiplies Enjoyment

This course is not just sightseeing; its purpose is to foster a deeper understanding of Kyoto's charm by learning about the history and human activities behind it.

By learning the history and stories that cannot be understood by merely looking, Kyoto's culture will be felt even more richly.

This summer, please enjoy a special time savoring the profound charm of Kyoto with all five senses.

Nakamura-ro: Tradition of Gion Matsuri and Kyoto Kaiseki

Instructor: Masamitsu Tsuji, 12th-generation head of "Nakamura-ro"

Format: On-site (Nakamura-ro, Gion, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City)

Date and Time: July 21, 2026 (Tue) 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Course Fee: Members ¥22,000 (incl. tax) / General (no membership required) ¥23,100 (incl. tax)

Organizer: NHK Culture Center Kyoto Classroom

Details URL: https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1335942.html

Professional Tour Guide's Thorough Explanation! Gion Matsuri Post-Festival Floats and Assembly Hall Tour

Instructor: Shinya Yoshimura, Representative of "Kyoto Tabiya" Tour Guide

Format: On-site (Meet at the north ticket gate of Karasuma Oike Station on the subway)

Date and Time: July 22, 2026 (Wed) 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Course Fee: Members ¥4,400 (incl. tax) / General (no membership required) ¥5,060 (incl. tax)

Organizer: NHK Culture Center Kyoto Classroom

Details URL: https://www.nhk-cul.co.jp/programs/program_1294161.html