From Kyoto:Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour

Planning a day that blends Japan’s vibrant traditions, scenic views, and lively shopping scenes? This guided bus tour from Kyoto offers a well-rounded experience that highlights the city’s lively Gion Festival, scenic Lake Biwa, and charming local attractions—all for around $135 per person.

What we love about this tour: First, it promises a front-row seat to the iconic Gion Matsuri parade—an experience you won’t find just anywhere. Second, the Lake Biwa cruise offers a relaxing way to see Japan’s largest freshwater lake while indulging in a tasty buffet lunch. Third, it combines cultural sights with some downtime for shopping at a major outlet mall, making it particularly good value for a full day out.

A potential downside? The schedule involves a lot of moving parts, so if you’re not keen on walking or have limited mobility, this might be a bit demanding. Also, the tour departs early and wraps up late, which could be tiring for some. This tour suits travelers eager to see Kyoto’s highlights with a local guide who knows how to balance history, culture, and fun.

Key Points

• Full-Day Experience: Combines iconic festivals, scenic cruise, cultural sights, and shopping.
• Expert Guidance: Conducted in English with knowledgeable guides who enhance your understanding.
• Authentic Festival Access: Reserved seats at Gion Matsuri parade provide an up-close experience.
• Scenic Lake Biwa Cruise: Offers beautiful views and a tasty buffet, perfect for relaxing.
• Convenient Transportation: Air-conditioned bus makes moving between sites comfortable.
• Limited Mobility Considerations: Involves a good amount of walking, not ideal for wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Departure

The adventure begins bright and early at Kyoto Station’s Hachijo Exit at 8:15 am, with a meeting point in front of the Kyoto AVANTI Building. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended to settle in and meet your guide, who will be your companion throughout the day. The use of an air-conditioned coach ensures comfort as you traverse Kyoto’s streets, especially on hot summer days.

Visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace (or Heian Shrine)

Your first stop is Kyoto Imperial Palace, which is an impressive historical site sprawling across a large garden. This place isn’t just a photo op; it’s a glimpse into Japan’s regal past. The guide often adds interesting tidbits about the palace’s architecture and history, making the visit more engaging.

If the palace is temporarily closed, the tour substitutes a visit to Heian Shrine, another iconic Kyoto landmark with its stunning torii gate and vibrant gardens. This flexibility ensures your day stays packed with memorable sights, even if weather or schedules change.

Watching the Gion Matsuri Festival Procession

The highlight for many travelers is the Gion Matsuri parade, happening on July 17th and 24th. Your ticket includes a reserved viewing seat, offering an excellent vantage point to watch the parade of elaborately decorated floats and traditional performers. The parade, lasting about 60 minutes, is a lively spectacle bursting with color and energy.

Guests often mention how impressive it is to witness such a traditional event from reserved seats, allowing them to soak in the atmosphere without jostling crowds. One reviewer commented that “seeing the procession up close and personal made me feel like I’d stepped into a living history book.”

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Lunch and Lake Biwa Cruise

After the festival, the tour continues with the Lake Biwa Michigan Sightseeing Cruise. The cruise lasts around 90 minutes and includes a lunch buffet featuring both Japanese and Western dishes. The buffet is praised for offering a generous variety, ensuring there’s something for all.

The cruise itself offers participants stunning views of Japan’s largest freshwater lake, with the chance to relax, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility. The guide often shares interesting facts about Lake Biwa, its ecology, and its significance to the region.

Visiting La Collina Omihachima

Post-cruise, the group visits La Collina Omihachima, a scenic spot with lush green landscapes, cafes, and bakeries. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a coffee or snack, and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside. Guests report that the peaceful atmosphere makes it a highlight for those wanting a break from sightseeing.

Shopping at MITSUI OUTLET PARK SHIGA RYUO

The final stop is the MITSUI OUTLET PARK RYUO, one of the region’s largest outlet malls, with around 230 stores. Whether you’re after fashion, accessories, or souvenirs, this shopping session offers great value. The tour allocates about 75 minutes here, enough to browse and pick up unique finds at discounted prices.

Returning to Kyoto

At 7 pm, the bus returns to Kyoto Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area, ending a busy but rewarding day. The early start and late finish may require some energy, but many travelers find the variety of experiences well worth it.

What This Tour Means for You

Value for Money: For $135, this tour packs in cultural highlights, scenic beauty, and shopping opportunities. The inclusion of festival seats and a buffet lunch makes it an especially good deal.

Authentic Cultural Experience: Watching the Gion Matsuri procession from reserved seats is a rare chance to get close to Kyoto’s most famous festival without the usual crowds. The guides’ explanations help make sense of the spectacle, especially for those unfamiliar with the festival’s significance.

Scenic and Relaxing: The Lake Biwa cruise offers a break from the busy streets, with beautiful views and a tasty meal. It’s a laid-back highlight that balances the day’s more active segments.

Practicalities: The tour involves considerable walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must. The timing is tight, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, this might be a bit rushed.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an all-in-one day in Kyoto that mixes culture, nature, and shopping. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to see key sights with expert guidance and those interested in experiencing the Gion Festival up close. If you enjoy a well-organized schedule that balances sightseeing with leisure, this tour ticks many boxes.

However, if mobility is a concern or you prefer to explore at your own pace, you might find the busy schedule and walking demands challenging. Also, those who dislike guided group tours may want to consider private options.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a lively, practical way to experience some of Kyoto’s most celebrated traditions and beautiful scenery in one day. It combines the excitement of the Gion Festival parade with the serenity of Lake Biwa, complemented by cultural visits and shopping. The knowledgeable guides add depth to each stop, helping you appreciate the significance behind each view and event.

For travelers looking for a convenient, well-rounded day out, this tour delivers excellent value and memorable moments. It’s especially suited for those who want a blend of festival excitement, scenic relaxation, and shopping without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

If you’re after an immersive, fun-packed Kyoto experience that captures the spirit of the city’s traditions and scenery, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It involves a lot of walking, so it’s not ideal for wheelchair users or those who have trouble walking.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes an English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned bus, bottled water, Gion Matsuri parade viewing seats, and a Lake Biwa cruise with lunch buffet (full-day plan).

Can I join if I don’t want to watch the festival parade?
The parade viewing is a key part of the full-day plan, but if you prefer not to attend, check if a half-day option is available. Otherwise, participation in the parade is part of the full-day schedule.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. During summer, lightweight clothing and sun protection are advisable, especially since umbrellas are not allowed at the festival.

How long is the tour?
It starts at around 8:15 am and ends at approximately 7 pm, making it a full day of sightseeing and activities.

What happens if the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed?
The guide will take you to visit Heian Shrine instead, ensuring you don’t miss out on a significant site.

Is there free time at the outlet mall?
Yes, you have about 75 minutes to browse and shop at MITSUI OUTLET PARK RYUO.

Will I have time for shopping or sightseeing outside the planned stops?
The schedule is structured, so extra sightseeing outside the itinerary isn’t included, but the shopping opportunity is ample.

Are there any weather considerations?
The tour runs rain or shine. In case of rain, raincoats are provided, but umbrellas are not permitted at the festival.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This experience combines the best of Kyoto’s culture, scenery, and shopping, making it a solid choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive day out. From the excitement of the Gion Festival to the peaceful cruise over Lake Biwa, it offers a well-balanced taste of Japan’s traditions and landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: