"Yoi no OMO Matsuri Iroha" at OMO5 Kyoto Gion
From June 14 to July 31, 2025, OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo and OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts will host "Yoi no OMO Matsuri Iroha," an event designed to immerse guests in Kyoto's quintessential summer tradition: the Gion Festival. Each hotel will offer a unique perspective, leveraging its distinct location to deepen your understanding of this month-long celebration. Both hotels will transform their spaces with a Gion Festival theme, inviting guests to fully embrace the festive atmosphere. You can attend Gion Festival expert lectures and savor special Gion Festival-themed food experiences. On select dates, guests will also have the rare chance to hear from guest speakers who have played special roles in the festival, offering exclusive insights from various viewpoints.
For an even richer experience, a joint project will be available for guests staying at either hotel. OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo is ideally located near the routes of the Yamaboko (*1) floats, often described as "moving art museums." Meanwhile, OMO5 Kyoto Gion sits directly on the path of the festival's most important event, the portable shrine procession. By participating in activities at both locations, guests can gain a profound and comprehensive understanding of the Gion Festival.
*1: Large, decorative floats constructed as Yorishiro (objects in which a deity resides) to appease plague gods believed to bring epidemics.
Background
The Gion Festival, recognized as one of Japan's three great festivals, has been celebrated for over 1,000 years. It is held annually from July 1 to 31 as a ritual of Yasaka Shrine, dedicated to praying for the eradication of epidemics. While religious ceremonies and events occur daily, the widely known highlights are the Yamaboko Parade and its Yoiyama (*2), along with the Mikoshi Togyo, held on July 17 and 24. Since the Yamaboko Parade passes directly in front of OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo, which is situated near the Yamaboko-cho, and the Mikoshi Togyo occurs directly in front of OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts in the Gion area, guests can experience the raw power of the festival at close range. Therefore, the two OMO facilities in these areas recognized their respective roles in the Gion Festival, based on their locations, and decided to share this understanding.
*2: The collective term for the three evenings (three days, two days, and one day prior) leading up to the Yamaboko Parade, serving as a kind of pre-festival celebration.
Four Key Points to Fully Enjoy the Gion Festival
1. OMO Base: Fully Embracing the Gion Festival Atmosphere
OMO Base at OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo decorated for the Gion Festival with Yamaboko and lanterns
Display of the Hiki-te Happi of the Takayama Float
OMO Base at OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts decorated for the Gion Festival with portable shrines and fans
At OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo, the OMO Base features a unique display focusing on the festival's iconic Yamaboko floats. Guests can see the traditional coat worn by the pullers of the Takayama float, a significant piece from its 2022 revival. Enjoy decorations that capture the essence of being right in the heart of the float-building districts.
Meanwhile, OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts brings you closer to the festival's central event, the Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine procession). Here, three portable shrines are on display. The hotel further enhances the Gion Festival atmosphere with charming local touches, including original lanterns from the nearby Kojima Shoten and Kyoto round fans from Komaruya Sumii.
2. Gion Festival Lectures by "Gion Festival Meisters (*3)"
During this limited period, Gion Festival Meisters, staff with extensive knowledge of the Gion Festival, will be present. They will host lectures at OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo and OMO5 Kyoto Gion for those who wish to learn more deeply about the Gion Festival. Guests can learn about the basic aspects of the Gion Festival and the daily festival events at the OMO Base at any time. Furthermore, guests staying at either of the two participating facilities may attend both lectures. By attending both, a comprehensive understanding of the "Gion Festival" can be achieved.
*3: Staff members possessing extensive knowledge of the Gion Festival.
・OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo: "Kyomachi Stories of Gion Festival"
"Kyomachi Stories of Gion Festival" with an Ochigo (*4) experienced speaker
A Gion Festival Meister will share the festival's essence, highlighting how the hotel's prime location offers direct views of the spectacular Yamaboko Parade. Enjoy these fascinating talks accompanied by refreshing cold matcha, perfect for Kyoto's summer heat. Adding to this unique experience, there will be a special guest speaker: a former Ochigo. This rare role is chosen only once a year, and guests will have the exclusive opportunity to hear personal stories and little-known anecdotes from an Ochigo's unique perspective – insights only available at OMO. Conclude your experience by drawing a Yamahoko Omikuji (float fortune slip) to discover a float aligned with your desired blessings.
*4: A child selected as a divine messenger who always rides at the front of the Naginata Hoko (Naginata Float) during the Yamaboko parade.
Time: Two sessions daily, at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Cost: Free
Includes: "Kyomachi Stories of Gion Festival" and cold matcha
Capacity: No limit
Reservation: Not required
Note: Participation is possible for guests staying at either OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo or OMO5 Kyoto Gion.
・OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts: "Gion Festival ABCs"
Gion Festival ABCs
Leveraging its prime location in the historic Gion district, OMO5 Kyoto Gion offers guests an exclusive lecture providing deep insights into the Gion Festival. You'll discover that the portable shrines are, in fact, the central focus of the festival. Gain expert knowledge directly from seasoned participants of the Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine procession)—stories and perspectives you won't hear anywhere else. During the lecture, you'll even get a hands-on experience, learning the unique calls and steps used when carrying these powerful shrines. To complete this authentic experience, Hiyashi-ame (a chilled sweet drink) will be served. This refreshing beverage comes from Surugaya Gion Shimozato, a long-established confectionery founded in 1818, which traditionally distributed it to locals during the Gion Festival.
Time: Two sessions daily, at 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Cost: Free
Includes: "Gion Festival ABCs" and Hiyashi-ame
Capacity: No limit
Reservation: Not required
Note: Participation is possible for guests staying at either OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo or OMO5 Kyoto Gion.
Mikoshi Togyo experienced speakers will appear at irregular intervals.
3. "Gion Festival Wandering MAP" for Guests of Both OMO Kyoto Area Hotels Only
Gion Festival Wandering MAP
A "Gion Festival Wandering MAP" is provided exclusively for guests staying at OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo and OMO5 Kyoto Gion. By visiting spots related to the Gion Festival, guests can fully embrace the festival atmosphere. Additionally, a "Gion Festival Meister" will share recommended walking routes, tailored to the daily events. Guests can enjoy their stroll while solving Gion Festival-related quizzes found on the map.
4. Special Culinary Offerings to Maximize the Gion Festival Experience
・OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo: "Yoizake Set" to Fully Enjoy the Festival Atmosphere
"Yoizake Drink Set" with Chigo Mochi and Sake at OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo
To allow guests to savor the festival atmosphere within the hotel, the OMO Cafe & Bar at OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo offers an "Yoizake Set." Guests can relax and enjoy the Gion Festival's Yoiyama ambiance with sake selected by the owner of "Tsunoki Sake Store," a liquor store that has operated in Nishiki Market for over 200 years, having observed the Gion Festival throughout that time, paired with OMO original Chigo Mochi (*5) as an accompaniment.
*5: This tradition originates from the early Gion Festival when the sacred children (Chigo) served mochi with miso sauce at a teahouse within Yasaka Shrine. Chigo Mochi gained renown for warding off evil and inviting good fortune, and is now offered to Yasaka Shrine during the Gion Festival.
Serving Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Cost: 1,000 JPY (tax included)
Includes: Yoizake Set for one person (sake + OMO original Chigo Mochi)
Note: Available to non-staying guests as well.
・OMO5 Kyoto Gion: Limited-Time Hamo Hot Pot for Gion Festival Season
Torihisa Hamo Hot Pot Set at OMO5 Kyoto Gion
When considering essential fish for Kyoto's summer, Hamo (pike conger) comes to mind. At OMO5 Kyoto Gion, a "Hamo Hot Pot Set" will be sold for a limited time, allowing guests to enjoy Hamo hot pot in their rooms. As the peak season for "Hamo" coincides with the period when the Gion Festival enlivens Kyoto, the festival is also referred to as the "Hamo Festival."
Serving Time: 6:00 PM
Cost: 5,400 JPY (tax included)
Includes: Hamo Hot Pot Set for one person (Hamo shabu-shabu, Hamo broth, Hiki-hamo dashi chazuke, small side dish, and one other dish)
Reservation: Required by 12:00 PM (noon) three days in advance via the official website.
Note: Served in guest rooms.
About the Gion Festival
The Gion Festival, held annually throughout July, is a revered tradition rooted in prayers for the eradication of epidemics. While many know its famous Yamaboko Parade and the lively evenings leading up to it, the festival's spiritual core lies in the processions of portable shrines (Mikoshi Togyo). These vital rituals involve carrying sacred portable shrines from Yasaka Shrine to Shinsen-en Garden, where they are enshrined from July 17th to the 24th, before making their grand return to Yasaka Shrine. Recognized for its profound cultural significance, the Gion Festival was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1979 and later registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. It continues to captivate audiences both in Japan and worldwide.
References:
Sawaki, Masaki (2019) "The Gion Festival of Gion: A Month with the Miyamoto-gumi, Guides of the Gods"
Kyoto City Tourist Association Kyoto Official Travel Guide "Gion Festival: Deeply Understanding"
Yoneyama, Toshinao (1986) "Document Gion Festival: City, Festival, and People"
Yasaka Shrine Official Website "About Yasaka Shrine"
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