[2026] The Gion Festival floats are just around the corner! Kyoto style home cooking using local ingredients at " Kyoto Kotokoto Shijo Store"

2026.06.05

The Gion Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals, is a Kyoto festival held for a month in July. The procession of floats and the eve of the festival, especially on the 17th (pre-festival) and 24th (post-festival), are particularly crowded. We introduce " Kyoto Kotokoto Shijo Store," where you can comfortably enjoy the hot summer in Kyoto with advance reservations.

Shijo Karasuma Area! Tips for Navigating the Yoiyama and Yamahoko Procession

In July, Kyoto is completely immersed in the atmosphere of the Gion Festival, one of Japan's three greatest festivals. The area around Shijo Karasuma becomes the main stage for the festival, and the charm of the ancient capital reaches its peak. Of course, taking thorough precautions against heatstroke and planning comfortable meals are the keys to enjoying the Gion Festival to the fullest.

Popular events schedule for the Gion Festival

[Pre-festival]

・July 10th (Fri) Yamahoko Construction: Witness up close the traditional craftsmanship of assembling the gigantic Yamahoko floats using only ropes and no nails.

July 14th (Tue) - July 16th (Thu) Yoiyama: The highlight of the festival, when Komagata lanterns illuminate the night, and pedestrian zones and food stalls line the streets.

・July 17th (Fri) Yamahoko Procession (09:00~) A magnificent and spectacular parade.

Procession route: 23 floats depart from Shijo Karasuma and parade through Shijo Kawaramachi, Kawaramachi Oike, and Shinmachi Oike.

[Later Festival]

July 18th (Sat) - Construction of the floats

July 21st (Tue) - July 23rd (Thu): Yoiyama (Pedestrian zone, no food stalls)

• July 24th (Fri) Yamahoko Procession (09:30~)

Procession route: Eleven floats depart from Karasuma Oike and parade through Kawaramachi Oike, Shijo Kawaramachi, and Shijo Karasuma.

In addition to keeping track of the schedule, deciding in advance on a "base" where you can relax and escape the heat is key to fully enjoying the vibrant festival.

A prime location along Shijo Street, offering a high-quality space where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal.

Located close to the Yamahoko procession route, "Kyoto Kotokoto Shijo Store" boasts an excellent location, just a 4-minute walk from Shijo Subway Station and Karasuma Hankyu Station. It's the perfect choice for a break after the procession or a hearty meal before heading to the Yoiyama (evening festival).

Located on the first floor of "Ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo," it features a deliberately understated and elegant exterior. Stepping inside, you'll find a modern and open space, an oasis that allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

Experience the bounty of Kyoto with all five senses: A culinary experience enjoying Obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking).

We'd like to introduce a limited-time menu featuring "Obanzai," home-style dishes that embody the wisdom of Kyoto.

• [White fish with black vinegar sauce and roast beef set meal] (2,500 yen/tax included)

The refreshing Japanese-style black vinegar sauce will soothe your summer fatigue. The crispy white fish fillets, freshly fried in-house, are perfectly complemented by the freshly made, rich sweet and sour sauce! You can also enjoy our carefully prepared domestic beef roast beef in this luxurious combination. A perfect treat for yourself on a special day enjoying the Gion Festival.

• [Steamed Vegetables and Roast Beef Set Meal] (2,500 yen/tax included)

Enjoy the special steamer basket, where vegetables are carefully steamed at your table, and the sweet aroma of the vegetables that fills the air with the steam. This healthy and invigorating dish highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. Savor the pairing to your heart's content with our proud domestic beef roast beef.

• Kobe Beef Teppanyaki Set Meal (100g) (4,900 yen/tax included)

We offer the world-renowned Kobe beef (100g) in a luxurious teppanyaki style. You can savor the rich flavor of juicy Kobe beef that melts in your mouth, along with the bounty of ingredients from Kyoto, all at once.

Every set comes with a four-item seasonal obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking) platter, a specialty of our head chef. We offer Kyoto home-style dishes ("obanzai") and ingredients closely sourced from Kyoto. Through regional and specialty dishes, experience the wonderful aspects of Japanese cuisine—the Japanese spirit of cherishing nature.

Finally···

After experiencing the excitement of the Gion Festival in 2026, why not spend a blissful moment savoring the blessings of Kyoto with all your senses in a comfortable space just nearby?

[Store Information]

Kyoto Kotokoto Shijo Store - Make a reservation here

Address: 8 Kakkyoyama-cho, Shimogyo - ku , Kyoto City Kyoto Prefecture, Ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo 1F

Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Last order 2:30 PM)

15:00-17:00 (Desserts and drinks only)

17:00 - 21:30 (Last order 20:30)

[Notice and Request Regarding the Busy July Season]

*Due to expected crowds during the Gion Festival, we recommend visiting us early.

*Please note that we may not be accepting reservations on some dates. For the latest availability and reservation status, please check our website or various gourmet websites (Gurunavi, Tabelog).

*If we receive a large number of breakfast reservations, the opening time for lunch may be delayed.

*Please note that evening hours may be extended depending on the situation on the day.

*Please note that on some dates, the restaurant may be closed to private bookings from groups.