Local district official Isokazu Ota says tourists crowd the narrow, quaint streets of the Gion area, often following tour guides around. “We are going to put up signs in April that tell tourists ...

Tourists crowd the narrow, quaint streets of the area called Gion, often following tour guides who show people around and lecture for long hours, local district official Isokazu Ota said Friday.

KYOTO--Tourism officials here are offering premium seats for 400,000 yen ($2,870) each that provide an up-close view of the traditional Gion Festival’s massive float parade on July 17.