Aoi Matsuri
One of Kyoto's three major festivals
Known as one of Kyoto's three major festivals alongside the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri, 'Aoi Matsuri' is recognized as Japan's most elegant and historically rich festival. A procession of over 500 participants dressed in Heian period clothing travels from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, presenting a traditional spectacle. This is the oldest festival in Japan, held since the 6th century, and the official name for the rituals at Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine is Kamo Matsuri. The festival is commonly referred to as Aoi Matsuri because everything related to the festival, including participants and buildings, is decorated with hollyhock leaves and laurel.
Kyoto Imperial Palace ~ Shimogamo Shrine ~ Kamigamo Shrine
About a 5-minute walk from Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station on the Municipal Subway Karasuma Line (Kyoto Imperial Palace)
- Date & Time
- 5/15(Thu)
- Note
- Postponed in case of rain (decision around 6 PM the day before) Departure from Kyoto Imperial Palace (10:30) Sakai-Machi Gate ~ Marutamachi Street ~ Kawaramachi Street ~ Arrival at Shimogamo Shrine / Ceremony at the shrine (11:40) / Departure (14:20) ~ Shimogamo Main Street ~ Shimogamo Main Street North Oji (14:40) ~ Kitano Oji Street ~ Kita Oji Bridge (14:55) ~ Kamo River Bank ~ Arrival at Kamigamo Shrine / Ceremony at the shrine (15:30) *Times in parentheses are expected times for the procession to pass.
- Venue
- Kyoto Imperial Palace ~ Shimogamo Shrine ~ Kamigamo Shrine
- Address
- 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Free
- Free to view *Paid spectator seats available
- parking
- Due to expected congestion and traffic regulations, public transportation is recommended.
- Access (Public)
- About a 5-minute walk from Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station on the Municipal Subway Karasuma Line (Kyoto Imperial Palace)
- Contact
- 075-213-1717 （Kyoto City Tourism Association）
