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Aoi Matsuri

Shibuya246 · 16 June 2012 · 25 photos · 2,425 views · 1 comment

The main procession

Lined up waiting for the parade

Horses very much a main part

Blends in with the road colors

Off hunting

I wonder what is inside these?

Kids look great dressed up for procession

Guiding the horse

Various skins and wares

Quite a warm day

Anyone know what is in here?

Looks heavy

Tradition

gifts

Hidden beneath the flowers

Pink archers

All ages represented

Traveling in style

Great to see

Nice colors

Even a little bit of shade is welcome

Stylish purple and red

Wonderful design in the fabric

Decorative

Bringing up the rear

Visiting today · Kyoto, Kansai

Visiting Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto today

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027

Added by Shibuya246, separate from the original post above. Facts are checked every quarter against the sources below. Check opening times and prices before you go.

What it is: One of Kyoto's three great festivals, with roots in the 6th century under Emperor Kinmei. About 500 people in Heian-period dress walk in procession, with the Saio as the central figure in a 12-layer kimono.
Best time: Held every year on 15 May. If it rains, it moves to 16 May.
Getting there: The procession leaves the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30. It reaches Shimogamo Shrine at about 11:40 and Kamigamo Shrine at about 15:30. The whole procession takes about an hour to pass any one point.
Admission: Watching from the street is free. Paid seats at the Imperial Palace and Shimogamo Shrine cost ¥5,000-6,500 and are sold through Ticket Pia.
Tip: For Shimogamo Shrine, take the Keihan Line to Demachiyanagi Station and walk about 10 minutes north.

Best time

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Procession on 15 May each year

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Same stamp, more posts: Aoi Matsuri (2012)

Sources: Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto City Official Travel Guide) · Aoi Matsuri (japan-guide.com) · Aoi Festival (JNTO japan.travel)

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1 comment

Comments are closed. These are from readers when the post was first published.

Qd Ext Blackfield 28 October 2012
great culture, I hope one day be able to see directly~.