Aoi Matsuri 葵祭
Visiting Aoi Matsuri today
- 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.
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Checked against: Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto City Official Travel Guide) · Aoi Matsuri (japan-guide.com) · Aoi Festival (JNTO japan.travel). Check opening times and prices before you go.
Aoi Matsuri on Shibuya246
Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.
Aoi Matsuri
The Aoi Matsuri is one of the three main festivals held in Kyoto each year in addition to the Festival of the Ages (Jidai Matsuri) and Gion Festival. The festival has its origins from the time of Emperor Kinmei back in the 500′s, and was started to ward off floods and severe winds which had ruined crops and epidemics which had spread throughout the country.
Aoi Matsuri
The Aoi Matsuri is one of the three main festivals held in Kyoto each year in addition to the Festival of the Ages (Jidai Matsuri) and Gion Festival. The…