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Jidai Matsuri 時代祭

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2014

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Visiting Jidai Matsuri today

  • What it is: Heian Jingu's Festival of the Ages: a costumed procession of about five hours, walking back through Kyoto's history from the Meiji era to the Heian period.
  • When: Every 22 October. The 2026 festival was held on Thursday 22 October. In rain it moves to the next day, decided early that morning. 2027 details are not yet announced.
  • Where: It leaves Kyoto Gyoen (the Imperial Palace park) around noon, follows Karasuma-dori and Oike-dori, and ends on Jingu-michi at Heian Jingu.
  • Watching: Free along the route. 2026 paid seats cost ¥5,000-7,500 in Kyoto Gyoen and on Oike-dori, and ¥13,500-15,500 at Heian Jingu's Otenmon gate; some sold out. Umbrellas are not allowed in seats.
  • Tip: Oike-dori has the widest pavements. Catch the start in Kyoto Gyoen, then take the subway to Higashiyama Station to see the finish.
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Procession on 22 October each year (postponed a day if it rains)

Checked against: Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto City Official Travel Guide, Japanese) · Jidai Matsuri reserved seats (Kyoto City Official Travel Guide) · Jidai Matsuri (Wikipedia). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Jidai Matsuri on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Culture

Jidai Matsuri

The Jidai Matsuri event is taking place again right now in Kyoto. The weather seems to have dipped a bit and is providing some rain today. Not too bad but…