Aoi Matsuri: Japan's Oldest Imperial Festival and Heian Picture Scroll Procession
Aoi Matsuri
Conveying Heian Elegance to Today
Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto's oldest festivals with over 1,200 years of history, one of Japan's Three Great Imperial Festivals (Kamo, Iwashimizu, Kasuga festivals). Named "Aoi Matsuri" because all participants wear aoi (hollyhock) leaves.
Roto no Gi Procession
The procession departing from Kyoto Imperial Palace passes Kamigoryou Shrine and proceeds to Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. The approximately 500-person procession centered on the Saio-dai wears Heian period costumes, a scene like an animated Heian picture scroll.
Saio-dai
The annually selected Saio-dai is an ordinary citizen woman serving in place of the "Saio," the imperial princess who once served Ise Jingu or Kamo Shrine. The Saio-dai leading the procession in beautiful junihitoe (twelve-layered court kimono) is the face of Aoi Matsuri.
Tadasu no Mori Forest at Shimogamo Shrine
The grounds of Shimogamo Shrine (World Heritage), where the procession turns around, have the primeval forest "Tadasu no Mori." This sacred forest of trees hundreds of years old is a space like another world within the city.
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This article is compiled by the Tabitabi JAPAN editorial team from official and primary sources, including facility and shrine/temple websites, tourism information published by municipalities and tourism associations, and cultural-property records released by national and local governments. Prices, opening hours and event dates may change, so please also check the official information of each facility or local government before you visit.