What Is the Aoi Matsuri Festival in Kyoto?
Aoi Matsuri (Aoi Festival) is one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, held every year on May 15 in Kyoto City.
The festival’s official name is Kamo Matsuri.
With about 1,500 years of history, it is dedicated to Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine) and Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine).
Its origins are said to date back to the reign of Emperor Kinmei (539–571) in the late Kofun period.
According to tradition, it began as a rite performed to calm widespread storms, famine, and epidemics by honoring the Kamo deities.
Today, it remains a rare opportunity to experience court culture from Japan’s Heian period.
Historical costumes and ceremonies are recreated.
For overseas travelers who want to see Japan’s traditional culture, it is a must-see event in Kyoto.
Aoi Matsuri Highlights: What to See
1. The Heian-Style Parade, “Rōtō-no-Gi”
The biggest highlight of Aoi Matsuri is the spectacular “Rōtō-no-Gi” parade.
About 500 participants in full Heian attire form a procession, joined by horses and ox-drawn carriages.
The parade departs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, passes Shimogamo Shrine, and continues to Kamigamo Shrine along a route of about 8 km.
It usually sets off around 10:30, then proceeds toward the shrines through the afternoon.
With an atmosphere reminiscent of the eras of Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shōnagon, the procession can feel like stepping back in time.
2. Key Shrine Rituals, “Shatō-no-Gi”
At both Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine—where the procession arrives—the most important rites of Aoi Matsuri, known as “Shatō-no-Gi,” are performed.
During Shatō-no-Gi, an imperial messenger (chokushi) reads the ritual text and offers gifts.
Traditional dances such as “Azuma Asobi” are dedicated, and rituals like leading sacred horses are also performed.
Even if the Rōtō-no-Gi parade is canceled due to rain, Shatō-no-Gi is still carried out at both shrines.
3. Iconic Costumes and Hollyhock Decorations
The name “Aoi Matsuri” comes from “aoi katsura,” decorations placed everywhere—from participants and ox carriages to the shrine blinds.
These are made by intertwining the Kamo shrines’ crest leaf, “futaba-aoi” (two-leaf hollyhock), with small branches of katsura.
After the festival was revived in the Edo period, these decorations became widespread, and the event came to be called Aoi Matsuri.
A key figure that draws special attention is the “Saiōdai.”
Wearing a layered court robe (formally, itsutsuginu-karaginu), she appears seated in a palanquin called an “oyoyo.”
Each year, the Saiōdai is chosen from unmarried women with ties to Kyoto, and her graceful presence captivates many visitors.
Aoi Matsuri Dates, Time & Tickets
- Date: Every year on May 15 (may be postponed to the 16th in case of rain)
- Location: From the Kyoto Imperial Palace, via Shimogamo Shrine, to Kamigamo Shrine
- Time: Departure around 10:30 through the afternoon (times are approximate)
- Paid Seating: Available at the Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Park) area and the approach to Shimogamo Shrine (sales often begin in early April; from around 4,000 yen depending on seat type)
Access
- To the Kyoto Imperial Palace: about a 5-minute walk from Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
- To Shimogamo Shrine: take City Bus route 4 or 205 and get off at “Shimogamo Jinja-mae,” or walk about 10 minutes from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Line
- To Kamigamo Shrine: take City Bus route 4 and get off at “Kamigamo Jinja-mae”
How to Enjoy Aoi Matsuri: Tips & Things to Know
1. Arrive Early for a Good Viewing Spot
To watch the procession, arriving early to secure a spot is essential.
Popular areas like in front of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and along the Shimogamo Shrine approach fill up quickly, so preparing from early morning is recommended.
If you want to watch comfortably seated, using the paid reserved seats is a great option.
Tickets are typically available from early April at convenience stores and similar outlets, and all seats are reserved.
2. Bring Your Camera
You will have many chances to capture beautiful costumes and ceremonial moments.
Photograph the Heian-story-scroll-like procession together with Kyoto’s scenery.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes and Protect Yourself from the Sun
Because you may be walking for long hours, wear comfortable shoes and do not forget to stay hydrated.
Kyoto in May is often sunny with strong light, so a hat and sunscreen are also important.
4. Watch for Traffic Restrictions
On the festival day, traffic restrictions are implemented around the parade route, and some bus routes may be detoured.
If you plan to use public transportation, checking Kyoto City Transportation Bureau service updates in advance is reassuring.
Don’t Miss the Pre-Events (Zengi)
Aoi Matsuri is not only the May 15 Rōtō-no-Gi parade—various pre-events are held from early May.
These include “Kurabeuma Ashizoroe-shiki” on May 1 and the yabusame (mounted archery) rites on May 3.
There is also the “Saiōdai Misogi-no-Gi” purification rite on May 4, among other impressive ceremonies.
In particular, the yabusame rite takes place in Tadasu-no-Mori forest at Shimogamo Shrine, where you can see powerful horseback archery.
Summary
Aoi Matsuri is a rare chance to experience Kyoto’s traditional culture and is very popular with overseas travelers.
Enjoy the atmosphere of a Heian-era time slip, feel 1,500 years of history, and take in Kyoto’s beautiful scenery.
If you are visiting Kyoto in May, be sure not to miss Aoi Matsuri!
