What is Aoi Matsuri?
Aoi Matsuri, one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, is a historic festival held annually on May 15 in Kyoto City.
The official name of Aoi Matsuri is "Kamo Matsuri," and it boasts a history of about 1,400 years as a festival dedicated to Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine.
This festival is a rare opportunity to experience the court culture of the Heian period (794-1192), with costumes and rituals of the time being reenacted.
It is a must-see event for international travelers who want to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Highlights of the Aoi Matsuri
1. graceful procession "Roudou-no-gi" (ceremony of the roadside parade)
The highlight of the Aoi Matsuri is the gorgeous "Roto-no-Gi" procession.
About 500 people, dressed in Heian costume and riding on oxcarts and horses, parade about 8 km from the Kyoto Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace) to Kamigamo Shrine.
The procession evokes the atmosphere of the time of Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon, and gives visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.
2. ritual at the shrine
At Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine, where the procession arrives, solemn rituals are held.
In particular, the "Shagashino-gi" at Shimogamo Shrine includes the dedication of Kagura (Shinto music and dance), allowing visitors to experience up-close and personal the traditional Shinto rituals. 3.
3. unique costumes and hollyhock decorations
The "hollyhock," from which the Aoi Matsuri gets its name, is a leaf of the hollyhock plant worn by all participants.
These leaves are used to decorate costumes and horse-drawn carriages, and adorn the entire festival.
In particular, a woman named "Saio-dai," dressed in Heian costume, plays the leading role, and her graceful appearance attracts many tourists.
Information on Aoi Matsuri
- Date: May 15 every year
- Place: From Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine
- Time：10:30-15:30 (*times are approximate)
Access
- To Kyoto Gosho, 5 min. walk from Marutamachi Sta. on the Subway Karasuma Line.
- To Kamigamo Shrine, take city bus No. 4 and get off at Kamigamo Jinja-mae.
- To get to Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, take city bus 205 and get off at Shimogamo-jinja-mae.
How to enjoy Aoi Matsuri and points to note
1. get a place early!
To see the procession, you must get a place early.
In particular, the areas in front of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shimogamo-jinja Shrine and Kamigamo-jinja Shrine are popular spots, so early morning preparation is recommended. 2.
2. a camera is a must!
There are many opportunities to take pictures of the beautiful costumes and moments of the ritual.
Capture the traditional appearance of the Aoi Matsuri along with the scenery of Kyoto.
3. comfortable shoes and sun protection
On the day of the festival, you can expect to walk for long hours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and drink plenty of water.
Also, since May in Kyoto is often sunny and the sun is strong, sunburn protection is also important.
Conclusion
The Aoi Matsuri is a rare opportunity to experience Kyoto's traditional culture, and is very popular among visitors from overseas.
Enjoy the atmosphere as if you were transported back in time to the Heian period, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kyoto while experiencing the history of the city.
If you visit Kyoto in May, be sure not to miss the Aoi Matsuri!
