What is Kyoto's traditional "Jidai Matsuri"?
Jidai Matsuri is a traditional festival held in Kyoto every October and is one of the major festivals of Heian Shrine.
Started in 1895 to celebrate the transfer of the capital to Heian, it is now widely known as an event symbolizing Kyoto's history and culture.
The sight of a procession of people dressed in historical costumes marching through the streets of Kyoto is a spectacular sight, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time.
History of the Jidai Festival
The Jidai Matsuri was founded by the citizens of Kyoto during the Meiji period.
It was started to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian and to pass on the history and culture of Kyoto to future generations.
The festival takes place at Heian Shrine, the symbol of Kyoto, and is a traditional event that is cherished and continued by the people of Kyoto.
Highlights of the Jidai Festival
A procession reminiscent of a historical picture scroll
The highlight of the Jidai Matsuri is the procession of about 2,000 people dressed in historical costumes.
The procession is made up of eight sections divided into different eras, based on the theme of Kyoto's history from the Meiji period to the Heian period.
In each section, the samurai, nobles, and townspeople of the time are depicted, making it seem as if a historical picture scroll has come to life in real life.
Procession from Heian Shrine to the Imperial Palace
The procession travels approximately 4.6km from Heian Shrine to the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Along the way, you can enjoy the historic atmosphere along with the beautiful cityscape of the ancient capital, Kyoto.
The area around the Imperial Palace in particular often changes colour during the autumn foliage season, making it a great spot for taking photos.
Experience the culture and traditions of Kyoto
The Jidai Matsuri is a great opportunity to learn more about Kyoto's history and traditional culture.
The costumes and props of the people taking part in the procession are all faithfully reproduced based on documents from the time, making it a must-see for history fans.
There will also be traditional music and dance performances during the procession, allowing you to experience the profound depths of Japanese culture.
Access to the Jidai Matsuri and things to note
Access methods
- Nearest station : 10 minutes walk from Higashiyama Station or Kyoto City Hall Station on the Tozai Subway Line
- Bus : Take city bus route 5 or 100 from Kyoto Station, get off at "Okazaki Park", then walk for about 5 minutes
Viewing points and recommended places
The Jidai Matsuri is characterized by a long procession from Heian Shrine to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, so there are several viewing spots.
Particularly recommended are the areas in front of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and around Okazaki Park.
To avoid crowds, it's best to arrive a little early to grab a spot.
Important points to note
- Crowds : The Jidai Matsuri attracts many tourists, so the area around the venue can get very crowded. The starting point of the procession and other popular spots get particularly crowded from early in the morning.
- Clothing : In autumn in Kyoto, there is a big difference in temperature between day and night, so we recommend bringing a jacket.
Useful information for travelers
Nearby tourist attractions
There are many tourist spots around Heian Shrine, where the Jidai Matsuri is held. For example, there are many places where you can enjoy history and nature, such as Kyoto City Zoo, Nanzenji Temple, and the Philosopher's Path. Be sure to stop by before or after the festival.
Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine
After the festival, why not enjoy some traditional Kyoto cuisine in the nearby area? The Okazaki area is dotted with long-established Japanese restaurants and stylish cafes, and the yudofu and Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in particular are worth visiting.
summary
The Jidai Matsuri is a rare opportunity to experience Kyoto's history and culture. The grand procession from Heian Shrine to the Imperial Palace is
This event truly encapsulates the charm of Kyoto.
For travelers, this is a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture, so be sure to visit.
FAQ
Q1. Will the Jidai Matsuri be held even if it rains?
A1. The Jidai Matsuri will generally go ahead rain or shine, but it may be cancelled in the event of severe weather.
We recommend checking the Heian Shrine official website for information on upcoming events.
Q2. Do I need to make a reservation to participate?
A2. If you just want to watch the procession, no reservation is necessary, but if you wish to sit in a special seat, you will need to apply in advance.
Details can be found on the official website.
Q3. Can I participate in the Jidai Matsuri procession?
A3. Participation in the procession is not open to the general public, and is mainly reserved for specific groups and citizen volunteers.
However, you might be able to participate in related events organized by Kyoto City, so if you're interested, be sure to inquire at the city's tourist information center.
