Aoi Matsuri

Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s three great festivals, alongside Gion Matsuri in July and Jidai Matsuri in October. It takes place every year on 15 May, and the procession has been held in some form since the 6th century, when Emperor Kinmei ordered rituals to appease Kamo-no-kami after years of natural disasters. The name “Aoi” refers to the hollyhock leaves (futaba-aoi) that decorate every participant, every ox-cart, and every piece of ceremonial equipment in the procession.

The Procession

Around 500 participants walk the 8-kilometre route from Kyoto Imperial Palace south through the city to Shimogamo Shrine, then continue north to Kamigamo Shrine. The procession takes roughly five hours in total. Every participant is dressed in Heian court costume (approximately 10th century), from the Imperial Messenger at the head of the column to the attendants accompanying the Saio-dai, the woman chosen each year to represent the Imperial Princess who once performed the festival rituals.

The Saio-dai rides in a decorated ox-cart (gissha) and is the visual centrepiece of the event. Her preparation begins weeks before the festival with traditional purification rituals. The other participants include court nobles in layered silk robes, mounted imperial guards, men carrying lacquered chests and bows, and attendants leading oxen decorated with orange and gold trappings.

Viewing the Procession

The procession departs Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30am. Viewing from the Palace grounds is free and gives the best sense of the procession’s scale as participants assemble. Paid seating is available along the route between the Palace and Shimogamo Shrine (tickets approximately 2,100 yen as of 2026; purchase in advance through the Kyoto City tourist office).

Shimogamo Shrine hosts the Roto no Gi ritual around midday, and Kamigamo Shrine holds the Sharei no Gi later in the afternoon. Both rituals are quieter than the street procession and worth arriving early for if you want to see the ceremonial components without crowds.

Getting There

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a 10-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan and Eizan lines, or a 12-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma subway line. For Shimogamo Shrine, Demachiyanagi Station is the closest stop. Kamigamo Shrine is accessible by city bus (routes 46 and 67 from central Kyoto; journey approximately 30 minutes).

Transport advice: avoid driving in central Kyoto on festival day. Roads along the procession route close progressively from the morning. The subway and Keihan Line both run normally and are the most reliable option.

Tips

Bring water and sunscreen. The procession moves slowly and spectators stand for extended periods in open areas. Mid-May in Kyoto is warm but not yet the oppressive heat of July and August, so conditions are generally comfortable. If rain is forecast, the procession may be postponed to 16 May. Check the Kyoto travel guide before finalising dates, as the city is busy in May but not yet at peak summer crowds.