Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)

About this event

Beginning in 1895 (the 28th year of the Meiji period) to celebrate the founding of Heian Shrine and the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo, Jidai Matsuri is a magnificent festival where visitors can experience Kyoto's traditional culture. Utilizing as many as 12,000 pieces of furnishings, costumes, and ritual implements restored by bringing together the finest traditional craft techniques, the historical costume procession comprising 20 groups, approximately 2,000 participants, and stretching over 2 kilometers is a breathtaking spectacle that can only be recreated in Kyoto. In this procession, the customs and transitions of artifacts from eight eras—the Meiji Restoration, Edo, Azuchi-Momoyama, Muromachi, Yoshino, Kamakura, Fujiwara, and Enryaku periods—are faithfully reproduced. Departing from the front of the Kenreimon Gate of Kyoto Imperial Palace at noon, the procession unfolds as a grand historical picture scroll along the approximately 4.5-kilometer route to Heian Shrine. Paid spectator seats are also available, including special seats with commentary provided by dedicated lecturers.

Venue

Heian Shrine

97 Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 606-8341