Jidai Matsuri
The Jidai Matsuri (Žž‘ãÕ) is a festival held every year on October 22, the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. It consists of a large parade that travels from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. Jidai Matsuri is Japanese for "Festival of Ages", and the participants are dressed in accurate costumes from almost every period of Japanese history, as well as famous historical figures. There are about 2000 participants, and it takes two hours to watch the entire procession pass by.
The Jidai Matsuri is held by Heian Shrine, and both the festival and the shrine were established in 1895 to celebrate Kyoto's history and culture. A few years before in 1868, the capital was moved to Tokyo after having been in Kyoto for over a thousand years. Despite its short history, the Jidai Matsuri is one of Kyoto's three most famous festivals, along with the Gion Matsuri in July and the Aoi Matsuri in May.
The historical costumes and characters that are displayed in the parade cover the approximately 1100 years during which Kyoto was the national capital. The procession is separated into historical eras and then further separated into themes, of which there are about twenty. The parade begins with characters from the Meiji Restoration in 1868, and then continues in reverse chronological order until the beginning of the Heian Period (794-1185).
At the very head of the parade there are the festival's honorary commissioners, riding in horse drawn carriages in the style of the mid 1800s. The commissioners include figures like the governor of Kyoto Prefecture, the mayor of Kyoto City and the city council chairman. Following them are figures of the Meiji Restoration. There is a marching band with drums and flutes and soldiers who would have fought with the imperial forces, as well as some of the era's most notable figures, such as Sakamoto Ryoma.
The largest group in the parade depicts the extravagant convoys sent by the shogun to represent him at important imperial ceremonies in Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603-1868). The three most important officials ride on horseback, and there is also a palanquin carried by attendants that the officials would use when traveling. Afterwards there is a much smaller group that consists of about a half dozen famous women from the period, including a princess sitting on a wheeled platform.
As the parade continues, spectators are able to see the armor of Oda Nobunaga and his commanders, the dress of warriors and common people of the Muromachi Period (1338-1573), more famous historical women and nobles of the Heian Period (794-1185). The costumes and characters of the military, cultural, aristocratic and common people are all put on display.
The parade's last group is the most important in terms of Shinto rituals. A large number of attendants accompany and carry two mikoshi (portable shrines) that contain the spirits of Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei, respectively the first and last emperors to reign from Kyoto. Heian Shrine is dedicated to the spirits of the two emperors, who normally reside in the shrine. However, during the Jidai Matsuri they are able to travel through the city in the mikoshi.
The entire route of the parade stretches about five kilometers. Crowds become most dense at the Imperial Palace and on the approach to Heian Shrine, where spectators want to arrive early to get a good spot. In addition to the regular, free viewing areas lining the parade route, there are also sections of paid, reserved seats at the shrine, the palace and on the streets. Details on the reserved seats are explained below.
Getting there and around
The procession departs from the Imperial Palace, travels along Oike Street and Sanjo Street, and finally terminates at Heian Shrine:
Hours and Fees
Paid Seating
There is some paid seating at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, in front of Kyoto City Hall and along the approach to Heian Shrine. Seats cost 3500-4500 yen and can be reserved beforehand (starting from 10am on September 5, 2023) on the internet or at convenience stores.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Kyoto
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Arashiyama HanaikadaA little, superior ryokan right near Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. Free transfer from JR station. Private bath and open-air baths available. 5min walk to the Bamboo Groves.View siteSponsored
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Japanese hotel, Ryokan NishiyamaExperience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto.View siteSponsored
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Ryokan HirashinA traditional hotel with spacious rooms and high speed Wi-Fi. Conveniently located in the heart of Kyoto city. 3min to Shijo Karasuma Sta. and 5min to the famous Nishiki Market.View siteSponsored
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Ryokan Mugen (Adult Only)Mugen is a property that was built 160 years ago, situated in Kyoto, 1 km from Nijo Castle. Every room at Mugen features an en suite shower room, toilet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Free WiFi is available throughout the entire property. You will find a shared lounge on site and a bar at the annex building. The ryokan also offers bike hire. Imperial Palace is 1.1 km from Mugen, while Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is 1.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Mitsuki KyotoIn a prime location in Kyoto, Mitsuki Kyoto offers a vegetarian breakfast and free WiFi. The property features inner courtyard and quiet street views, and is 600 metres from Kyoto International Manga Museum. The accommodation features full-day security and luggage storage space for guests. The ryokan provides certain units with garden views, and the units are equipped with a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a vegan or a gluten-free breakfast, which can also be delivered to your room. A bar can be found on-site. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 2-star ryokan. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Nijo Castle is 1.1 km from the ryokan, while Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall is 1.8 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 46 km from Mitsuki Kyoto.View on Booking.com
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Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASSLocated in Kyoto, this traditional Japanese guest house features free Wi-Fi and a free public computer. Shichijo Onmae bus stop is 3 minutesf walk away. A seating area and shared bathroom are provided with each room at Guesthouse KYOTO COMPASS. Free toiletries are provided and blankets are available upon request. Select rooms have a garden view. A shared living area and bicycles are available for guestsf use during their stay at this Kyoto Guesthouse Compass. Access to the shared kitchen is available upon request. The guest house is 4.5 km from Imperial Palace and 2.2 km from Kyoto Station. Nijo Castle and Toji Castle are within a 30 minutesf bus ride away.View on Booking.com
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Ryokan ToriRyokan Tori is located in Kyoto, 2 km from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. The property is around 2.3 km from Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace. The property is 3.2 km from Kinkaku-ji Temple and 3.7 km from Kyoto International Manga Museum. All guest rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a kettle. Each room has a shared bathroom, while selected rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also offer a garden view. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at tori can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Heian Shrine is 5 km from the accommodation. Itami Airport is 50 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Kyonoyado GekkoanSet in the Nakagyo Ward district in Kyoto, Kyonoyado Gekkoan offers an equipped accommodation with an balcony and free WiFi. The property is 1.1 km from Nijo Castle. This holiday home comes with a kitchenette with a microwave and a toaster, a flat-screen TV, a seating area and a bathroom with a bath. A vegetarian or continental breakfast is available daily at the property. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 2.1 km from the holiday home. Osaka Itami Airport is 37 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Guesthouse EngawaGuesthouse Engawa offers accommodation in Kyoto. Guests can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of Kyoto in their rooms. Each comes with a flat-screen TV, and an electric kettle will be provided upon request. Bathroom facilities are shared with other guests. Free toiletries and hairdryers are also available. There is luggage storage space at the property. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is 600 metres from Guesthouse Engawa, while Heian Shrine is 2.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Gallery Nozawa InnGallery Nozawa Inn offers accommodation in Kyoto, 25 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Every room includes a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Each room is equipped with a private toilet, and bathrooms are shared. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. There is luggage storage space at the property. Guests can sample Japanese-style breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients. There is a public bathhouse located a 10-minute walk away. Nijo Castle is 2.4 km from Gallery Nozawa Inn, while Kyoto International Manga Museum is 2.4 km from the property. Osaka Itami Airport is 36 km away.View on Booking.com
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Yado KiramachiYado Kiramachi offers accommodation set 600 metres from the centre of Kyoto and provides a garden and a terrace. The air-conditioned accommodation is 600 metres from Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall. The ryokan features family rooms. Certain units in the ryokan have private entrance and are equipped with desk and wardrobe. With a private bathroom, units at the ryokan also have free WiFi, while selected rooms will provide you with a balcony. At the ryokan, some units are soundproof. A bar can be found on-site. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 1.3 km from the ryokan, while Gion Shijo Station is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 45 km from Yado Kiramachi.View on Booking.com
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Guesthouse HANA NishijinGuesthouse HANA Kyoto is located in Kyoto, 300 metres from Kitano Tenmangu and 1.2 km from Kinkaku-ji Temple. A simple complimentary breakfast service is provided for guests. Bathroom facilities are shared. Guesthouse HANA Kyoto features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a shared kitchen and a common area with a TV at the property. Nijo Castle is 2.1 km from Guesthouse HANA Kyoto, while Imperial Palace is 2.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 39 km from Guesthouse HANA Kyoto.View on Booking.com
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Kyomachiya Suite RikyuOffering private accommodation, Kyomachiya Suite Rikyu is a Japanese-style machiya townhouse centrally located in the Higashiyama ward of Kyoto. The property boasts garden views and free WiFi throughout the entire property. Yasaka Shrine is only a 5-minute walk away, while Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a 10-minute walk away. Kyomachiya Suite Rikyu features a kitchen equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker and an electric kettle. The bathroom comes with towels and free toiletries. One bedroom features an Iwata bed. There are several restaurants within a 5-minute walk from the property. JR Kyoto Station is a 15-minute ride via taxi, while convenience stores and 24-hour supermarkets are within a 5-minute walk.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Kyoto
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Kimono Rental in Kyoto by momokaBasic okomon kimono plan: [Included in the fee]: Only okomon kimono and half-width obi are included [Excluded from the fee]: Small bag, tabi socks, rental sandals, muscle wear, and corrections are not includedView on Klook
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Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting and Brewery ExperienceExplore the Sake District of Kyoto, and have an exclusive tasting at one of the largest sake breweries in FushimiView on Klook
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Kyoto Golden Route Day Trip Bus Tour from Osaka / Kyoto**We will take you to go unmissable sightseeing spots in Kyoto with English speaking guideô Letfs explore together!**View on Klook
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Electric Potter's Wheel Making Experience in KyotoMemories of your trip to Kyoto! A long-established studio in front of the Yasaka PagodaView on Klook
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Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, & Fushimi Inari Taisha One Day TourKinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of the many famous sightseeing spots that symbolize KyotoView on Klook
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Matcha Ceremony Experience in KyotoYou can enjoy watching the tea ceremony by the teacher and experience the tea ceremony. Comes with matcha and Japanese sweets!View on Klook
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Handmade Workshop Experience in KyotoA townhouse with a nostalgic atmosphere. Feel free to visit the museum inside the store.View on Klook
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Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking GuideExplore Kyoto and Nara city on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto!View on Klook
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Kyoto Photography ServiceThe photographer has lived in Japan for many years and knows many niche places in Kyoto. If necessary, you can negotiate with the photographerView on Klook
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