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The Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto's three most famous festivals (along with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri) and takes place every May 15. The festival's main attraction is a large parade in Kyoto, in which over 500 people dressed in the aristocratic style of the Heian Period (794-1185) walk from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines. Aoi is Japanese for Hollyhock, and the festival is named after the Hollyhock leaves that are worn by the members of the procession.
Predating Kyoto's establishment as the national capital in 794, the Aoi Matsuri began in the 7th century, although its precise origins are uncertain. There were most likely natural disasters occurring that were believed to be caused by the deities of the Kamo Shrines. After the Emperor made offerings to the gods, the disasters subsided and a tradition was begun. The festival's official name remains Kamo Matsuri, because of its association with the shrines.
An ornately decorated ox drawn cart
The festival grew in prominence so that during the Heian Period the word festival became synonymous with the Aoi Matsuri. Nowadays, the massive procession illustrates the high regard in which the festival would have been held. There are men on horseback, giant bouquets of flowers, ornately decorated ox drawn carts, and a large retinue of women in kimono accompanying the year's Saio.
Traditionally, the Saio was a young female member of the imperial family who served as the high priestess of the Kamo Shrines. During festivals, the Saio performed rituals at the shrines. In the modern era, a different unmarried woman from Kyoto is selected each year to serve as Saio. She must go through purification ceremonies before the festival, and is taken through the procession on a palanquin.
The Saio of the the 2009 Aoi Matsuri during the morning procession
The parade begins at 10:30 at the southern gate of the Imperial Palace, and crosses the river in front of Shimogamo Shrine at 11:15. Ceremonies are performed within the shrine for about two hours before the procession departs for Kamigamo Shrine, where the head of the parade arrives around 15:30. Watching the entire procession pass by, from beginning to end, takes about one hour.
Paid seating is available at the Imperial Palace and both Kamo Shrines, but is not necessary to see the parade. Without reserved seats, it is advised to arrive early to get a good spot. The crowd is sparse along the rest of the route, but watching the parade on a regular city street does not provide the same atmosphere. In the days before the festival, related events are held at the shrines, such as horse races and the purification of the Saio and her attendants.
Attendants of the Saio
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Hours and Fees
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Paid Seating
There are seats lining the parade route at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and the Kamo Shrines. Seats at the Imperial Palace and Shimogamo Shrine cost 2000 yen, include a pamphlet and must be ordered beforehand through the Kyoto City Tourist Association (075-752-0227). Seats at Kamigamo Shrine cost 1000 yen, include a pamphlet and are sold at the shrine only on the day of the festival, starting at noon.
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News and Reports
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Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama
November 19, 2009
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Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama
November 18, 2009
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Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama
November 16, 2009
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Kyoto Autumn Color Report
November 12, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 15, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 12, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 7, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 4, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
April 1, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
March 30, 2009
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Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report
March 25, 2009
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Travel Community
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Popularity of Aoi Matsuri:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1962
Users who have been to Aoi Matsuri: 646th of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
497th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.
Ratings for Aoi Matsuri:
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japan-guide.com Rating:
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outstanding
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User Rating:
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n/a
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insufficient data
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Hotel and Ryokan
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Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto
Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen.
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Kyoto White Hotel
From 4,150 yen per night. 3 minutes from JR Kyoto station.
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Gion Hatanaka
A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja.
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Ryokan Saka-no-ue
Traditional, cozy ryokan with 12 rooms. Japanese cottage style houses available. Located near Yasaka Shrine and Gion.
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Ryokan Hirashin
3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006.
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Hotel Sugicho
A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki.
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Guest Inn Chita
A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006.
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Station Ryokan Seiki
Japanese-style, friendly and affordable family-run inn located only 5 minutes walk from JR Kyoto Station.
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Tomiya Ryokan
A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions.
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Japanese hotel, Ryokan Nishiyama
Experience the real Japan at our affordable ryokan. Close to major tourist spots in Kyoto.
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Hotel Sanoya
3 min from north exit of JR Kyoto Sta. but in quiet area. Cozy, clean Japanese rooms with bath. Internet PC in lobby.
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Ryokan Wakamiya
Inexpensive, cozy inn with helpful staff. 7 min walk from JR Kyoto Sta. Free Internet PC. Communal baths on top floor.
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Kyoto Ryokan Shoei
This charming budget hotel is located in the historical Shimabara district of Kyoto.
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Tours and Packages
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Kyoto Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.
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