Aoi Matsuri
MatsuriKansai(Kyoto)
Annual eventDates
Venue
Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo & Kamigamo Shrines
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Crowded
Photos
One of Kyoto's three great festivals with a Heian-era imperial procession.
Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto's three great festivals, dating back over 1,400 years. A grand procession of over 500 people dressed in Heian-period aristocratic costumes parades from the Imperial Palace to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. The festival's name comes from the hollyhock (aoi) leaves used to decorate the participants and ox-drawn carriages.
At a Glance
- Type
- Matsuri
- Dates
- 2026-05-15 – 2026-05-15
- Venue
- Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo & Kamigamo Shrines
- Status
- Ended
- Crowd Level
- Crowded
- Admission
- Free
- Annual event
- Annual
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I confirm the official status of Aoi Matsuri?
Use the official source for the latest schedule, route changes, and cancellation updates: https://www.kyokanko.or.jp/aoi/.
What is the current status of Aoi Matsuri?
The current listing status is ended. Last checked: 2026-03-10.
How crowded is Aoi Matsuri?
The typical crowd level is high.
What are the highlights of Aoi Matsuri?
Heian-period aristocratic procession with ox-drawn carriages; Saio-dai imperial princess on horseback; Hollyhock leaf decorations throughout the parade
Highlights
Heian-period aristocratic procession with ox-drawn carriages; Saio-dai imperial princess on horseback; Hollyhock leaf decorations throughout the parade
Access
Kyoto Imperial Palace: 5 min walk from Imadegawa Station (Karasuma Line). Shimogamo Shrine: 5 min walk from Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Line). Kamigamo Shrine: bus from Kitaoji Station.
Tips for Visitors
Arrive early to secure a spot along the route, especially near the Imperial Palace. The procession starts around 10:30 AM. Paid seating is available at the Imperial Palace and Shimogamo Shrine.
Location
📍 Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo & Kamigamo Shrines
