Aoi Matsuri
MatsuriKansai(Kyoto)
Annual eventDates
2026-05-15
Venue
Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo & Kamigamo Shrines
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedOne 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.
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.