Jidai Matsuri
MatsuriKansai(Kyoto)
Annual eventDates
2026-10-22
Venue
Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
CrowdedKyoto's Festival of Ages, a grand procession showcasing Japanese history.
Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) showcases 1,000 years of Kyoto history through a grand costume procession. Around 2,000 participants dressed in historically accurate costumes from various eras march from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. Established in 1895 to celebrate Kyoto's 1,100th anniversary as the capital.
Highlights
Costume procession spanning 8 historical eras from Meiji to Heian; Historically accurate armor, kimono, and accessories; Culmination at Heian Shrine
Access
Kyoto Imperial Palace: 5 min walk from Imadegawa Station (Karasuma Line). Heian Shrine: 5 min walk from Higashiyama Station (Tozai Line).
Tips for Visitors
The procession departs the Imperial Palace around noon and arrives at Heian Shrine around 2:30 PM. Paid seating is available at the Imperial Palace and Oike Street. Rainy weather may postpone the festival.