Three Great Festivals of Kyoto

Overview

The Three Great Festivals of Kyoto refer to the Aoi Matsuri (spring), the Gion Matsuri (summer), and the Jidai Matsuri (autumn), all of which are formal and dignified festivals that convey the culture of Kyoto since the Heian period. The Aoi Matsuri is the annual festival of Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine, considered one of the oldest festivals in Japan, dating back approximately 1,400 years, and is famous for the Roto no Gi (Procession on the Road) held on May 15. The Gion Matsuri is the festival of Yasaka Shrine, featuring a wide variety of events over about one month from Kippu Ire (July 1) to Ekijinja Natsukoshi Matsuri (July 31), and is counted as one of the three major festivals of Japan. The Jidai Matsuri is a relatively new festival that began in 1895 to commemorate the founding of Heian Jingu Shrine and the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, held on October 22, featuring a grand procession symbolizing eight eras from the Meiji Restoration back to the Enryaku period.

These three festivals, while hosted by different shrines and with different backgrounds of origin, all embody the history and culture of Kyoto as the capital for over a millennium. The Aoi Matsuri reflects the elegance of the court noble culture, the Gion Matsuri showcases the splendor developed by the townspeople (chonin), and the Jidai Matsuri symbolizes the revival of Kyoto after the Meiji Restoration. These festivals, which color the four seasons of Kyoto from spring to autumn, attract many tourists every year and are cherished as seasonal traditions of the city.

History and Origin

The origins of the Aoi Matsuri date back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Kimmei, according to tradition. At that time, violent winds and rain prevented crops from ripening, so a festival was held to appease the wrath of the deity of Kamo (Kamo no Okami). Entering the Heian period, Kamo Shrine gained deep veneration from the Imperial Court, and the Aoi Matsuri was positioned as an important national ritual to the extent that it was simply called "the Festival" (Matsuri). However, it was temporarily interrupted due to wars such as the Onin War, and after being revived in the Edo period, the custom of decorating with hollyhock leaves became established, and it came to be called the Aoi Matsuri.

The origin of the Gion Matsuri dates back to 869 in the early Heian period. At that time, a great epidemic spread throughout Kyoto and various parts of Japan, and people believed it was caused by the vengeful spirits (goryo) of those who died unnatural deaths. To calm these spirits, 66 halberds were erected corresponding to the number of provinces at the time, and the portable shrine (mikoshi) of Gionsha (now Yasaka Shrine) was sent to Shinsenen Garden to seal off the epidemic. This was the beginning of the Goryoe (Spirit Pacification Ceremony). Initially held irregularly only when epidemics occurred, it became an annual event on June 14 from 970. Although it was repeatedly interrupted by events such as the Onin and Bunmei Wars and the Great Fire of Edo, it was revived each time by the passion of Kyoto's townspeople and has continued to develop.

The Jidai Matsuri began in 1895 when Heian Jingu Shrine was founded, simultaneously commemorating the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo. This festival was born from the enthusiasm and pride of citizens who wanted to revitalize Kyoto, which had declined significantly after the Meiji Restoration moved the political center to Tokyo. Initially a procession of about 500 people in six rows, it has grown into an event of overwhelming scale, with about 2,000 people parading over approximately two kilometers. The founding of Heian Jingu Shrine and the start of the festival symbolized the revival of Kyoto and the reevaluation of traditional culture.

These festivals have received high international recognition, with some being designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan or UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Yamahoko Float Procession of the Gion Matsuri was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1979 and registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. The Aoi Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri are also indispensable traditional events for discussing Kyoto's culture, passed down to the present day.

Highlights

Aoi Matsuri: Roto no Gi (Procession on the Road) A procession of over 500 people dressed in Heian period court attire parades approximately eight kilometers from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and then to Kamigamo Shrine. Leading the procession is the Imperial Messenger (Kenshi), followed by officials such as Kebiishi, Naizo-shi, Yamashiro no Tsukasa, ox-drawn carriages, Furyu-gasa umbrellas, and the Saio-dai (Princess Priestess surrogate). The procession includes 36 horses and four oxen. The Saio-dai, dressed in the Itsutsu Ginugara Kimono and riding in a palanquin called Yoyo, is the heroine of the Aoi Matsuri. In the Heian period, an Imperial Princess served as the "Saio" in the festival, but this practice ceased in the Kamakura period. The women's procession was revived in 1956 with the selection of a Saio-dai from among the citizens.

Gion Matsuri: Yamahoko Float Procession (Sakimatsu and Atomatsu) This is the highlight of the Gion Matsuri, held on two separate days: the Sakimatsu (Front Festival) on July 17 with 23 floats, and the Atomatsu (Rear Festival) on July 24 with 11 floats. The floats, as tall as five to eight-story buildings, are adorned with splendid decorations and are called "moving art museums." The Sakimatsu starts from Shijo Karasuma, where the Kuji Aratame (checking of the order) is performed at Shijo Sakaimachi. The dramatic Tsuji Mawashi (turning the floats at intersections) is a spectacular sight. The Atomatsu starts from Karasuma Oike and features the Ofune Hoko, revived in 2014 after 150 years, and the Taka Yama, which returned in 2022 after about 200 years.

Gion Matsuri: Yoiyama (Eve Festival) For three days before the float procession (Sakimatsu: July 14-16; Atomatsu: July 21-23), the Yamahoko-cho (float districts) come alive with the lighting of komagata lanterns and the sound of Gion-bayashi music played on flutes and gongs. Visitors can view the floats erected in each district up close, especially along Shijo Street. On some floats, visitors can board after purchasing sacred rice straw ropes (chimaki) or lucky charms. On July 16, some districts hold the Hiyori Kagura, a prayer for fine weather the next day, parading to Shijo Otabisho while playing Gion-bayashi music.

Aoi Matsuri: Yabusame Shinji (Horseback Archery Ceremony) This preliminary ceremony, held on May 3, features mounted archers shooting at targets while galloping at full speed. Held in the Tadasu no Mori forest of Shimogamo Shrine, the sight of horses racing and arrows striking the targets is thrilling. This ceremony prays for abundant harvests and good health, passing down the martial tradition that has continued since the Kamakura period.

Jidai Matsuri: The Grand Procession A grand procession of about 2,000 people, symbolizing eight eras from the Meiji Restoration back through Edo, Azuchi-Momoyama, Muromachi, Yoshino, Kamakura, Fujiwara (Heian), and Enryaku (early Heian), parades over approximately two kilometers. The costumes and furnishings for each era are meticulously recreated based on historical research, allowing spectators to witness the transition of Japanese traditional crafts and culture at a glance. A popular viewing spot is in front of Heian Jingu Shrine, where the contrast with the large torii gate provides a beautiful backdrop.

Gion Matsuri: Mikoshi Togyo (Portable Shrine Procession) for Shinko-sai and Kanko-sai On the evening of July 17, the Shinko-sai (procession of the deity's spirit) takes place, where the spirits enshrined in three portable shrines (Nakagoza, Higashigoza, Nishigoza) are transferred to the Otabisho (temporary resting place) at Shijo Teramachi. The Kanko-sai (return procession) returns the shrines to Yasaka Shrine on July 24. The three portable shrines are uniquely shaped as hexagonal, square, and octagonal, and they parade through different routes within the parishioner districts. Late on July 24, upon returning to the shrine, the portable shrines are carried around the dance hall (Maiden) three times to the right, followed by a solemn ceremony to transfer the spirits back.

Event Information and Access

Aoi Matsuri

• Event Period: Annually on May 15 (postponed to the following day in case of rain; decision made around 6:00 PM the previous day. Check the official website for the latest schedule.)
• Venue: Kyoto Imperial Palace (starting point) to Shimogamo Shrine to Kamigamo Shrine
• Access: Kyoto Imperial Palace is about a 5-minute walk from Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station on the Subway Karasuma Line. For Shimogamo Shrine, take a bus from JR Kyoto Station and get off at Shimogamo Jinja-mae. For Kamigamo Shrine, take a bus from JR Kyoto Station and get off at Kamigamo Jinja-mae.
• Admission: Free viewing along the route. Paid reserved seats are available at the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and the approach to Shimogamo Shrine. Fees vary annually, so check the official announcement.
• Viewing Time: The procession departs around 10:30 AM and arrives at Kamigamo Shrine around 3:30 PM.

Gion Matsuri

• Event Period: Annually from July 1 (Kippu Ire) to July 31 (Ekijinja Natsukoshi Matsuri). The main float processions are on July 17 (Sakimatsu) and July 24 (Atomatsu). Eve Festivals (Yoiyama) are July 14-16 for Sakimatsu and July 21-23 for Atomatsu.
• Venue: Various locations in central Kyoto centered around Yasaka Shrine (Shijo Street, Karasuma Street, Oike Street, etc.)
• Access: Yasaka Shrine is about a 5-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station on the Keihan Line, or about an 8-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. For the float procession, Karasuma Oike Station or Shijo Station on the Subway Karasuma Line are convenient.
• Admission: Free viewing along the route. Paid reserved seats are available for the Sakimatsu (between Kawaramachi-dori and Shinmachi-dori on Oike-dori) and the Atomatsu (between Karasuma-dori and Takakura-dori on Oike-dori, and between Teramachi-dori and Kawaramachi-dori). Fees vary annually, so check the official announcement.
• Start Time: The Sakimatsu floats depart from Shijo Karasuma at 9:00 AM. The Atomatsu floats depart from Karasuma Oike at 9:30 AM.

Jidai Matsuri

• Event Period: Annually on October 22 (postponed to the following day in case of rain. Check the official website for the latest schedule.)
• Venue: Kyoto Imperial Palace (starting point) to Karasuma Oike to Kawaramachi Sanjo to Heian Jingu Shrine
• Access: Kyoto Imperial Palace is about a 5-minute walk from Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station on the Subway Karasuma Line. Heian Jingu Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Subway Tozai Line.
• Admission: Free viewing along the route. Paid reserved seats are available at the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, along Oike-dori, and along Heian Jingu-michi Street. Fees vary annually, so check the official announcement.
• Viewing Time: The procession departs at 12:00 PM and arrives at Heian Jingu Shrine around 2:30 PM.

Surrounding Area Information

Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, the main venues for the Aoi Matsuri, are registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." Shimogamo Shrine is surrounded by Tadasu no Mori, a primeval forest, and the lush scenery of its approach enhances the beauty of the Aoi Matsuri procession. Kamigamo Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, with its main hall (Honden) and the Den (spirit hall) designated as National Treasures, creating a special atmosphere during the Aoi Matsuri period. Numerous historical sites, including the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Shokokuji Temple, dot the area around both shrines, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing before and after the festival.

The area around Shijo-dori and Karasuma-dori, the center of the Gion Matsuri, is Kyoto's bustling downtown and is home to many tourist spots. Near Yasaka Shrine lies the famous Gion entertainment district, with cobblestone alleys and traditional townhouses. The Nishiki Market and Pontocho area, where one can enjoy Kyoto's food culture, are also within walking distance. In each neighborhood where floats are erected, the townhouses used to store the floats are open to the public during the Yoiyama period. Visitors can view the hangings (kensho-hin) and traditional crafts up close, providing an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the festival's culture.

Heian Jingu Shrine, the goal of the Jidai Matsuri, was founded in 1895 and is a relatively new shrine, but its grand Otorii gate and Otenmon Gate are breathtaking in their architecture. Cultural facilities such as Okazaki Park, the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, and Kyoto City Zoo are clustered around Heian Jingu Shrine. Famous sightseeing spots like Nanzenji Temple, the Philosopher's Path, and Ginkakuji Temple are also within walking distance. During the Jidai Matsuri period, which coincides with the autumn foliage season, visitors can simultaneously enjoy Kyoto's natural beauty.

Related Information

1. All three of the Great Festivals of Kyoto are annual shrine festivals (reisai) with aspects of Shinto rituals. The Aoi Matsuri is hosted by Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine, the Gion Matsuri by Yasaka Shrine, and the Jidai Matsuri by Heian Jingu Shrine. Each festival involves the basic Shinto ritual of welcoming the spirit of the deity, honoring it, and seeing it off.

2. The Yamahoko Float Procession of the Gion Matsuri was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1979 and was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. This registration indicates the international recognition of the cultural value of the Gion Matsuri.

3. The Aoi Matsuri was recognized as the most important festival during the Heian period, so prestigious that it was simply called "the Festival." Its elegant procession of Heian court costumes provides a precious opportunity to experience the splendor of the court culture in modern times.

4. The Jidai Matsuri procession proceeds in reverse chronological order from the Meiji Restoration back to the Enryaku period. This arrangement is intended to reconfirm the traditions of Kyoto, which were threatened with loss after the Meiji Restoration, and to connect them to the future.

5. From 1966 to 2013, the Sakimatsu and Atomatsu float processions of the Gion Matsuri were held together on July 17. However, in 2014, the Atomatsu was revived on July 24, restoring the original format. This revival was part of an effort to correctly pass down the traditions of over a thousand years to future generations.

6. The Aoi Matsuri is held in May (spring), the Gion Matsuri in July (summer), and the Jidai Matsuri in October (autumn), allowing visitors to enjoy the different expressions of the festivals throughout the year. For the latest schedule and implementation status, it is recommended to check the official websites of each shrine or Kyoto City.

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