Aoi-matsuri Festival

The Aoi Matsuri, officially called the Kamo Festival, is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in Kyoto, held by the Kamo Mioya Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine) and Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine). Along with the Iwashimizu Festival and Kasuga Festival, it is counted among Japan’s three imperial festivals (festivals attended by imperial envoys), and its history and tradition date back to before the Heian period. In contrast to the Gion Festival, which is a festival for the common people, the Aoi Matsuri has long been conducted as an event of the Kamo clan and the imperial court, and developed as a “festival of the nobility” that aristocrats came to watch.

The Aoi Matsuri is a traditional festival in Kyoto that began about 1,400 years ago in the 6th century. It originally started as a way to appease the gods and pray for a good harvest when there were continuous natural disasters or bad weather. In the Heian period, it became a national event, with the imperial family and nobility deeply involved.

Although there were times when the festival was suspended due to changes in the times, it was revived in the Edo period and after World War II. Today, a gorgeous procession is held every year on May 15. The Aoi Matsuri symbolizes the strength of Japanese traditional culture and history.

The Aoi Matsuri is held every year on May 15. If it rains, it will be postponed, and the decision will be made around 6:00 p.m. on May 14.

As usual, the festival runs for about five hours from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with many tourists lining the route to enjoy the recreation of a Heian-era picture scroll.

The main venues for the Aoi Matsuri are three important places: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shimogamo Shrine, and Kamigamo Shrine. The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the emperor during the Heian period and still holds special significance as a place associated with the imperial family. Both Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine) and Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine) are historic shrines registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The highlight of the Aoi Matsuri and the most captivating event for many people is the “Roto-no-gi” held on May 15. The grand procession consists of over 500 people, 36 horses, 4 oxen, 2 ox carts, and one palanquin (oyoyo) carrying the Saio-dai, stretching about one kilometer in length.

Participants dressed in faithfully recreated Heian period costumes solemnly proceed from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and then to Kamigamo Shrine—a scene truly worthy of being called a “living imperial picture scroll.”

The Shato-no-gi is the most sacred ritual, held when the procession arrives at Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. The imperial envoy offers offerings and prayers to the gods, which are received by the shrine priests. Afterwards, traditional dances and horse rituals are performed. This ceremony is highly religious and not open to the general public. The main event for tourists to enjoy is the colorful parade, the “Roto-no-gi,” which marches through the city.

During the Aoi Matsuri, food stalls are set up around Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine.

Food Stalls at Kamigamo Shrine

Food stalls are mainly set up at Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine during the Aoi Matsuri. At Kamigamo Shrine, multiple stalls line the precincts and approach on the day of the festival, offering a variety of food and drinks to worshippers and tourists.

Food Stalls at Shimogamo Shrine

At Shimogamo Shrine, food stalls are also set up on the day of the Aoi Matsuri, bustling with many worshippers just like Kamigamo Shrine. At Shimogamo Shrine’s stalls, you can enjoy not only traditional festival foods but also local Kyoto delicacies.

Access to the main venues of the Aoi Matsuri is as follows. As traffic restrictions are in place on the day of the festival, the use of public transportation is recommended.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace: 5 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line, or 5 minutes on foot from the city bus stop “Karasuma Imadegawa”
• Shimogamo Shrine: 12 minutes on foot from Demachiyanagi Station on the Keihan Railway, or get off at the city bus stop “Shimogamo Jinja-mae”
• Kamigamo Shrine: Get off at the city bus stop “Kamigamo Jinja-mae,” or 3 minutes on foot from the city bus stop “Kamigamo Misonobashi”

• Arrive Early: To secure a good viewing spot, arrive at least one hour before the procession starts. The areas around the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Shimogamo Shrine are especially crowded.
• Weather Precautions: The sun can be strong in Kyoto in May. Kyoto Tourism Navi recommends bringing a hat, parasol, and drinks.
• Use Paid Viewing Seats: Paid viewing seats (about 4,000–10,500 yen) are set up at Kyoto Gyoen and the approach to Shimogamo Shrine, and come with an official guidebook and audio guide for comfortable viewing. Reservations can be made from early April on Kyoto Tourism Navi.
• Prepare Your Camera: If you want to take pictures of the beautiful procession, bring your camera. However, flash photography is prohibited.
• Avoid Crowds: The area around the Kyoto Imperial Palace before the procession starts and just after arrival at each shrine is relatively less crowded.

Q1: What happens to the “Roto-no-gi” if it rains?

A: If it rains on May 15, it will be postponed to the 16th. If it also rains on the 16th, the festival will be canceled for that year. The decision will be announced on the official website around 6:00 p.m. on the previous day (May 14).

Q2: Can the general public watch the “Shato-no-gi”?

A: The “Shato-no-gi” is a sacred ritual and is not open to the public. The main event for viewing is the “Roto-no-gi” procession.

Q3: How is the Saio-dai selected?

A: The Saio-dai is not chosen by public application or audition, but is customarily selected from the daughters of old or distinguished families with ties to Kyoto. It is said that the chosen person bears part of the festival expenses.

Q4: How long does it take for the procession to pass by?

A: The procession is about one kilometer long and takes just under an hour for the entire parade to pass by from start to finish.

Q5: Are there any foods or souvenirs unique to the Aoi Matsuri?

A: At Shimogamo Shrine, “Aoi no Ka” cookies shaped like hollyhock leaves are famous. Both Kamo shrines also offer special goshuin (shrine stamps) and amulets related to the Aoi Matsuri. Temporary shops at Kyoto Gyoen sometimes sell commemorative goods as well.

Q6: What are the benefits of paid viewing seats?

A: Paid viewing seats allow you to watch the procession comfortably while seated, and provide an official guidebook and earphone guide (depending on seat type), helping you better understand the festival. Part of the proceeds also supports the preservation of the festival.

Q7: What does “Aoi” in Aoi Matsuri mean?

A: “Aoi” refers to the leaves of the plant Asarum caulescens (Futaba-aoi). On the day of the festival, everything from the bamboo blinds of the imperial palace to the ox carts, imperial envoys, attendants’ costumes, and even the oxen and horses are decorated with these leaves, hence the name “Aoi Matsuri.” It is also the crest of the Kamo shrines.

For the latest information and details about the Aoi Matsuri, please refer to the official websites below.

• Kyoto Tourism Navi (Kyoto City Official Tourism Site):
  • Aoi Matsuri Main Page: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/major/aoi/
  • Paid Viewing Seat Information: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/major/aoi/seat.php
• Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine (Kamigamo Shrine):
  • https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/
  • Aoi Matsuri Special Page: https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/hitotose/kamosai/
• Kamo Mioya Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine):
  • https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/
  • Aoi Matsuri Special Page: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/saiji/aoimatsuri

The Aoi Matsuri is a proud traditional culture of Kyoto that has been passed down for over a thousand years. Its elegance and grandeur will deeply move visitors and let them feel the breath of history in the ancient capital. I hope this article will help you enjoy your Aoi Matsuri experience.