Kyoto Aoi Matsuri

The Aoi Matsuri is one of the three great annual festivals of Kyoto. It is a formal, aristocratic parade that originated in the 6th century as a ritual to appease the gods and prevent natural disasters. The festival is dedicated to the deities of the two Kamo Shrines (Shimogamo and Kamigamo) and is renowned for recreating the elegant court ceremonies of the Heian Period (794–1185).

The most famous attraction is the grand procession, or Roto-no-gi, featuring over 500 participants dressed in the elaborate, colorful costumes and attire of Heian-era nobility. The key attraction is the focus on hollyhock leaves (aoi), which decorate the participants’ hats, clothing, and oxcarts as a symbol of protection against disaster. The procession is led by Imperial messengers, with the most important figure being the Saiō-dai (a woman dressed as a High Priestess), who is carried in an ornate palanquin. The solemn, slow-moving parade is a spectacular demonstration of historical Japanese court culture.