Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages): Journey Through 1,000 Years of Kyoto's Imperial History

Celebrate Kyoto's extraordinary legacy at the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages), one of Japan's most distinguished historical festivals and a cherished symbol of the city's enduring cultural identity. Established in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto becoming Japan's imperial capital, Jidai Matsuri pays tribute to the city's remarkable past through an elaborate historical procession spanning over one thousand years of Japanese history. The highlight of the festival is a magnificent parade featuring more than 2,000 participants wearing historically accurate costumes that faithfully recreate clothing, armor, ceremonial attire, and accessories from successive eras, beginning with the Meiji Restoration and moving backward through the Edo, Azuchi-Momoyama, Muromachi, Kamakura, Fujiwara, Heian, and Enryaku periods.

Where does it come from?

-One of Kyoto's Three Great Festivals -Over 2,000 participants in authentic historical attire -Costumes representing more than 1,000 years of Japanese history -Samurai, court nobles, imperial guards, monks, artisans, and historical figures -Traditional Japanese music accompanying the procession -Beautiful autumn scenery throughout Kyoto -Outstanding photography opportunities -Seasonal Japanese street food -Easy access to nearby UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines -Family-friendly cultural experience -Educational insight into Japan's imperial history -One of Japan's most celebrated historical parades

The Jidai Matsuri is organized through the collaboration of the Jidai Matsuri Preservation Association, Heian Shrine, and the Kyoto City Tourism Association, with support from local communities and cultural organizations.