Jidai Matsuri

The Jidai Matsuri (時代祭), held annually on October 22, celebrates Kyoto’s history. The festival features a large parade traveling from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. Participants wear authentic costumes from different historical periods, representing famous figures. The parade lasts for two hours and covers about 1100 years of Kyoto's history, from the Meiji Restoration to the Heian Period. With over 2000 participants, the festival is one of Kyoto’s three major celebrations, alongside Gion and Aoi Matsuri.

The Jidai Matsuri was established in 1895 to honor Kyoto’s cultural heritage. The procession is divided into themes and historical eras, showcasing notable figures and events, including the samurai of the Muromachi Period, Edo Period convoys, and military leaders like Oda Nobunaga. The parade concludes with two portable shrines containing the spirits of Emperors Kammu and Komei, representing Kyoto’s imperial past. Spectators flock to see the procession, especially near the Imperial Palace and Heian Shrine, with both free and paid viewing options.