Vivid Revival of a Thousand-Year History – Kyoto’s Representative Autumn Festival, Jidai Matsuri

Jidai Matsuri (時代祭) is a grand festival held every year on October 22. You’ll see the history and culture of over 1,000 years through the procession of people who wear captivating historical costumes during the capital days of Kyoto. Don’t miss one of the 3 most famous festivals in Kyoto!

At the Jidai Matsuri, participants march for approximately 2 hours in each era’s gorgeous historic costume from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine, reviving the glorious history of the city. It began in 1895, sparked by the enthusiasm of people who wanted to revitalize Kyoto, which had been in decline after the capital was moved to Tokyo. Because the main feature is to convey the traditional craft techniques of Kyoto, which has been the center of Japan for over 1,000 years, the costumes and ritual tools used are carefully verified. They have been restored accurately. For this reason, the costumes of Seisho-nagon and Murasaki Shikibu, two women who were active during the Heian period, are also different in their Junihitoe (十二単, 12-layered kimono) and kochigi (小袿), 2-layered Kimono). You will enjoy these gorgeous fashions with attention to detail!

You’ll able to see historical figures are known to everyone, such as Takamori Saigo (西郷隆盛) and Nobunaga Oda (織田信長) at the parade that participates over 2,000 people. In addition, the Muromachi Rakuchu Fuzoku Retsu (室町洛中風俗列), which is a reproduction of the traditional dances of the Kyoto merchants, and Shirakawame (白川女献花列, women from Shirakawa selling flowers) will also make appearances. A day when the people who lived in the town of Kyoto came back vividly. Be sure to visit this must-see festival, which is also called the living historical picture scroll.