Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival)
A 1,400-year-old imperial procession of 500 people in Heian-era robes winds 8km through Kyoto, oxen and ox-carts adorned with hollyhock leaves.
When · Where
- When
- 2027/05/15 01:30 – 2027/05/15
- Where
- Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo & Kamigamo Shrines（Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto）
- City
- Kyoto
- Getting there
- Subway Karasuma Line to Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station, short walk to the Imperial Palace.
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Aoi Matsuri Procession Preservation Council
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Subway Karasuma Line to Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station, short walk to the Imperial Palace. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families, date night
Highlights
- Saio-dai princess in twelve-layered junihitoe robes
- Ox-carts and horses decked with hollyhock leaves
- 8km procession from Imperial Palace to two shrines
Background & story
One of Kyoto's three great festivals, dating to the 6th century when prayers were offered to the Kamo deities to halt storms and famine; celebrated annually on May 15.
Good to know
Stake out a spot along Kyoto Gyoen by mid-morning; the procession leaves the palace around 10:30.