Kyoto Aoi Matsuri: The First of the Three Major Festivals You Can't Miss

✅ One of Kyoto's renowned three major festivals and also one of the "Three Imperial Festivals." Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Kinmei (540-571), an oracle revealed that a famine was caused by the lack of devout worship of the Kamo deities. In response, the imperial court sent envoys to the Kamo Shrines (now known as Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine) to offer prayers, and the weather improved dramatically. Since then, the tradition of sending imperial envoys to pray annually has continued to this day. ✅ This is not just a Kyoto festival but also a significant ceremony to pray for national peace and prosperity, marked by its grand scale and profound meaning. ⭐ "Roto no Gi" is a major highlight of the Aoi Matsuri. 📌 Date: May 15 (postponed to May 16 in case of rain) 📌 Parade Route: Kyoto Imperial Palace (10:30 AM) Sakaimachi Gate Marutamachi Street Kawaramachi Street Shimogamo Shrine (arrives at 11:40 AM) Shimogamo Shrine (departs at 2:20 PM) Shimogamo Hon Street Rakuhoku High School (2:40 PM) Kitaoji Street Kitaoji Bridge (2:55 PM) Kamigamo Shrine (arrives at 3:30 PM) ※ The above times are estimated arrival times for the front of the parade. It takes about an hour for the entire parade to pass a viewing spot. (Times may occasionally fall slightly behind schedule.) ※ Please refrain from using flash photography, as it may startle the oxen and horses in the parade. ※ On the day of the event, please note that traffic restrictions will be in place around the parade route, which may affect city bus services. 1️⃣ Kyoto Gyoen (Imperial Garden): General Seating (Front Row): 💰5,500 JPY General Seating (Rows 2 and beyond): 💰4,000 JPY ※ General seating includes seats 1 to 10, and specific seat selection is not available at the time of purchase. Special Seating (Front Row): 💰9,500 JPY Special Seating (Rows 2 and beyond): 💰8,000 JPY ※ Special seating is located near the Kenreimon Gate. Includes a commemorative fan 🪭. Royal Seating: 💰20,500 JPY ※ Includes headphones with explanations by a dedicated guide (Japanese/English), a commemorative fan, and an Aoi laurel. 2️⃣ Shimogamo Shrine: General Seating (Front Row): 💰5,500 JPY General Seating (Rows 2 and beyond): 💰4,000 JPY ※ General seating includes seats 1 to 10, and specific seat selection is not available at the time of purchase. Student Seating (Front Row): 💰10,500 JPY Student Seating (Rows 2 and beyond): 💰9,000 JPY ※ Includes headphones with explanations by a Rakutabi guide (Japanese).