Aoi Matsuri
Near: Kyoto North (Event is Free)
Event Date(s):
May. 14, 2025
(Around or on May 15th)
Dates are subject to change without notice. Check with the official organizers before making travel arrangements.
On May 15th the Aoi Matsuri or Hollyhock Festival takes place in a few places around Japan but the three most famous being at Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, Kamigamo-jinja Shrine and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Its a festival that dates back more the 1,000 years. Hundreds of people dress in costumes of traditional dress and make up then parade through the streets of Kyoto. It is called the "Hollyhock Festival" because Hollyhock leaves are used to make up some of the costumes. The parade being staged is that of delivering a message to the Emperor at the Kyoto Palace and offerings to the two shrines Shimogamo-jinja Shrine and Kamigamo-jinja Shrine.
3 Kyotogyoen
Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0881 Japan
Website: Aoi Matsuri Homepage
