1450years history Aoi Matsuri festival in Kyoto!
Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 25 countries!
I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 8 years.
For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,
I show you hidden local information which you have never seen and heard of through books and ordinary site!
You will find unexpected fun through my articles!
We spent the day Aoi Matsuri Festival in Kyoto.
Aoi Matsuri festival
The festival boasts a history of more than 1450 years.
It is said to have begun in 547 when the emperor, worried about a severe famine caused by a natural disaster, asked the Kamo Shrine to hold the festival.
The festival is usually held on May 15, but this year it was postponed to May 16 due to rain.
Participants walk along the path from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, dressed as they were in the Heian period.
About 500 people participated.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The tour starts at 10:30 am at the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
It was the residence of the emperor from 794, when the capital was moved to Tokyo until 1868.
The ex-emperor and his wife were present at Kenreimon, the main southern gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
They stood and greeted the people in the procession.
Shimogamo Shrine
It is said that a god descended on the hill behind the shrine around the 3rd century.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The approach to the shrine runs from the Tadasunomori forest, which has existed since primitive times, to the main shrine.
Lunch
We had lunch at a restaurant near Shimogamo Shrine.
It was reasonably priced and delicious.
Horse Running Ceremony
Horses run along the approach to the shrine.
It is a scene just like in the Heian period (794-1192).
Kamigamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine was built in 667.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site too.
The Aoi Matsuri procession arrived around 15:30.
They performed music too.
Why don’t you try next chance?
You will experience quiet and dynamic tradition at the same time!
I’m Nobu, heart enjoy together!!!