Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)
Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)
Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)
Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)
Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)

Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)

Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)
Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)
Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)
Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)
Jidai Matsuri Festival in Kyoto E-Tickets (October 26, 2019)

Overview

The Jidai Matsuri in 2019 is held in Kyoto on October 26, with people dressed in traditional costumes from different eras of Japanese history. Get a reserved seat at a spectacular location along the procession route & experience the essence of Japan.

Highlights

  • Be on hand for this annual event celebrating Kyoto's culture and history
  • Get reserved seats with or without an English commentary audio guide
  • Admire authentic costumes representing various periods and characters in Japanese history
  • See some 2,000 participants dressed as samurai, soldiers, and commoners (circa 794 –1868)
  • Enjoy reserved seats to one of Kyoto's three great annual festivals

Key Information

Description

This year, October 26 falls on a Saturday. Please note that inclement weather may postpone the procession to Sunday, October 27 (exceptionally held on 26 in 2019). As there are no refunds for procession postponement, please plan your travel to Kyoto accordingly. The Jidai Matsuri features a long, majestic procession of over 2,000 participants dressed in elaborate costumes corresponding to the many different eras of Japanese history, parading from Kyoto Imperial Palace, along Oike Street, and into Heian Jingu Shrine. For two hours, you will see participants depict different eras of Japanese history, particularly when Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan before the nation's capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868. Please be seated by 11:30 am for Kyoto Imperial Palace seating, 12:20 pm for Oike Street seating, and 13:50 pm for Heian Jingu-Michi seating. The procession starts with the commissioners of the festival, usually the governor of Kyoto and other high ranking officials riding in horse-drawn carriages, followed by participants representing the common attire of the Meiji Restoration era of 1868 and then, going back in time all the way to the Heian period. The procession features marching bands with flutes and drums, and lavish contingents like those that were sent by the shogun, the rulers of ancient Edo to represent him during important ceremonies and events held in Kyoto. You will see large groups of people carrying Mikoshi—ceremonial portable shrines that house the spirits of the first and last emperors that resided in Kyoto—as they make their annual trip outside the shrine and along the five-kilometer route. The procession is a golden opportunity to see before your eyes how different sectors of Japanese society, including the military, the aristocracy and the common people dressed and lived throughout history. Imperial Palace, Oike Street, or Heian Jingu-Michi seating will allow you to enjoy the procession without the hassle of lining hours beforehand or joining the throngs of tourists trying to catch a glimpse of the procession. Don't miss this chance to experience this unique event on your visit to Kyoto. About E-Tickets: - Once we have secured tickets on your behalf, there are no refunds.