Experience Time Travel at Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto's 'Festival of Ages')

The 2022 Jidai Matsuri Festival will be carried out as planned on Saturday, October 22. 

Jidai Matsuri Festival is known as one of Kyoto’s biggest festivals, along with Aoi Matsuri Festival in May and Gion Matsuri Festival in July. 

The festival consists of a spectacular procession showcasing the eight different eras of Japan’s history, from the Meiji Restoration (around 1868) to the Enryaku period (782-806), in reverse chronological order.

Every year in October, a unique portal to travel back in time opens in Kyoto. Known as Jidai Matsuri, or the Festival of Ages, this event is one of Kyoto’s biggest festivals, along with Aoi Matsuri Festival in May and Gion Matsuri Festival in July. The festival is organized by Heian Jingu Shrine, and consists of a spectacular procession showcasing the eight different eras of Japan’s history, from the Meiji Restoration (around 1868) to the Enryaku period (782-806), in reverse chronological order. 2,000 Kyoto citizens and school children proudly take part in the procession, representing noted historical figures throughout the ages in what would have been their traditional costumes and armory. A total of more than 12,000 period costumes and ceremonial items created by Kyoto artisans bring authenticity, color, and life to the past. The representation of each era within the procession provides a unique time capsule, allowing viewers to experience de-evolution of Japan’s changing fashions, culture, influences, and history unfolding before them.

Jidai Matsuri is held every October 22nd (*Will be held on October 26th in 2019), as it was on this day in 794 AD that Emperor Kanmu made Kyoto Japan’s imperial capital, a status that would last for over 1,000 years, right through to 1869 when the capital was then moved to Tokyo. ＊Note: The 2019 procession is exceptionally scheduled on October 26 as October 22 falls on the day of the Enthronement Ceremony of the Emperor in Tokyo.

About the Jidai Matsuri Festival Procession

Jidai Matsuri Festival’s procession represents major historical events in reverse chronological order, from the Meiji Restoration in the early 19 century, to the Enryaku period of the 8th century. Over the course of two hours the parade covers 2 kilometers, from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu Shrine. The brilliantly assembled procession of 2,000 members includes 75 horses and oxen, and numerous carriages.