It just happened that our trip coincided with the Aoi Matsuri festival. This is one of 3 main annual festivals held in Kyoto.
Aoi Matsuri or Hollyhock Festival dates back to the 6th century. Because of disastrous rains that ruined the crops and epidemics that spread across the country, the Emperor sent his messenger with a retinue to the shrine to appease the deities. This became an annual event and is still celebrated to this day. The hollyhock leaves are used to decorate the floats because they are believed to protect against natural disasters.
The procession, made up of imperial messengers and a retinue of 511 people dressed in traditional costume, 36 horses, 4 oxen and 2 carriages, leaves from the Kyoto Gosho (Imperial Palace) and heads for Shimogamo-jinja & Kamigamo Jinja. You can purchase tickets for Y 2000 yen and get a seat or just show up at the Imperial Palace and sit on the ground. We arrived at 9:30 am and were able to get great spots. You can also view the parade along the parade route.
The parade started at 10:30 am from the palace and lasted just 40 minutes. It was a somber affair. No music, no words, no noise other than the creaking of the carts. At the shrines, additional ceremonies are performed that may last up to 2 hours.
Seats for patrons with tickets.
Ox-drawn carriage
Furya Gasa--decorated umbrellas
The Saio-Dai was traditionally a woman who was chosen from the sisters and daughters of the emperor to dedicate herselt to the Shimogamo shrine. Now, the role is played by an unmarried woman from Kyoto. She wears 12 layers of the traditional style robes.
2014 05 15
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