Aoi Matsuri - One of Kyoto's Three Great Festivals

The Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three great festivals, is formally known as "Kamo Matsuri" and is an ancient ceremonial festival held at Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. Its origins date back to the 6th century, and since the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, it has been regarded as a national festival, serving as a precious cultural heritage that conveys the elegance and solemnity of court culture to the present day. The main highlight is the procession called "Roto-no-gi," where approximately 500 participants dressed in Heian aristocratic costumes walk from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and then to Kamigamo Shrine. Particularly noteworthy is the women's procession featuring the "Saio-dai," who models the ancient imperial princess "Saio" and rides in a palanquin wearing Juni-hitoe (twelve-layered court dress), displaying magnificence as if emerging from a Heian picture scroll. The solemn procession harmonizing with the fresh greenery of Tadasu-no-mori Forest and the scenery of Kamogawa River offers a precious experience where visitors can truly feel the beauty of traditional Japanese culture.