Aoi Matsuri

Origins and imperial history

According to ancient chronicles, the rite began in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Kinmei. Severe storms had destroyed crops and disease had spread, which diviners attributed to anger from the Kamo deities. The emperor dispatched an envoy to present offerings and ride running horses to calm the spirits. When Emperor Kanmu relocated the imperial throne to Kyoto in the late eighth century, he named the Kamo gods guardians of the capital and elevated the festival into an official court observance. Although the parades were suspended during several wars and when the capital shifted to Tokyo, civic leaders revived the procession in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The grand court procession

The centrepiece of the festival takes place on 15 May, beginning at the Kenreimon gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Hundreds of participants dress as courtiers, guards, and officials of the Heian era. They accompany decorated oxcarts trimmed with wisteria blooms, four cows, and dozens of horses. An imperial messenger on horseback leads the way, followed by the Saiō-Dai, a festival princess carried in a ceremonial palanquin. The journey moves steadily north toward Shimogamo Shrine before proceeding to Kamigamo Shrine, where sacred rescripts are read and formal greetings are presented before the deities.

The festival princess and shrine rites

In classical times, the Saiō was an unwed woman from the imperial family sent to serve the shrines. Today, an unmarried Kyoto resident is chosen for the role of Saiō-Dai based on her grace, knowledge, and standing. Before appearing in public, she undergoes purification rituals to ensure spiritual cleanliness. During the parade, she wears the jūnihitoe, a ceremonial attire made of twelve layers of coloured silk robes. Earlier ceremonies also prepare the shrines for the event, including nightly rites to invite the deity into sacred trees and welcoming sacred horses from Mount Mikage.

Sacred plants and equestrian arts

The festival takes its common name from the aoi plant, commonly translated as hollyhock but historically tied to wild ginger. During the Heian period, people believed these heart-shaped leaves could ward off lightning and earthquakes, so residents fastened them under their eaves. In the festival, these leaves ornament garments, carts, and shrines alongside katsura foliage. Associated festivities also feature equestrian traditions rooted in early rituals, such as mounted archery demonstrations and horse races held to entertain visitors and honour the shrine deities.

How Aoi Matsuri is kept

Preparations begin with evening rituals on 12 May to invoke the deity at Kamigamo Shrine, alongside a procession of sacred horses arriving at Shimogamo Shrine on 15 May. Later that morning, the primary procession departs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Led by the Imperial Messenger on horseback, six hundred attendants in Heian robes travel alongside cows, horses, and wisteria-covered oxcarts. The Saiō-Dai accompanies them in formal twelve-layered silk robes. Upon reaching Shimogamo and Kamigamo shrines, the messenger intones imperial prayers while the Saiō-Dai offers respects. The festivities also include demonstrations of horseback archery and horse races.

When and where

The main festival takes place annually on 15 May. Preceding rituals occur earlier in the month, including an evening invocation at Kamigamo Shrine on 12 May.

The festival is held in Kyoto, Japan. The parade begins at the Kenreimon gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and proceeds through city streets to Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine in the north of the city.

What Aoi Matsuri means

The rituals arose as prayers for agricultural abundance, disease prevention, and protection from disasters like thunder and earthquakes. The aoi leaf symbolises spiritual safeguarding and divine blessing. Through the imperial messenger and the Saiō-Dai, the ceremony maintains ritual purity and expresses reverence to the guardian deities of Kyoto, asking for their ongoing protection.

Questions people ask about Aoi Matsuri

See also

HanamiA Japanese spring custom of gathering under blooming cherry trees to eat, drink, and celebrate the fleeting beauty of thSetsubunA Japanese ritual of throwing roasted soybeans to banish evil spirits and welcome spring.Children's DayA Japanese holiday on May fifth celebrating the happiness and growth of childrenJidai MatsuriAn autumn costume procession celebrating Kyoto's imperial heritage and history

Good reading and sources

• Aoi Matsuri on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.