Heian Shrine, Kyoto

The colorful, costume-filled Jidai Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s three largest festivals. It celebrates the city’s long history and fascinating traditional culture. The highlight of the day is the Jidai Gyoretsu (Historic Pageant) that follows a mikoshi (portable shrine) and an assembly of 2,000 costume-clad paraders wearing clothes representing various eras of Kyoto’s 1,200-year history. The parade starts at noon from Kyoto Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace) and proceeds for 4.6 kilometers along Oike Street and Sanjo Street, arriving finally at Heian Jingu at around 2:30pm. There are plenty of photo opportunities for spectators as the line of parading people stretches over such a long distance that it takes more than an hour for the entire procession to pass one spot. This festival is an excellent chance to get a close look at traditional costumes and accessories of the people of Kyoto throughout the ages.