[Held on October 22nd] What is the Jidai Matsuri, a day when Kyoto travels back in time?

• Table of Contents
• What is the Jidai Matsuri?
• From Heian aristocrats to patriots from the end of the Edo period! Introducing the eras and people who appear
• Procession route and estimated passage time
• What are the special events and highlights in 2025?
• 3 recommended free viewing spots!
• Access from Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
• Special plan for MATCHA readers only!

What is the Jidai Matsuri?

The Jidai Matsuri, one of Kyoto three major festivals, began in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the capital's relocation to Heian. It is a festival filled with the pride of Kyoto residents, as it recreates the history and culture of Kyoto through the hands of local citizens.

・Date: October 22nd every year (postponed in case of rain)

Location: Approximately 2km from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine

・Time: Around 12:00 to around 14:30

From Heian aristocrats to patriots from the end of the Edo period! Introducing the eras and people who appear

The highlight of the event is the "Period Manners Procession," which is said to involve around 2,000 people. This magnificent procession, which follows eight periods in reverse order from the Meiji era to the Heian era, faithfully recreates the costumes of each period, making it feel as though a history textbook is walking through the streets. We will introduce the most notable people and periods that appear.

[Main characters]

Meiji Restoration : Patriots such as Ryoma Sakamoto, Nishigo Saigo, Kogoro Katsura, and Shinsaku Takasugi

Azuchi-Momoyama period : Oda Nobunaga, Hashiba Hideyoshi, Shibata Katsuie, and the Toyotomi clan procession pulling an oxcart

Kamakura period : Reenactment of samurai skills such as mounted samurai performing Yabusame and attendants holding targets

Heian, Fujiwara, and Enryaku periods : Murasaki Shikibu, Sei Shonagon, Ono, Tomoe Gozen, etc.

Kyoto City Official Kyoto Tourism Navi

Procession route and estimated passage time

If you want to watch from the roadside, the area between Kawaramachi Oike and Sanjo Bridge is a popular spot. It also makes for great photo opportunities!

■Procession route and estimated time

Around 12:00 the Kyoto Imperial Palace: Departure from Kenreimon Gate

Around 12:30 Karasuma Marutamachi

Around 13:20 Kawaramachi Oike

14:30 Arrive at Heian Shrine

What are the special events and highlights in 2025?

Upgrade of paid seating

・Learning seats ( Kyoto): Watch the procession while learning about its historical background through an earphone guide

On the day, a procession parades through Kyoto. Kenreimon Gate is in the Oku.

Kenrei Gate (outside)

Kenreimon (inside)

The palace where the emperor lived for over 1,000 years: Shishinden Hall of the Kyoto Imperial Palace

・Otenmon Gate Special Seats (Heian Shrine) : Front row viewing + commentary by a dedicated lecturer

After passing through Shinto, you will reach the goal, Heian Shrine

3 recommended free viewing spots!

1st place: Near the Kenreimon Gate in Kyoto

Special feature: This is where procession participants line up and prepare before starting.

Photogenic: A great opportunity to take close-up photos of the costumes! The horses and oxcarts are stationary, making it easy to take photos.

Tip: The east side of Kenreimon Gate is a good spot to take a photo. You might even be able to capture the relaxed expression on their faces before they depart.

2nd place: Behind the special viewing seats at Kyoto

Special feature: You can stand right behind the paid seats to enjoy the show. The seats in front of you are seated, so you have a great view!

Photogenic: You might be able to see performances by the drum and fife corps or spear corps, so you might be able to take some dynamic photos.

3rd place: Jingudo Hall to Heian Shrine

Special feature: The final stop of the procession. The Otorii gate and Heian Shrine are a spectacular sight that you'll definitely want to capture in the background.

Photogenic: The contrast between the vermilion torii gate and the historical costumes is beautiful, and your photogenic post might go viral!

Other recommended spots

・Oike Street : A wide street where you can see the entire procession.

・Sanjo (Sanjo Bridge to Jingu-michi): A relatively quiet spot where you can take your time taking photos.

・Around Karasuma Oike intersection : The procession may stop temporarily, making this a good spot to take photos.

Access from Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi

Access to Kyoto(Train)

1. Approximately 7 minutes walk from the hotel to Shijo Station (Karasuma Subway Line)

2. Take the Karasuma Subway Line (bound for Kokusai Kaikan)

3. Get off at Marutamachi Station or Imadegawa Station (both are close to the east side of the Imperial Palace)

4. Kyoto is about a 5-minute walk from the station

*Marutamachi Station is located on the south side of the Imperial Palace, while Imadegawa Station is located on the north side, so it is convenient to choose depending on your destination.

Access to Heian Shrine

■ Access by train

1. Approximately 7 minutes walk from the hotel to Shijo Station (Karasuma Subway Line)

2. Transfer to the Tozai Subway Line at Karasuma Oike Station

3. Get off at Mount Higashiyama Station

4. Walk for about 10 minutes to reach Heian Shrine!

■ Access by bus (traffic restrictions apply during the festival)

1. Walk about 3 minutes from the hotel to the "Shijo Kawaramachi" bus stop

2. Take the Kyoto City Bus Route 203 or Route 46

3. Get off at "Okazaki Park Museum/Heian Shrine"

4. Heian Shrine is just a 3-minute walk away!

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