What are the three biggest festivals (matsuri) in Kyoto?

The three biggest festivals (matsuri) in Kyoto are Aoi Matsuri, Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri.

What is the oldest festival (matsuri) held in Kyoto?

The oldest festival (matsuri) held in Kyoto is the Aoi Matsuri. It dates back to the 7th century.

Three Biggest Festivals in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

What would be Japan without its fascinating festival (matsuri) culture to praise and worship their deities? Each festival has its unique and long history. You will witness beautiful costumes, traditional dances and music, huge floats carried on the shoulders of strong volunteers and amazing food stalls along the way. Let me introduce you now the three most important festivals in my favourite city Kyoto. Best Ryokans in Kyoto Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
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Overview of the three biggest festivals (matsuri) in Kyoto:
Aoi Matsuri
Gion Matsuri
Jidai Matsuri

Aoi Matsuri (15th of May)

Aoi Matsuri Yabusame Demonstration in Kyoto

The Aoi Matsuri, otherwise known as the Hollyhock festival or the Kamo festival, is one of the three major annual festivals held in Kyoto. The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Kyoto Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. Aoi Matsuri is regarded as the oldest festival of Kyoto. It dates back to the 7th century.

Gion Matsuri (whole month of July)

The Gion Matsuri or otherwise known as the Gion festival or the festival of the Yasaka Shrine is one of Japan’s biggest and most famous festivals held annually in Kyoto. It’s an event that is partly a street event and also bears a religious attachment to the people of Kyoto. Do not miss the highlight on the 17th of July when the procession of the floats known as Yamaboko Junko starts.

Jidai Matsuri (22nd of October)

The Jidai Matsuri, otherwise known as the Festival of the Ages, held in October is one of the highlights in Kyoto. People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. Approx. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.