Every October 22, the people of Kyoto, Japan, hold an annual cultural celebration known as Jidai Matsuri. The highlight of the festival is a grand historical costume parade traversing the heart of Kyoto.
Literally translated, Jidai Matsuri means "Festival of Ages" or "Festival of Eras." The name reflects its timing, which coincides with the date Emperor Kanmu moved the imperial capital to the new city of Heian-kyo (the origin of modern Kyoto) in 794.
Commemorating the Founding of Kyoto
Jidai Matsuri was first held in 1895. The celebration was initiated by the local government to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto.
The event was organized as an effort to revive the spirit and morale of the local community after the emperor’s seat and the national capital were relocated to Tokyo in 1868.
In addition to staging the inaugural parade festival, the people of Kyoto built Heian Shrine during that time to honor Emperor Kanmu, who had previously relocated the capital from Nagaoka-kyo to Heian-kyo (the modern-day Kyoto).
In 1940, the spirits of Emperor Komei were also enshrined at Heian Shrine to honor him as the last emperor to reign from Kyoto. The inclusion of both emperors cemented Jidai Matsuri’s status as one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, alongside Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri.
A Journey Across Eras from the 19th to the 8th Century
The procession begins at the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) around midday. The parade moves along the city’s main thoroughfares, such as Karasuma Street and Oike Street, before ultimately arriving at Heian Shrine.
Participants cover a walking route of 4.5 kilometers. The journey serves as a visual retrospective, and showcases the evolution of Kyoto’s traditions and civilization from the Meiji Restoration back to the Heian period.
The defining feature of Jidai Matsuri lies in its reverse chronological order that moves from the most recent era to the most ancient. The very front of the parade is led by local dignitaries, including the Governor of Kyoto Prefecture, the Mayor of Kyoto City, and the City Council Chairman, riding in mid-19th-century horse-drawn carriages.
Directly behind them, the parade presents the Meiji Restoration chapter. Following the Meiji Restoration group, the procession continues backward through the Edo, Azuchi-Momoyama, Muromachi, Yoshino, Kamakura, and Fujiwara periods, concluding with the Heian period from the 8th century.
The entire parade involves thousands of local Kyoto communities across generations. Participants are divided into dozens of distinct contingents, each representing key characteristics of Japan’s eight major historical periods.
Every participant wears clothing, hairstyles, and military gear crafted to match their respective eras precisely. Renowned historical figures are also brought to life within the ranks, ranging from the warlord Oda Nobunaga of the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the poet Murasaki Shikibu of the Heian period.
The attire and accouterments worn by the participants are hand-crafted by Kyoto’s traditional artisans. The iron armor, swords, headpieces, and silk kimonos are all recreated based on historical records and surviving artifacts.
Artisans from the Nishijin district, for instance, hand-weave kimono fabrics and utilize natural plant dyes to match the authentic hues of the Heian era. The production of yoroi armor and ceremonial headwear is likewise entrusted to specialist metal and leather craftspeople.
A Sacred Ritual Amidst the Vibrant Parade
Behind the vibrant spectacle of the parade, Jidai Matsuri is fundamentally rooted in Shinto religious rites. The sacred core is embodied by two main holy palanquins known as mikoshi.
The two mikoshi are borne toward Heian Shrine to the accompaniment of gagaku, an ancient court music performed with bamboo flutes and traditional mouth organs (sho). The slow-tempo melodies lend a solemn atmosphere along the parade route.
The top of each mikoshi is adorned with a golden phoenix ornament known as Ho-o. Within the two palanquins, the spirits of Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei are temporarily housed to be paraded through the city streets.
The procession of the mikoshi symbolizes an opportunity for the spirits of the emperors to view the lives of the citizens up close. The ritual also serves as a collective prayer for the peace and prosperity of Kyoto's residents.
