Jidai Matsuri 2026: 1,200 Years of Costume on Parade in Kyoto

Few festivals compress a thousand years of history into a single afternoon's parade quite like Jidai Matsuri.

Jidai Matsuri (時代祭), the Festival of the Ages, is the autumn festival of Heian Shrine in Kyoto, held every October 22. More than 2,000 costumed participants representing eras from the Heian period through the Meiji Restoration walk a five-kilometer route from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine. First staged in 1895 to mark the 1,100th anniversary of Kyoto's founding, it is widely considered one of the city's three great festivals.

Dates and schedule

The main parade departs the Imperial Palace at 12:00 noon and reaches Heian Shrine by approximately 14:30. In the morning, before the public parade, Shinto rites are held at Heian Shrine from around 07:00. If heavy rain is forecast, the parade is postponed to October 23.

Highlights

• ●Era-by-era procession — groups walk in reverse chronological order, starting from the Meiji Restoration and ending with the Heian court.
• ●Historically accurate costumes — garments, armor, and props are researched and restored by Kyoto artisans and generally considered among the city's finest craftwork.
• ●Court nobles and warriors — famous historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Lady Tomoe appear in the lineup.
• ●Heian Shrine finale — the parade concludes with Shinto ceremonies at the vermilion gates of Heian Shrine.

How to get there

The parade route is served by Kyoto's subway Karasuma and Tozai lines. For the start, use Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Line. For the mid-route, Karasuma-Oike or Shiyakusho-mae on the Tozai Line are convenient. For the Heian Shrine finale, Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line, followed by a 10-minute walk.

Best viewing spots

• ●Imperial Palace (free standing-room) — witnesses the formal departure.
• ●Marutamachi Street — generally considered the most spacious viewing stretch.
• ●Oike Street — the widest avenue along the route, with reserved paid seating available via Kyoto Tourism.
• ●Heian Shrine approach — dramatic arrival sequence but very crowded in the final hour.

FAQ

Can visitors photograph the costumes Yes, from spectator areas along the route; the slow walking pace allows unhurried photography. Are paid seats worth it Reserved seating along Oike Street provides shade and an unobstructed view, generally considered worthwhile for the midday heat and large crowds.