The Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, was held in Kyoto City on May 15, 2025. About 500 people in Heian period costumes, mainly the Konoe Tsukaidai and Saio Dai, marched in a procession, adorning the Kyoto main street with fresh greenery.
The Aoi Matsuri is the annual festival of Shimogamo Shrine (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City) and Kamigamo Shrine (Kita Ward, Kyoto City). The procession, which stretches for about 1 kilometer from the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City) to the two shrines, is likened to a picture scroll of the imperial court and is said to be the highlight of the Aoi Matsuri.
Around 10:30 a.m., the procession departed from the Kenreimon Gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City). In the main line at the front, oxcarts decorated with wisteria flowers creaked as they advanced, and the Konoe Tsukaidai, dressed in formal attire, appeared on a horse wearing a silver mask. In the women's procession that followed, the Saio-dai, dressed in a twelve-layered kimono, rode in a special palanquin called an "oyoyo," accompanied by adorable young girls and horse riders in long-sleeved robes.
Before departing, Aya Yamauchi (25 years old), the 67th Saio-dai, said, "I really feel that I am here because of the support of so many people. I want to be honest and clear my mind, and cherish every moment, engrave it in my heart," as she smiled as she got into the palanquin.
It was a sweaty day, with the temperature in Kyoto City at 11 a.m. reaching 24.3 degrees. Many people came to Kyoto Gyoen to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous procession, and watched it slowly move forward.
