The Aoi Matsuri, marking the start of Kyoto's three major festivals, was held on May 15, 2026, amidst the vibrant greenery of Kyoto. Led by the Konoe-zukaidai (a representative of the Imperial Guard) and the Saio-dai (a representative of the Imperial Princess), approximately 500 people in elegant Heian-period attire paraded through the city's main streets, their adorned with Futaba-aoi (a type of wild ginger) flowers swaying in the breeze.
The Aoi Matsuri is the annual festival of the Shimogamo Shrine (a World Heritage Site in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto) and the Kamigamo Shrine (a World Heritage Site in Kita Ward, Kyoto), and is said to have begun in the 6th century. The procession travels approximately 8 kilometers from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in Kamigyo Ward, through Shimogamo Shrine, to Kamigamo Shrine, a section known as the "Roto no Gi" (procession ceremony). This magnificent procession, stretching for about 1 kilometer, is considered the highlight of the Aoi Matsuri.
At around 10:30 AM, the main procession departed from in front of the Kenreimon Gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Following the procession of horsemen on horseback and ox-drawn carriages adorned with wisteria blossoms, the Konoe Tsukaidai, the center of the main procession, appeared on horseback wearing a silver mask. In the subsequent women's procession, Shiomi Mao (22 years old), the 68th Saio-dai (Imperial Princess's representative), rode in her special portable shrine, the "Oyoyo," accompanied by young girls and court ladies in vibrant costumes.
Around 3:30 PM, the head of the procession arrived at Kamigamo Shrine, after which the "Shato no Gi" (Shrine Ceremony) took place. Princess Akiko of the Mikasa family also attended.
The highest temperature that day was 29.0°C, the highest of the season, and the sky was clear. Large crowds gathered along the route under the blazing sun. According to the Kyoto Prefectural Police, the attendance was approximately 37,000 people at 3:30 PM, 4,000 more than the previous year.
