On May 16th, 2023, the procession of the Aoi Matsuri, "Roto no Gi", which decorates the top of Kyoto's three major festivals, was held in Kyoto for the first time in four years. Due to the new coronavirus, it has been suspended since 2020, and this year was postponed due to rain for the first time in 11 years. Many people watched about 500 people dressed in Heian period costumes walking gracefully, and the fresh greenery of Miyakooji brightened up.
At around 10:30 in the morning, under a clear sky, a procession about 800 meters long departed in front of the Kenreimon Gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kamigyo Ward). While the retired emperor and his wife were watching, the main procession led by Konoetsukai carried offerings to the gods. An oxcart decorated with wisteria flowers roared forward.
Following the women's parade is Haruna Matsui (29 years old), the 65th Saio, wearing a twelve-layered ceremonial kimono. )” and proceeded. At the imperial palace before her departure, she expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "I want to serve with a smile until the very end."
The Aoi Festival is an annual festival of both Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines, and is officially called the Kamo Festival. Due to the influence of the new coronavirus, the roadside ceremony was canceled from 2020 to 2022, and only the shrine ceremony was held at both shrines. This year, the procession was postponed, and on May 15, the head of the shrine ceremony was held at both shrines.
