Discover the Splendor of Autumn at Kyoto’s Jidai Matsuri

by kyoto unveiled

When you think about the grand festivals of Kyoto, not only does the popular Gion Festival centered around Yasaka Shrine come to mind but also the Aoi Festival (also known as Kamo Festival) in May, and the illustrious Jidai Matsuri in October. Today, we are going to explore the Jidai Matsuri held in autumn, a splendid procession that showcases the rich history of Japan and Kyoto. Let’s embark on this vibrant journey!

A. The Inception and Origins of the Jidai Matsuri

Incepted in the year 1895 (Meiji 28) to commemorate the establishment of Heian Shrine and the 1100th anniversary of the capital’s relocation to Kyoto, the first Jidai Matsuri took place on October 25th. However, from the next year onwards, it was celebrated on October 22nd, the birthday of Kyoto. The festival was conceived during a time when the bustling scenes of Kyoto’s past glory days were fading due to the developments following the Meiji Restoration. Through this grandiose parade, called the “Jidai Gyoretsu”, the citizens of Kyoto hoped to resurrect the splendid imagery of its past as the capital city, showcasing its unparalleled features that no other city can replicate. This event serves as a canvas displaying the fervent pride and determination of Kyotoites in their culture, and provides an opportunity to pray for the safety and well-being of its residents throughout the year.

B. The Spectacle and Line-Up of the Jidai Matsuri

The parade is managed by the “Heian Kousha”, a citizens’ organization consisting of representatives from various districts of Kyoto. Initially, it comprised only 6 groups and around 500 participants. Today, it has expanded to 20 groups, tracing back through eight historic eras of Kyoto’s tenure as the capital, featuring over 2000 participants in total. This elaborate display involves meticulous representation of significant historical figures and over 12,000 meticulously crafted garments and festival apparatus, recreated using traditional techniques preserved in this ancient capital. As the parade unfolds, spectators are taken on a journey back in time, witnessing the unfolding splendor of different eras that have marked Kyoto’s vibrant past.

  1. Meiji Restoration Era
    • Groups: Restoration Loyalist Procession, Restoration Patriots Procession, Fall of the Seven Lords
    • Witness the recreated figures of prominent contributors like Kogoro Katsura, Takamori Saigo, and Ryoma Sakamoto.
  2. Edo Period
    • Groups: Tokugawa Shogunate’s Entry into Kyoto, Women of the Edo Period
    • Features notable women like Kazunomiya (sister of Emperor Komei), Yoshino Tayu (famous courtesan), and Izumo no Okuni (founder of Kabuki).
  3. Azuchi-Momoyama Period
    • Groups: Toyotomi Hideyori’s Court Visit, Oda Nobunaga’s Arrival in Kyoto
    • Reenactments include the first court visit of Toyotomi Hideyori and the heroic depictions of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
  4. Muromachi Period
    • Groups: Muromachi Shogunate’s Administrative Procession, Daily Life in Muromachi Kyoto
    • Displays the attire of the Ashikaga Shogunate and other key figures of the period.
  5. Yoshino Period
    • Groups: Kusunoki Masashige’s Entry into Kyoto, Medieval Women (Kamakura & Muromachi Period)
    • Highlights include the luxurious garments worn by Lady Yodo, accompanied by her attendants.
  6. Kamakura Period
    • Group: Jonan Ryu Kyuubabusshi
    • A vivid representation of the period’s martial parade.
  7. Fujiwara Period
    • Groups: Fujiwara Nobles’ Court Visit, Women of the Heian Period
    • Features literary figures like Sei Shonagon and Murasaki Shikibu in their court attire.
  8. Enryaku Period
    • Groups: Enryaku Military Parade, Enryaku Civilian Court Visit
    • Illustrates the era with dignitaries and officials in period attire.

Jidai Matsuri Schedule

Although the focal point of Jidai Matsuri is on October 22nd, the festivities begin on the 15th and run until the 27th, encompassing various ceremonial rituals, including preparation and the closing ceremony on the 27th. The parade route spans approximately 2 kilometers, starting at the Kyoto Imperial Palace at noon and culminating at the Heian Shrine by 2:30 pm.

Photography Tips: Choose a strategic spot along the route for the best viewing and photography experience. Please refrain from using flash photography to avoid startling the animals in the procession. Here’s wishing you an unforgettable journey through the historical tapestry of Kyoto during the autumn Jidai Matsuri!

Klook.com

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