The AOI Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Kyoto, a city located in the Kansai region of Japan. This festival is also known as the “Holly Leaf Festival” because of the holly leaves used to decorate the costumes.
The festival takes place every year on 15 and 17 May and is one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, along with the Gion Matsuri in July and the Jidai Matsuri in October.
The origin of the festival dates back to the time of Emperor Kinmei in the 6th century. At that time, Kyoto was often affected by droughts and floods. To appease the spirits of the nature gods, an imperial procession was organised to offer prayers and offerings. This procession became the AOI Matsuri as we know it today.
The festival begins with a ceremony at Kamigamo Shrine and ends at Shimogamo Shrine. The ceremony is followed by a procession of over 500 people dressed in traditional imperial court costumes. The men wear black kimonos and straw hats, while the women wear red and green kimonos.
The highlight of the festival is the parade, which passes through downtown Kyoto. Participants in the procession carry holly leaf banners, paper mache shields and holly umbrellas. The procession is led by a rider carrying an imperial banner and is followed by a series of four-wheeled carts pulled by oxen.
The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year from all over Japan and the world. In addition to the procession, there are also cultural events, such as traditional dance and music performances, as well as food stalls selling local specialities.
To get to the AOI Matsuri in Kyoto, it is recommended to use public transport. The following options are available:
- By train: Kyoto Station is served by many train lines, including the Shinkansen. From there, you can take the JR Sagano Line train to Demachiyanagi Station. Kamigamo Shrine is about a 15-minute walk from the station.
- By bus: There are many buses that run to various parts of Kyoto, including the festival areas. The most convenient buses to the AOI Matsuri are routes 4, 17, 205 and 206.
- By taxi: Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive. It is recommended that you take a taxi if you are travelling in a group or in a hurry.
It is important to note that the AOI Matsuri attracts many visitors, so it is advisable to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid crowds and easily find a good vantage point to enjoy the procession.
