The procession of Aoi Matsuri, one of the three main annual festivals of Kyoto, will be held this year on May 15 (Wed). The procession in elegant attire from the Heian period (794-1185) will parade through Kyoto. The festival is also famous for being depicted in the eleventh-century literary masterpiece the Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu and is considered the oldest novel in the world. 

 

The Kyoto City Tourism Association will provide paid viewing seats for the procession. A part of the proceeds of the sales will be used to preserve and support this festival.

 

This year, all seats will come with Aoi Matsuri’s Official Guidebook, which was newly made under the supervision of the procession’s preservation association, and a commemorative card illustrated by Yasukawa Nyofu, a specialist painter for shrines and temples who has been recognized as a Master Craftsperson of Kyoto.

 

Please also be informed that, beginning this year, information regarding whether the procession will be held as scheduled or postponed will be announced around 6 PM on the day before.