The Jidai Matsuri Festival is one of Kyoto’s “Three Great Festivals” and a major event held at Heian-jingu Shrine. It began in 1895 in order to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo (currently Kyoto).
The highlight of the event is the procession of around 2,000 citizens dressed in the style of each era of Japanese history – From the Meiji Restoration (1868-1889) to the Enryaku period (782-806) when the Heian-kyo was built.
This beautiful and in-depth look into the history of this city will be held on October 22nd (Wed), 2025.
Processions of the customs during the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573)
The Procession of the Sacred Carriages (Shinko-sai) carrying the enshrined deities of Emperor Kanmu (rear palanquin) and Emperor Komei (front palanquin)
Click here to learn more about Jidai Matsuri
The Kyoto City Tourism Association (DMO KYOTO) will prepare and sell tickets for the paid viewing seats of the Jidai Matsuri Festival procession. Front-row seating for those who would like to watch the procession closely as well as seating from the second row onwards will be available for reservation. A portion of the proceeds from the sales will be used to preserve and support this festival.
1. Sales will begin at:
10 A.M. (Japan time) on September 12th (Fri), 2025
2. Number and location of seats:
(1) Kyoto Gyoen National Garden: approx. 3,500 seats
(2) Oike-dori street: approx. 1,350 seats (from Kawaramachi-dori street to Gokomachi-dori street);
(3) Heian Jingu-michi street: approx. 1,200 seats
In total: approx. 6,050 seats
*The number of available seats may change depending on the number of sold tickets.
3. Procession route map
Click here or on the image to enlarge it
4. Fees
*Seat type and price (All seats are reserved seats and come with a guidebook. Tax included in the price.)
| Seating type | Fee | Remarks |
| General seat (front row) | 6,500 yen | – |
| General seat (second row onwards) | 4,500 yen | – |
| Special seats in front of Heian Jingu Shrine’s Outenmon Gate (front row) | 15,000 yen | Audioguide available in Japanese and English Includes live commentary given by a specialist narrator through earphones. |
| Special seats in front of Heian Jingu Shrine’s Outenmon Gate (second row onwards) | 13,000 yen | Audioguide available in Japanese and English Includes live commentary given by a specialist narrator through earphones. |
What are the special seats in front of Heian Jingu Outenmon Gate?
A special viewing area will be set up in front of the spectacular Outenmon Gate, allowing visitors to enjoy the rare close view of the Jidai Matsuri procession as it enters Heian Jingu Shrine. Audioguide narration explaining the festival procession in detail as it proceeds through the shrine grounds will be available in both Japanese and English. Earphones for the audioguide will be distributed to the special seat spectators on-site.
5. How to purchase
Through the internet:
At convenience stores:
・Seven-eleven:
●P-Code：658-037
*Various fees may apply depending on the payment method (according to each pay service’s regulations).
6. Commemorative goods
Guidebook (A5 size)
A guidebook that introduces and explains the Jidai Matsuri Festival Procession. It will be distributed to all paid seats.
7. Advisory notes
- The use of parasols, umbrellas, and tripods will not be allowed in the viewing seats, as it may block the views of others.
- Please bring a raincoat in case it begins to rain during the event.
- Flash photography and accompanying pets are prohibited, as there is a risk of them aggravating horses and cattle and making them run wild.
- Please be mindful of other visitors when taking photographs or videos.
- Please note that Kyoto City Tourism Association cannot accept any responsibility for damages that occur within the seating area.
- In case of natural disasters, the festival’s schedule and route may be changed or canceled.
