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 (Thu), 2026.
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 period and purchase method
General sales period: From September 8 (Tue), 10 AM (JST), 2026
How to purchase: Online, through the Ticket Pia website, and at convenience stores
Online
*Online payment is possible only through Google Pay.
*Other processing fees may apply.
At convenience stores
Seven-Eleven:
P code: 661－579
*Other processing fees may apply.
2. Procession route map
3. Fees
*Seat type and price (All seats are reserved seats and come with a pamphlet and commemorative card. Tax included in the price.)
| Seating type | Fee | Remarks |
| General seat in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (front row) | 7,500 yen | Includes live commentary* in English or Chinese by a narrator. |
| General seat in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (second row onwards) | 5,000 yen | Includes live commentary* in English or Chinese by a narrator. |
| Special seats in front of Heian Jingu Shrine’s Outenmon Gate (front row) | 15,500 yen | Includes live commentary* in English or Japanese by a specialist narrator |
| Special seats in front of Heian Jingu Shrine’s Outenmon Gate (second row onwards) | 13,500 yen | Includes live commentary* in English or Japanese by a specialist narrator |
*General seats live commentary:
You must bring your own internet-connected smartphone or tablet, as well as headphones, to be able to listen to the live commentary.
- No app download or account registration is necessary, the commentary will be available through a web browser.
- The estimated data usage is equivalent to approx. 30-60 seconds of a YouTube video.
*Special seats live commentary:
You will receive an earphone device at the reception desk on the day of the event.
What are the special seats in front of Heian Jingu Shrine's 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.
4. Commemorative goods
Guidebook (A5 size)
A guidebook that introduces and explains the Jidai Matsuri Festival Procession. It will be distributed to all paid seats.
5. 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.
