The Aoi Matsuri Festival, also known as the Hollyhock Festival, is one of Kyoto's most famous festivals, attracting thousands of visitors each year. This traditional festival takes place on May 15th and is a celebration of the city's rich history and culture. If you are planning to attend the Aoi Matsuri Festival, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your experience.

Aio Mastsuri | img by Japanexperterna via wikipedia commons

The Aoi Matsuri Festival dates back to the 6th century and is one of the oldest festivals in Japan. It was originally held to appease the gods and pray for a good harvest. Today, the festival is a celebration of Kyoto's rich history and culture and is one of the city's most important events and tourist attractions.

If you are planning to attend the Aoi Matsuri Festival, you should make sure to dress appropriately. The festival is a formal event, so it's best to wear traditional Japanese clothing like a kimono or yukata. If you don't have a kimono or yukata, don’t worry, you can rent one from one of the many rental shops in Kyoto.

The Aoi Matsuri Festival is a popular event, and thousands of people attend each year. To get the best view of the festival, it's best to arrive early and secure a spot along the parade route.

Also, consider staying at a Kyoto-Japan hotel that’s close to the parade route and other attractions. You are offered a variety of choices, including Park Hotel Kyoto.

The Aoi Matsuri Festival parade route is approximately 8 kilometres long and takes around 2 hours to complete. The parade starts at the Imperial Palace and makes its way through the streets of Kyoto, passing by many of the city's famous landmarks, including the Kyoto City Hall, Nijo Castle, and the Kamigamo Shrine.

As part of the Aoi Matsuri Festival, there is a Yabusame ceremony where archers on horseback shoot arrows at targets. This impressive display of skill and precision is a highlight of the festival and should not be missed.

Participate in the Festival's Activities

There are several opportunities for visitors to participate in the Aoi Matsuri Festival, like the Sagi Musume procession, where women dressed in traditional costumes carry water from the Kamogawa River to the Shimogamo Shrine. Also, you can participate in the tea ceremony or try your hand at traditional Japanese crafts.

In addition to the main parade on May 15th, there are several pre-event celebrations leading up to the Aoi Matsuri Festival. These events include traditional dances, music performances, and exhibitions of the festival's symbolic items. Visiting during the pre-event celebrations will offer you a deeper understanding of the festival's history and culture.

There are many food and souvenir vendors along the parade route. You should bring cash, as many of these vendors do not accept credit cards. There are also many ATMs located throughout Kyoto, so it's easy to withdraw cash if needed.

After the parade, be sure to explore the Shimogamo Shrine, which is the final destination of the Aoi Matsuri Festival. This beautiful shrine is one of Kyoto's most important cultural landmarks and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture.

While you are in Kyoto, be sure to visit some of the city's other famous attractions, like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the Gion district. Kyoto is also known for its delicious cuisine, so be sure to try some local dishes like kaiseki ryori and yudofu.