★ Aoi Matsuri Gorgeous Parade on 15th of May

In coming 15th of May, there is a big festival in Kyoto, Aoi Matsuri Festival!! This is one of the three big festivals in Kyoto along with the Gion Festival and the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages)!  The highlight is the gorgeous parade recreating the exact scene of the ancient Heian Court.

I will guide two Australian couples (4 seniors) on that special day. :)  They will be arriving by train from Kobe after a cruise that includes day tours at Nagasaki and Kagoshima, very unique!! I will start the tour from Kyoto station in the morning as usual.

After visiting either must-to-visit temple of Tenryuji in the west or Kinkakuji in the north in the morning, I'm planning to head for Kamigamo shrine directions in the afternoon, where is the final location of the parade.

Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines are said to be the origin of Kyoto, the most traditional and sacred area for Japanese people like Ise Jingu Shrine in Mie prefecture. I like the Kamigamo shrine area very much with such pure mood in the air... on your each breathing you may feel the whole body to be purified. 

My recommended viewing location is along the upper part of Kamo riverside if in the afternoon. The parade takes the route of narrow street called "Kamo Kaido" trail. I think those sacred mother nature and the ancient style parade will be the perfect combination. It's expected very crowded, but I hope we can enjoy the mood and taking many memorial pictures!!


Oh, when you visit Kamigamo shrine, don't miss to try "Yaki-mochi" rice cake at Jinba-do store near from the shrine!!

This is very traditional Kyoto Sweets originated in this area (run out very quickly!!). The soft rice-cake buns with sweet red beans inside, not too sweet, and very delicious!! I like them! :)

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The Parade Course and Time Table:
Imperial Palace (10:30am)
Demachiyanagi Bridge area (11:15am)
Shimogamo Shrine (12:00pm to 14:30pm)
Kitaoji-street to Kamo-Kaido trail (14:40pm to 15:00pm)
Kamigamo Shrine (15:30pm)

Suggested Access to Kamigamo shrine :
Kitayaja Subway station in Karasuma line.

Information :Aoi Matsuri Parade Preservation Society
Tel: 075-254-7650
* Delayed into the following day if in the rain.
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