A procession will head to Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto on Thursday.
20:51 JST, May 16, 2024
KYOTO – The Aoi Festival, one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, was held on Thursday, with a procession of people in ancient Japanese costumes.
The approximately 1 kilometer long procession departed from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, with participants wearing styles from the Heian period (794 – late 12th century). After visiting Shimogamo Shrine, the procession traveled to Kamigamo Shrine.
About 35,000 people watched from the side of the road, according to Kyoto Prefectural Police.
Akiko Matsuura, who played the heroine of this year’s Saiodai festival, said she was happy to see many foreign tourists there.
“Amid the serious incidents that have occurred around the world, I think this peace festival has an important meaning,” Matsuura said.
Akiko Matsuura, who plays the heroine Saiodai of this year’s Aoi Festival
