Aoi Matsuri (15 May 2006)
The Aoi Matsuri Map From the city bus (205) According to the brochure 1 (Kyoto Kanko Suishin Kyogi-kai) According to the brochure 2 (Kyoto Kanko Suishin Kyogi-kai) According to the brochure 3 (Kyoto Kanko Suishin Kyogi-kai) Saio-dai Photo
| The Aoi Matsuri Map |
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| The Aoi Matsuri was held on 15 May 2006 in our university's neighbourhood. Here is the route map of the procession. |
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| From the city bus (205) |
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I was lucky enough to take a look at the procession from the 205 bus bound for Kyoto Sta. The bus is slow and very crowded but it is worth trying if you have time and patience. It is only JPY220. For your information, there are several bus routes other than 205 departing from Kitaoji Bus Terminal. |
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| According to the brochure 1 (Kyoto Kanko Suishin Kyogi-kai) |
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"The Aoi Matsuri, now one of the Kyoto's three big festivals (Aoi, Gion, and Jidai), in one of the most solemn and graceful festivals in Japan and has been well preserved throughout the ages since the 6th century. " |
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| According to the brochure 2 (Kyoto Kanko Suishin Kyogi-kai) |
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| "It is named after aoi leaves (hollyhock), which are used to decorate the costumes of the participants. These leaves are believed to have all sorts of powers, including protection against lighting and earthquakes, and guaranteeing easy childbirth. " |
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| According to the brochure 3 (Kyoto Kanko Suishin Kyogi-kai) |
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| "The procession consists of 511 people, 36 horses, 4 cows and 2 carriages, and runs 1 kilometer from the back. " |
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| Saio-dai |
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| "The highlight of the festival is the saio-dai, a young woman (in the Heian period, she was always an imperial princess) who rides on a palanquin in a multitude of followers wearing the colorful clothing of the imperial court. She is dressed in 12 layers of Imperial Heian robes.” |
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