May 15th, is when the annual Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) is held here in Kyoto, the old Heian capital of Japan. The parade leaves the Imperial Palace in Kyoto (京都御所) around 10.30 in the morning. The next stop is the Shimogamo shrine (下鴨神社) where the participants enjoy a little break and lunch. From there, they walk to the Kamigamo shrine (上賀茂神社), where different rituals are performed. I have been to different places before but never seen it from Kamigamo shrine (上賀茂神社).
It’s a little different in that the horses and carriages don’t enter the main approach to the shrine. The different groups all walk towards the second torii of the shrine in a solemn procession.
Of course, the main attraction is the Saiō-Dai Lady (斎王代) and her entourage all dressed in colourful kimono.
Although a bit long at 27 minutes it is the complete parade in full HD quality, enjoy!
