Aoi Matsuri Paid Viewing Seat
The Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, will be held on May 15, 2026 (Friday).
This traditional event features participants dressed in elegant costumes from the Heian period (794–1185), parading through the streets of Kyoto.
The Kyoto City Tourism Association offers paid reserved seating where you can enjoy the procession in comfort.
Following ancient traditions, the procession departs from the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30 AM. Known for its grand scale, it includes 511 participants, 36 horses, 4 oxen, and 2 ox-drawn carriages, stretching approximately 1 kilometer, with a viewing time of about 1 hour.
Highlights:
・Vibrant Heian-era costumes
Gorgeous attire such as the junihitoe (twelve-layered kimono), along with ox-drawn carriages and horses, bring the world of classical Kyoto vividly to life.
・The graceful Saio-dai
The highlight of the procession is the elegant Saio-dai. Her slow and dignified appearance is a popular photo opportunity.
・Authentic court culture
Costumes and furnishings are faithfully recreated based on historical research, allowing you to experience traditional Japanese court culture up close.
Enjoy this elegant procession that symbolizes spring in historic Kyoto from the comfort of a special reserved seat.
Cancellation Policy(Cancellation fee)
The booking cannot be canceled or changed.
Plan Information
Paid Viewing Seat (Front Row)
View details
Enjoy this elegant procession, a symbol of spring in historic Kyoto, from a special reserved viewing seat.
【Schedule】
May 15, 2026 (Friday)
※In case of rain, the event will be postponed to May 16. If it also rains on the 16th, the event will be canceled. (Decision will be made around 18:00 on the previous day.)
Additional information on location and direction
【Kyoto Gyoen】
Address: 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
Please come to Reception [1-A] at the venue inside Kyoto Gyoen.
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Confirmation of time and location
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Available reservation time
Within 3 months
Reservation deadline
Please make a reservation before 00:00 on the participation date.
Voucher expiration date
Valid only for the participation date specified
Adult/Child
¥6,500Close
Paid Viewing Seat (Row 2 and beyond)
View details
Enjoy this elegant procession, a symbol of spring in historic Kyoto, from a special reserved viewing seat.
【Schedule】
May 15, 2026 (Friday)
※In case of rain, the event will be postponed to May 16. If it also rains on the 16th, the event will be canceled. (Decision will be made around 18:00 on the previous day.)
Additional information on location and direction
【Kyoto Gyoen】
Address: 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line
Please come to Reception [1-A] at the venue inside Kyoto Gyoen.
Confirmation of time and location
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Available reservation time
Within 3 months
Reservation deadline
Please make a reservation before 00:00 on the participation date.
Voucher expiration date
Valid only for the participation date specified
Adult/Child
¥5,000Close
Information