By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
Visiting Kyoto in October lets you appreciate the elegant vibe of Japan’s ancient capital as maple leaves transition to red, and the Kyoto “Jidai Festival” on October 22nd is a rare celebration not to be missed. This annual festival, along with the May Aoi Festival and the July Gion Festival, is known as one of Kyoto’s Three Great Festivals. The highlight of the event is the grand procession of over a thousand participants, all dressed in exquisite ancient Japanese costumes and adorned as famous historical figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, court nobles, female writers, and beloved consorts. The festival floats and attire are meticulously researched. Against the cool October weather, the splendor of traditional Japanese costumes and historical tales creates an elegant and classical prelude to Kyoto’s autumn foliage season.
![](\"/pic/20200315/54d2011a457413fc40bd2bc6810bd14e.jpg\")
Kyoto’s annual Jidai Festival is not only one of the city’s Three Great Festivals but also ushers in the local autumn leaf viewing season. (Image provided by http://inhabithouse.skyrock.com)
The grand “Historical Procession” (known in Japanese as the “Jidai Gyoretsu”) of the Jidai Festival is organized by Kyoto locals and consists of around 2,000 participants. They portray historical figures from seven distinct eras, including the Enryaku era when Kyoto became the capital, the Fujiwara era of thriving aristocratic culture, the Kamakura era when samurai rose to power, the Yoshino era when Emperor Go-Daigo reclaimed the throne, the Azuchi-Momoyama era of warring lords, the Edo era under Tokugawa shogunate unification, and the Meiji Restoration period marked by heroic reformers. Both costumes and floats are crafted in meticulous detail according to their respective historical contexts—whether it’s warriors on horseback wielding spears or beautifully made-up, graceful consorts strolling through the ancient streets, transporting visitors as if back to old Kyoto.
![](\"/pic/20200315/bf84299f71f3f8f38777275a07f77b88.jpg\")
The Jidai Festival interprets Japan’s historical progression from the perspective of the people of Kyoto. (Image provided by Kodansha Editorial Department)
The Jidai Festival procession begins at noon from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and arrives at Heian Shrine around 2:30 PM. Covering a distance of approximately 4.6 kilometers, the march of the costumed parade revives Kyoto’s pride and precious memories as the nation’s former capital.
● Extended Reading:
15 Best Spots for Autumn Leaves in Kyoto: Japan’s Red Leaf Hunting
http://goo.gl/eCinV6
![](\"/pic/20200315/1630f2b71c954d1b273013bb8fc2b584.jpg\")
Kyoto’s community-organized Jidai Festival also sees its parade participants actively involved among the citizens. (Image provided by Kodansha Editorial Department)