Aoi Matsuri- warriors horse racing. #horses#kyoto#matsuri #shortsvideo#travel
The Aoi Matsuri is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous parades, so iconic that “Matsuri” originally meant just this festival. It turns Kyoto’s quiet parks and gardens into a lively costume party, with people rocking Heian period (794–1185) court outfits, marching from the Imperial Palace to the Shimogamo Shrine. The parade is a big deal, followed by fun vibes with dancing, archery contests, and horse races. It’s one of Kyoto’s top three festivals, alongside the Gion and Jidai festivals.
The Shimogamo Shrine is older than Kyoto itself, dating back to the seventh century. It got major clout from the Imperial court, with an emperor’s daughter serving as a shrine maiden and the place hosting tons of royal events. One year, priests decked it out with hollyhock, kicking off the Aoi Matsuri, aka the Hollyhock Festival.