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  • Kyoto, Japan

DURATION

1 day / 0 night

TOUR TYPE

  • Mixed group tour
TRAVEL PERIOD

2 Hours

PRICE (Per Person)

AUD 250

TOUR CODE: CT-KYO001

Overview

Explore one of Kyoto’s three major festivals!

This plan allows visitors to learn about and enjoy Aoi Matsuri, one of the three major festivals in Kyoto. This plan meets with an English-speaking guide in the paid seating area and disbands locally after the Aoi Matsuri. The procession consists of people dressed in a variety of Japanese cultural costumes walking along the stream of time. You will learn more by watching the procession with Japanese cultural explanations.

© DMO KYOTO
  • English speaking group and guide
  • Culture & history focused
  • 1day activity
  • Popular sight-seeing spots
  • Best for first timers


Highlights of the tour

© DMO KYOTO

Depart from the Kyoto Imperial Palace dressed as Heian aristocrats

© DMO KYOTO

Consisting of over 500 people, 36 horses, 4 oxen, 2 oxcarts, and 1 palanquin

© DMO KYOTO

Views of the peaks of Higashiyama and Kitayama in the distance


Itinerary

© DMO KYOTO
DAY 1

Aoi Matsuri, one of the three major festivals of Kyoto, is a traditional Japanese festival held every year on 15 May in Kyoto. The festival takes place mainly at the Kamo and Shimogamo shrines in Kyoto and has a history of more than 1,500 years. Its main feature is the elegant ‘procession’.

In the procession, people dressed in aristocratic costumes from the Heian period march to the shrines, either on horseback or on foot. Participants wear costumes and utensils decorated with hollyhock leaves, which are considered a sacred symbol.

The festival has its origins in ancient rituals and is also used to pray for a good harvest. The event is popular with tourists and offers a taste of Kyoto’s traditional culture.

On this tour, the Aoi Matsuri procession is viewed from the reservation seat. The procession is explained by an English-speaking guide through headphones.

Inclusions

  • English-speaking guide
  • Reserved seat for the Aoi Matsuri
  •  Accommodation not included
  •  Return domestic Flights not included
  •  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner not included
  •  Return International Flights not included

Dates & Prices

For 2025 departure

Travel Period
15 May 2025
Accommodation
N/A
Price per person
AUD 250 (Adult)
N/A (Child)

(Promo code discounts are not applicable)

Availability
Please enquire us


Terms & Conditions

Please read our General Booking Terms & Conditions


About Kintetsu

In Australia

Kintetsu International Express (Oceania) is an ATAS accredited travel agent in Australia, a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents. In Australia, we specialise in arranging Corporate and Group Travel for businesses, schools, religious groups and cultural organisations. We have Travel Centres in Sydney serving our Australian customers and offices in Cairns, Gold Coast and Auckland handling Japanese inbound tours. We are also an authorised travel agent to sell Japan Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass in Australia

In Japan and Worldwide

Kintetsu International belongs to the travel arm of the Kintetsu Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate which operates a major Japanese rail system, bus & freight forwarding companies, department stores, restaurants & hotel chains. We have more than 150 offices in Japan and more than 40 overseas offices worldwide. Utilising our global network, we guide our customers to every location around the globe with quality and dependable services.