Kyoto Festival: Jidai Matsuri [4K]

For more information, check out the Jidai Matsuri page on our website:

Considered to be one of the top three festivals in all of Kyoto despite its status as a relatively new tradition, Heian Shrine's Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) is held on October 22nd from noon each year.

The festival is primarily composed of a two kilometer, five hour long procession of countless volunteers dressed in historical garb representing Japanese cultural history from the Meiji era all the way back to the Enryaku era in the 780’s. Painstakingly recreated and researched, going so far as to even make and dye the fabric using the same techniques as they used a thousand years ago, the procession is akin to watching a living history museum march by. Not only do famous historical figures and princesses make appearance, but warriors, priests, politicians, merchants, and commoners are all represented. With that many characters, the Jidai Matsuri gives a very comprehensive look in to the clothing and appearance of Japanese past.

00:18 - Meiji Imperial Army Drum & Fife Corps
00:52 - Patriots of the Meiji Restoration
02:33 - Edo Period Procession of Shogunal Deputies
03:25 - Women of the Edo Period
04:38 - Toyotomi Hideyori's Procession
05:15 - Oda Nobubaga's Entry into Kyoto
06:40 - Muromachi Shogunate Procession
07:07 - Muromachi Customs & Daily Life
07:35 - Kusunoki Masashige's Entrance into Kyoto
08:12 - Ladies from the Middle Ages
09:05 - Yabusame Archers from the Kamakura Period
09:35 - Fujiwara Courtiers' Procession to Court
10:04 - Ladies from the Heian Period
11:31 - Sakanoue Tamuramoro's Victorious Return
11:59 - Procession of 8th Century Court Nobles
12:13 - Offerings to the Deities
12:30 - Portable Shrine Procession
13:40 - Shirakawa-me & a Company of Archers

[ExpanderDJ]

Japanese history is amazing. The fact that they documented it so well, and treat it with such respect - it's truly inspiring.

[Linfamy]

Amazing job using a time machine to bring these historical figures to the present so they can give us a parade 👏

[concernedhermit]

It is such a genius idea to have the different ages showed in a parade, I really hope every country can learn from Japan to promote their history and culture like how Japan does here! Great respect from China! ❤️

[javikus]

Прекрасный фестиваль. Обожаю реконструкцию средневековой и послесредневековой одежды как крестьян, так и воинов.

[brianflynn]

George Lucas came up with the term 'Jedi" from the Japanese word "Jidai". He was an avid fan of "Jidai-geki" (period drama with samurai).

[yofadhli]

wow this is weird. I actually watched the whole video with awe without skipping.
I never did this during history class in highschool...

[kellykreqeli]

I think it’s beautiful to see countries carry on their traditions we do in the uk it’s important for countries to always remember their history and keep their traditions ❤

[Moloepdaen]

It's so beautiful to see that a city holds a festival like this, considering all the periods of the land's history. I would like to see those likewise beautiful processions in Germany.

[CelestialShaman]

Here in the Texas The Japanese do have wonderful ceremonies of culture!!! I love the drums!!!I bet, Brazil and the rest of S. America where the population is slightly larger the ceremonies are fabulous!!! Salute to JAPAN ❤❤❤❤

[kamanama]

It took me a long time to get through this video because I kept stopping and looking up the legendary people who were represented. Very well done. Thank you so very much.

[sarahjane]

One of the most amazing things about countries that are as old as Japan is that you get to have all of these insane periods of fashion and style, luckily diligent record was kept through artwork poetry and otherwise, enough so that we can seemingly go back in time

[LucidDream]

Love learning about Japanese history. I also love how colorful and vibrant their clothes/makeup are.

[justfortea]

I miss living in Kyoto. Of all the cities I lived in, save for my birth city and maybe equally, Kyoto runs deep in my heart and memory. I have beautiful memories of Matsuris across the city. It etched indelible memories I will cherish until the end of my life. Kyoto made me understood why people would want to reincarnate. This city is simply magical.

[byronlogan]

Im stunned by the beauty and elegance of the poets from those times. As a writer, I can say it takes a lot to create literary art during dire and un-certain times. 7-16-2020

[Fardh]

I had the privilege to see this parade in Kyoto in 2019. It is one of the most vivid memory of my first trip in Japan.

[bigred]

I love this era of Japanese history, extremely fascinating and beautiful 😊

[brianschwarz]

Excellent. Thank you for the historical notes in English.

[sithboss]

I traveled to Japan in 2018 and spent a week in Tokyo, the most amazing experience of my life! the wonderfully nice people, the food, the shopping, the modern and ancient right beside each other! I'm going back to explore more of Japan.

[rodolfo]

What a fine way to present glimpses of the Japan's History. Thanks to this video I got some idea about the rich and complex History of Japan. I enjoyed this video very much

[MikhailKalashnikovMiG]

Wow this really takes you back in time. The outfits and music are absolutely amazing. I would've liked to see how Japan looked before the Meiji Restoration. Japan should be proud for actively remembering their history and culture.