Jidai Matsuri: dates, venue and how to get there
Kyoto · 時代祭
What to expect
Costumed participants represent successive periods of Kyoto’s history as the procession travels from the Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu. Your viewing point determines the arrival time you need.
Photo: Corpse Reviver · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date label: 2009-10-22 13:42:24 · Resized for display; the source file and reuse licence are linked below.
Festival dates and programme
Confirmed upcoming edition
22 October 2026; procession may be postponed in rain
The dates refer to the edition shown, not every future year. Programme times are in JST. Japan is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST. Check the organiser’s latest notices for individual performances, weather changes and tickets.
Where the festival takes place
Kyoto · 京都
Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu Shrine
京都御所〜平安神宮
The location below marks one representative venue or route section. It is not the whole procession or every entrance; use the organiser’s venue map for your programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Use the Karasuma subway line for the Imperial Palace area or the Tozai line for the eastern end near Heian Jingu. Choose a route segment from the official procession map.
Find a public transport route from your starting point ↗History and local traditions
The festival began in connection with Heian Jingu and Kyoto’s historic capital heritage. Its procession presents costumes and figures from different eras.
Plan your visit
Choose one viewing point and arrive for its published passing time rather than trying to follow the entire procession. A palace-area view and a shrine-area view happen at different times.
Editorial suggestion based on the festival’s venues and viewing format; no personal attendance is claimed.
Jidai Matsuri: questions travellers ask
When is Jidai Matsuri?
Jidai Matsuri: 22 October 2026; procession may be postponed in rain. These dates refer only to the stated edition. Check the organiser’s daily programme and weather notices before travelling.
How do I get to Jidai Matsuri by public transport?
Use the Karasuma subway line for the Imperial Palace area or the Tozai line for the eastern end near Heian Jingu. Choose a route segment from the official procession map.
Does the Jidai Matsuri procession reach every viewing point at the start time?
No. It travels from the Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu. Check the estimated passing time for your chosen section and any weather-related postponement notice.
Official programme and sources
- kyoto.travel: Official festival and visitor guidance ↗
- www.heianjingu.or.jp: Official location, transport or historical reference ↗
- www.heianjingu.or.jp: Official location, transport or historical reference ↗
Reviewed . Some official pages are in Japanese. Open the source for this edition’s venue, daily programme and access conditions.