Jidai Matsuri: Dates, Location & Travel

A procession recreates Kyoto’s historical eras through costumes and equipment, moving from more recent periods back into the past. Choose a viewing section rather than expecting a stationary performance.

Jidai Matsuri: 京都府京都市にて開催された時代祭。正午の御所から平安神宮までの行進の様子。2009年10月22日撮影。. Archive or venue photo, not a view of the current edition.
Photo: Corpse Reviver · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date label: 2009-10-22 13:42:24. Original or supplied resized image; no additional editing.

Jidai Matsuri dates

October 22, 2026; postponement is possible in rain

Upcoming confirmed edition

Event dates and times use Japan Standard Time (JST). Usual annual dates are not a confirmed booking schedule for the next edition. Check the organizer’s notices for daily times, admission and weather-related changes.

Where to watch

Kyoto · 京都

Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu Shrine
京都御所〜平安神宮

The map marks one reference point, not the entire route or every entrance. For village rites or moving processions, use the organizer’s venue map.

View reference location on Google Maps ↗

Getting there by train or bus

Take the Karasuma subway line to Marutamachi for the palace end. For Heian Jingu, transfer to the Tozai Line and get off at Higashiyama, then walk to the shrine.

History and traditions

The festival began in 1895 to celebrate Heian Jingu’s founding and 1,100 years since the capital moved to Heian-kyo.

Nearby places to consider

These sights can help you plan the rest of your visit. Check each location’s opening hours and access separately; festival road closures may affect the journey.

Heian Jingu Shrine Garden

平安神宮神苑

Heian Jingu Shrine Garden: official visitor information ↗Find Heian Jingu Shrine Garden on Google Maps ↗

Before you visit Jidai Matsuri

When is Jidai Matsuri?

October 22, 2026; postponement is possible in rain. The year shown belongs to this specific edition, not an automatically repeated future booking date. Check the linked organizer for times and changes.

How do I get to Jidai Matsuri by public transportation?

Take the Karasuma subway line to Marutamachi for the palace end. For Heian Jingu, transfer to the Tozai Line and get off at Higashiyama, then walk to the shrine.

What should I plan before visiting Jidai Matsuri?

Pick either the departure or arrival area to watch the eras pass in sequence. Reserved seats are tied to a location, and a rainy forecast calls for checking the postponement notice.

These planning suggestions are JapanLiveNow’s editorial advice. Admission and operating arrangements follow the organizer’s current program.

Official program and visitor information

This guide uses the shared festival source register reviewed on October 3, 2026. Official notices take priority over archive photos and previous editions.