Cool Japan / Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Leaf Crest Festival)

One of the traditional events named "Aoi Matsuri Festival" is coming soon here in Kyoto.
This is the annual festival of Shimogamo - jinja Shrine and Kamigamo - jinja Shrine. Its actual name is Kamo Festival. Along with the Gion Festival and the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages), it is one of the three big festivals in Kyoto. Featured is a gorgeous parade in the style of the ancient Heian Court. Everything in the parade is adorned with the hollyhock leaf crest, also called "aoi" _ thus the name of the festival. The parade leaves the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30 in the morning. The 700-meter-long parade passes Shimogamo - jinja Shrine and heads for Kamigamo - jinja Shrine Shrine.

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