Festivals and Holidays

This festival is the most solemn and graceful festival in Japan, and it has been well preserved throughout the ages since the 6th century. From the viewpoint of the history of Japanese manners and customs it is a very authentic reminder of the past since it has faithfully followed the old customs.
Origin: During the reign of Emperor Kimmei -(in the 6th century), the people suffered from heavy storms that raged throughout the country. The Emperor found, according to a diviner's words, that the deities of Kamo Jinja Shrine had been angry at the people's ingratitude and impiety, and thus, caused the disaster. So the Emperor sent his messenger to the shrines to pay homage to the gods and perform solemn rites at the shrines. The storms calmed down, and the people were able to enjoy bountiful cereal crops. Since then, the custom was handed down through the generations to the Heian Period (764-1185) when the fete came to attain its present magnificence and color.

The procession starts at the Imperial Palace at 10:30 a.m. It consists of a gorgeous carriage pulled by an ox, flowered by umbrellas, and more than three hundred courtiers and court ladies in colorful traditional costumes which revive the noble court life in the Heian Period.

Maibito:

These six warriors offer their dances in front of both Shrines, Shimogamo and Kamigamo. In ancient times, warriors were well trained both militarily and in the arts.

Kutori:

The officials in charge of horses at Kura-ryo.

Chokushi:

Imperial messenger riding on a horse with the most elegant costume and a sword decorated with gold. He is the highest ranking person in the whole procession and is accompanied by more than ten subordinates.

Hiki-uma:

Spare horse for the Imperial Messenger, equipped with saddle and stirrups of gorgeous lacquer ware.

Furyu-gasa:

Big umbrellas, colorfully decorated with artificial flowers are carried by men who are decorated with the same flowers as the umbrellas. These are also called "Hanagata" which means "flower umbrella."

Beiju:

The seven warriors who play music. They carry musical instruments, such as Koto (Japanese harp); flute and flageolet.

Kura-tsukai:

A courtier who carries a ritual address which is to be read by the Imperial Messenger.

Saio:

In the Bth century, the Emperor decided to appoint one of his daughters as a holy maiden who devoted herself to the god for her entire life. Such princesses were called "Saio." After receiving strict training, they became the head priestesses of the Shrine. The system of the Saio lasted for almost 400 years until the middle of the 13th century.
Saio rides in a royal carriage carried on ments shoulders. She is followed by suites, warriors, court ladies, page girls, carriages for high ranking court ladies and so on.

The order of the participants in the procession is as follows:

Nori-jiri:

Warriors on horses who lead the procession.

Suo:

The forerunner dressed as a warrior.

Kacho:

Courtiers of lower position.

Kado-no-oso:

Police of lower position.

Kebi-ishi-no-sakan:

Lower officers of police and court administration.

Kebi-ishi-no-jo:

Upper officers of police and court administration.

Hoko-mochi:

Halberd carriers.

Yamashiro-Tsukai:

Vice Governor of Yamashiro (the old name of Kyoto Prefecture). As the procession passed the roads which were governed by the prefectural office, he joined the procession to guard it.

Eji:

The guard soldiers guarding the boxes in which the offerings to the gods were kept.

Kura-ryo-shisho:

The official working at Kura-ryo (the office taking care of the offerings to the gods).

So-me:

This is a horse which is dedicated to consoling the gods, after demonstrating his running ability in front of the Kamigamo Jinja shrine.

Meryo-zukai:

Warrior of high rank who is in charge of the above-mentioned horse.

Gissha:

This carriage is well-known as "Gosho-Guruma."

Since the Heian Period this was used for the transportation of Emperors and courtiers of high rank. The pent roofs and sides are colorfully decorated with wisterias, irises or plums. The carriage, which emits squeaking sounds, is drawn by a fully decorated ox going very slowly.