Aoi Matsuri

Fortunately, I had the chance to see the Aoi Matsuri on the 15th of May while in Kyoto. My grandma and I walked to Shimogamo Shrine to watch some of the shrine rites. We watched the kurabe-uma which featured 5 men on horses galloping back and forth 3 times. Then we followed the crowd to watch the procession from Shimogamo Shrine to Kamigamo Shrine. The procession is led by the imperial messenger followed by two oxcarts, four cows, thirty-six horses and six hundred people, all of which are dressed in traditional Heian period apparel. 

Some of the rites performed at Shimogamo Shrine.

The stampede of people walking from the shrine to Shimogamo-Hon Dori to watch the procession. The girl in front of me had ramen-looking hair.

The poor men that had to carry these heavy umbrellas looked so tired. Every few metres they would switch.

How many people does it take to move an oxcart? 14 men, 2 elderly leaders, 2 children and an ox.

This horse's headpiece was beautiful. Unfortunately, this photo doesn't do it justice.

Four men carried a stick each with a different animal skin draped over it.

Sneaky sword.

Pink theme.

Yellow theme.

Here come the women!

Umbrellas were necessary at this point as the rain was worsening and getting these kimonos wet is a nightmare.

During the Heian period, the Saio-Dai, was a woman who was chosen from the sisters and daughters of the Emperor to dedicate herself to Shimogamo Shrine and represent the Emperor himself at the matsuri. However nowadays, the role is played by an unmarried woman. She's dressed in the traditional Heian court dress, 12 layers of silk kimonos!