May 3rd ~ 12th
Pre-festival events of Aoi Festival
Yabusame-shinji Ritual
May 3rd, 13:00-15:30 @Shimogamo Shrine
This is a powerful ceremony to purify the route of the Aoi Matsuri procession. A man in traditional costume shoots an arrow while riding on horseback.
The forest in the Shimogamo Shrine’s Ground is very crowded on that day. Early arrival is recommended.
Movie:
Saio-dai Misogi Ritual
May 4th, 10:00~ @Shimogamo Shrine
Saio was a selected woman who served god in ancient times. This ritual is held to purify her role on the stream of Kamigamo Shrine.
The profession with about 50 imperial costumed women look very elegant.
Kamo-kurabeuma Ritual
May 5th, 14:00~ @Kamigamo Shrine
This is one of the former ritual of Aoi Matsuri.
Two men in traditional costumes riding on horse back compete for the fastest time at the ground of the temple.
Mikage matsuri Ritual
May 12th, 9:30~ @Shimogamo Shrine
An elegant Japanse dance and music are performed in the Tadasu-no-mori forest in front of the gate of Shimogamo Shrine to welcome gods from the foot of Mt. Hiei.
This is the important event to start Aoi matsuri.
