The Muromachi Period procession is relatively new to the Jidai Festival. General Ashikaga ushered in the Muromachi Period and founded the samurai government, which made him an enemy of the Imperial family and disqualified him from appearing in the festival. However, the Muromachi Period was also when Kyoto culture flourished. Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Temples, Noh and Kyōgen theater, the tea ceremony, flower arranging, India-ink paintings – it was filled with art and craft that continues to this day. As it was a critically important era in Kyoto history, this procession was added to the festival. Witnessing the Jidai Festival change to fit the times is yet another highlight.

The procession does not allude to anyone in particular, but the Ashikaga Shōgun does appear, surrounded by his close aides. Most peculiarly, a monk walks in front of a doctor. At that time, monks were indispensable to the shōgun; if he ever became possessed by a spirit, a monk was needed on hand to exorcise it. Medicine developed during the Muromachi Period as well, making doctors equally crucial to the shōgun’s safety.