The Jidai Festival finally reaches the Heian Period. This procession features the noble Fujiwara Clan at the height of their prosperity, heading to the palace for a ceremony. Civil and military officials march, with the highest-ranking noble wearing black clothes. In those days one could learn a noble’s ranking from the color of their clothes.

Even outside ceremonial occasions, these nobles routinely served as government officials for the palace. They worked 20 days per month, and it’s even said they worked night shifts. They were always prepared for any emergency that might befall the palace.

The procession also features nobles wrapped in tiger and leopard pelts. In those days they reportedly wore such furs as proof of their high standing.