The fifteen processions, spanning a millennium of Japanese history from the Meiji Restoration back to the Heian Period, have passed. But the next processions are the most important in the Jidai Festival, especially the “Shinkō” or “Shrine Transferral” procession. This procession features the “Hōren,” or “Imperial Carriage,” which houses the spirits of Heian Jingu’s gods, the emperors Kammu and Kōmei. Every preceding parade, from Meiji to Heian, is marching in attendance to the Hōren carried by the Shinkō procession.
Shinto rituals are performed from the morning of the day of the festival. The first of these is carrying emperors Kammu and Kōmei to the Kyoto Imperial Palace on a “mikoshi” portable shrine. Then, after a few more ceremonial rites, they set off again, returning to Heian Jingu. This procession is one scene among these rites.

The first imperial carriage holds the spirit of Kōmei, the last emperor in Kyoto; the following imperial carriage holds that of Kammu, the first emperor in Heian-kyō. Thus, the purpose of the Jidai Festival is to march them through the heart of the city to show them its prosperity and the citizens’ way of life. Some people may even join their hands to pay respect as they march by; please receive the parade with the dignity it deserves.
After the parade, the Jidai Festival moves to Heian Jingu Shrine. The gates are closed, and the rites continue until night, away from the public eye.

What is the significance of the Jidai Festival in the modern age? Heian Jingu Shrine is the parish of every citizen in Kyoto, therefore, many people attend the parade. For the people of Kyoto, it is a day to look back on a millennium of history, and to consider the future of the city. They are proud of that long Imperial history. Perhaps the Jidai Festival is a chance to analyze and reexamine that story.

The clothes and tools also have significance. Traditional arts and crafts thrive in Kyoto, and the Jidai Festival is an opportunity to make masterpieces for the gods in a modern era of different priorities. For the artisans, it is a prime opportunity to flex their skills and pass them down to the next generation. That includes the craftsmen who handle the materials from which said artifacts are made. The Jidai Festival parades are deeply involved in the preservation of Kyoto culture, art, and craft.

But what about you? We want you to relate the feelings you felt during the Jidai Festival to the next generation, someday.

This guide was created based on documents and interviews and includes some interpretation done by us at ON THE TRIP. Theories differ between experts, so try to find out what really happened on your travels!

ON THE TRIP Editorial Staff
Writer: Akihito Shiga
Photography: Tōru Miyake
Translation: Jean Paul Souki Pacheco, Kevin Rea
Narration: Yūki Igarashi