Visit Kyoto Aoi Matsuri

One of the greatest festivals in Kyoto, the Aoi (hollyhock leaves) Matsuri, takes place on May 15. The main attraction of this festival is a procession of about 500 people in Japanese ancient court costumes. The costumes are decorated with hollyhock leaves. The procession starts from Kyoto Imperial Palace and goes to Shimogamo Shrine and to Kamigamo Shrine.
Kyoto Aoi Matsuri
Kyoto Jidai Matsuri
Kyoto Gion Matsuri
Kyoto Imperial Palace Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com