Kamigamo Shrine

One of Kyoto's three great annual festivals, the grand Aoi Matsuri (sometimes also called the Kamo Festival) boasts a storied history stretching back 1,500 years. It even predates the establishment of Kyoto as the Imperial Capital in 794. The main highlight of the festival, held every year on May 15, is an elaborate procession in which more than 500 participants embark on a ceremonial walk from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo Shrine and onwards to Kamigamo Shrine.  Dressed in traditional costumes inspired by the Heian Period (794–1185), participants are led by the Saio, the year's honorary high priestess carried atop a palanquin, on an 8km route through the city. The procession also features massive flower installations, beautifully adorned ox carts, men on horseback and women in exquisite kimono. Look closely at the attire and decorations, and you'll spot the recurring motif of hollyhock leaves – known as 'aoi' in Japanese – from which the festival gets its name. You can catch the parade at all three locations, as well as along the streets of the festival route. For the best experience, paid seats are available at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Shimogamo Shrine, priced from ¥5,000 to ¥20,000. They include a guidebook as well as live commentary in Japanese, English and Chinese. Note that to access the audio narration, you'll need to bring along a data-enabled smartphone and your own earphones. The Aoi Matsuri parade starts at the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10.30am and...