KYOTO -- The Jidai Matsuri, one of the three major festivals in the ancient Japanese capital and a colorful autumn event, was held on Oct. 22. Some 2,000 people dressed in costumes from eras ranging from the Heian period (794-1185) to the Meiji Restoration (mid- to late 19th century) paraded along major avenues in the city of Kyoto, fascinating large crowds along the way.

The procession departed from the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden in the city's Kamigyo Ward at around noon to the sound of flutes and drums. They traveled approximately 4.5 kilometers to Heian Jingu Shrine in Sakyo Ward in an order that goes back in time from the Meiji era.

The festival was first held in 1895, when Heian Jingu Shrine was built, to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Kyoto at the beginning of the Heian period. This year's event marks the 130th edition of the annual festival. About 42,000 people turned out along the route, according to Kyoto Prefectural Police.

(Japanese original by Yuki Ohigashi, Kyoto Bureau)