Every October, the ancient capital of Kyoto comes alive with one of Japan’s most spectacular parades: the Jidai Matsuri (時代祭), or Festival of the Ages. With thousands of participants dressed in historical costumes, the festival is a living timeline of Japanese history, making it one of the most fascinating cultural events for travelers.

When you think of Japan, a few iconic images might come to mind: cherry blossoms in full bloom, ancient temples nestled among modern skyscrapers, and of course—the timeless beauty of a person dressed in a kimono.