Don't miss: Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages)

Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages), Kyoto, Japan. Photo / Q.Sawami/JNTO

October 22, Kyoto, Japan

History unfolds on the atmospheric streets of old Kyoto during this grand costume parade, in which a procession of around 2000 people follows a portable shrine from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu Shrine.

Participants are dressed to represent important figures and events from each era of Kyoto's 1200-year history, including emperors, shoguns, samurai, geisha and traditional dancers.

The two-hour parade passes in chronological order, giving spectators an opportunity to look closely at the changes in hair and makeup styles, transport, accessories and period costumes, all of which have been reproduced using traditional techniques to make them historically accurate.

See jnto.go.jp for more information.