Best location to view Jidai Matsuri

Hi,

We would be in Kyoto on 22nd October and would like to view Jidai Matsuri . I understand it starts from Imperial palace and ends at Heian Shrine. Which would be best place for free viewing area and relatively less crowded.

The Imperial Palace and Heian Shrine are extra crowded, so you might want to choose a spot along the route: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/october/jidai-matsuri/

After the Jidai Matsuri, consider traveling to Kurama (1 hr north of Kyoto by train) for their spectacular Fire Festival (Kurama no Hi Matsuri 鞍馬の火祭り), which is also on October 22, from around 6pm to midnight.