Latest Events in Matsue(August Updated)

The Matsue Water Lantern Festival is a water lantern festival held annually in and around Matsue Castle. Not only Matsue Castle, but also the castle town streets, such as Shiomi Nawate and the old samurai residences, are illuminated with countless lanterns and colorful lights. A highlight is the Horikawa sightseeing boat, which offers a night cruise only available during the festival. From the boat, you can admire the lantern-lit streets and the castle forest park, illuminated by the boats' lights. Enjoy the dreamlike scenery created by the play of light and shadow around Matsue Castle Town.

Matsue Suigosai Fireworks Festival 2024 is an annual event held in Matsue, Japan. Taking place on the eastside of Lake Shinji, this festival promises a mesmerizing display of fireworks that will leave spectators in awe. The festival's location on the eastside of Lake Shinji provides a picturesque backdrop for the fireworks, creating a magical atmosphere. From August 3rd to August 4th, 2024, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of 21,000 fireworks illuminating the night sky. On August 3rd (Saturday), a staggering 10,000 fireworks will be launched, followed by an even grander display of 11,000 fireworks on August 4th (Sunday). This two-day extravaganza will captivate attendees with its vibrant colors and intricate designs. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring event. Matsue Suigosai Fireworks Festival 2024 promises an unforgettable experience for all who attend. Mark your calendars for August 3rd and 4th, 2024, and prepare to be amazed by the sheer beauty and artistry of the fireworks. Join us in Matsue as we celebrate this magnificent display of Matsue Suigosai Fireworks Festival 2024.

In the Izumo region, drums are called "fuyu." The Matsue Winter Parade features large drums (approximately 1.2 to 1.8 meters in diameter) mounted on festive floats called "fuyugu" or "fuyudai," with the drums facing upward. The festival attracts numerous participants of all ages, who parade through the town and energetically beat the drums. The origins of this event can be traced back to the ancient New Year ritual of "Sagi-cho," also known as the "tondo" ceremony. After Matsue was founded by Lord Horio Yoshiharu in 1607, the town began celebrating "tondo" during the small New Year's month. This involves carrying a portable shrine dedicated to the deity "Toshitoku-jin," with a plaque inscribed with the deity's name, through the streets accompanied by drums, flutes, and cymbals, as townspeople pray for a good harvest. This unique form of celebration is said to be unique to the former city of Matsue and the former Yatsuko County. At the beginning of the year, each community enshrines "Toshitoku-jin," a deity associated with the year's auspicious direction. The current "Winter Parade" began in 1915 (the fourth year of the Taisho era) during the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Taisho. At that time, each community built a covered "winter platform," and on November 15th, 55 floats from 38 communities paraded through the city in celebration. Today, the parade has approximately 100 to 130 participants, including 30 to 40 children and 20 to 30 adults pulling the floats, 20 to 30 drummers taking turns playing, 6 to 8 flute players, 6 to 8 cymbal players, and approximately 10 other personnel. This grand drumming event is a traditional festival, with three generations of families participating, each taking on a different role.

Ishibashi Kazunori (1876-1928), a painter from Shimane Prefecture, went to England during the Meiji period and mastered traditional Western painting techniques at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. He was active both domestically and internationally, primarily creating portraits. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Ishibashi Kazunori's birth, we are holding his first major retrospective exhibition to honor this Shimane painter who achieved international recognition.

This is a representative summer festival of the San'in region. It attracts large crowds every year, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Reminiscent of Matsue's "Water City," the fireworks display from Lake Shinji is the largest in Western Japan! The brightly colored fireworks that illuminate the lake and the deafening roar are sure to captivate you. Sometimes the fireworks are launched directly over the lake, and while they are clearly visible even from a distance, it's still recommended to view them from Chidori Minami Park, Shirasa Park, and Sueji Park along the lakeshore. The Shinji Lake Bridge is also an excellent vantage point.