Many festivals and events are held yearly. Mst official English Matsue tourism websites are rarely updated and will often show the dates and times of events held in previous years. It would be best to call the Matsue Tourist Association (☏ +81 852 26-2011) to verify the dates if you're planning your trip to Matsue to coincide with any events or festivals.
- 1 Castle Festival, Matsue Castle grounds, ☏ +81 852 21-4030. 07:00-21:00. Held yearly from late March to mid April. Around this time the cherry trees around the castle will be in full bloom, and many people have hanami picnics on the castle grounds. In the evening lanterns are lit, making it possible to picnic until 9PM. On the weekends various events are held on the castle grounds. Free.
- 5 Suigosai Fireworks, The shores of Lake Shinji from the Shimane Art Museum all the way to Ichibata Hotel (head west from Matsue Station until you get to Lake Shinji, 10 minutes on foot), ☏ +81 852 32-0504. First day: 20:00-20:30, second day: 20:00-21:00. Massive fireworks display over Lake Shinji on two consecutive evenings, the second evening having the larger show. The Suigosai festival is held yearly late July or early August. Many locals like to lay down a plastic sheet the day before to reserve a top viewing spot, so don't be afraid to do the same. The northern bank of Lake Shinji will be host to a huge amount of food stalls. Free.
- 8 Matsue Suitouro Lantern Festival, ☏ +81 852 27-5873. 18:30-21:00. Paper lanterns luminate the streets along the Matsue Castle moat from the Shimane Prefectural office all the way along Shiomi Nawate street. On Fridays and weekends there are food stalls on the Matsue Castle parking area and the Horikawa Sightseeing Boats will also operate in the evening during this period. From mid-September to mid-October. Free.
- 9 Matsue Dogyoretsu Drum Parade, Matsue castle and surrounding streets, ☏ +81 852 27-5843. 14:00. An ancient and very loud festival, where massive drums on floats are pulled through the streets of Matsue. Every neighbourhood has their own drum, so competition to have the best drumming performance is fierce each year. Held yearly mid-October in the afternoon. Drummers gather around Matsue castle around noon and the parade starts at 2PM. Free.
