Watch as citizens dress up in elaborate costumes and parade around Matsue

As winter comes to an end, the beginning of spring is marked with the blossoming of sakura. On April 7th  2018, Matsue will be full of brave samurai, princesses, and of course the founder of Matsue. Watch as citizens dress up in elaborate costumes and parade around Matsue as they once did long ago. Meet some of the most influential people of Matsue from 400 years ago, as they make an appearance in this annual event.

 

Matsue “Musha Gyoretsu” Warrior Parade is a re-enactment of Lord Horie Yoshiharu, the founding father of Matsue, and his troops marching through Matsue. Every year, many citizens dress up as brave warriors or princesses in vivid costumes as they parade around the sakura-filled Matsue as they head to their destination, National Treasure Matsue Castle.

VISIT MATSUE official website

PARADE EVENTS – April 7th (SAT) 2018   *ordered by location

 

JR Matsue Station 

Mini Warrior Parade 
When: 10:30 a.m. –
Where: from JR Matsue Sta. (A) to Tenjin Rotary (B)

 

Shirakatatenmangu-Shrine (B)

Matsue “Musha Gyoretsu” Warrior Parade Starting Ceremony
When: 12:30 p.m. ~

 

Matsue Ohashi Bridge (C)

Matsue Castle Rifle Squad Performance
Iwakuni Feudal Domain Rifle Squad Performance
When: 1:00 p.m. ~

Armed Forces Performance Exhibition
When: 1:30 p.m. ~

 

Matsue Kiyomise Shopping District (D)

Drum Performance
When: 1:15 p.m. ~

 

Shimane Prefectural Meeting Hall (West side)
& Second Castle Keep (Upper Level) (E)

Matsue Castle Rifle Squad Performance
Iwakuni Feudal Domain Rifle Squad Performance
When: 2:00 p.m. ~

Armed Forces Performance Exhibition
When: 2:30 p.m.~

Lord Horio Yoshiharu Victory Speech and Entry to the Castle
When: 3:00 p.m. ~
Where: Otemae

 

Matsue Castle

Japanese Dance Performance by Shinnosuke Fujima
Amago Drum Demonstration
When: around 3:15 pm ~  *After the Warrior Parade
Where: Umadamari Stage

Visiting Ceremony to Matsue Shrine/ Lord Yoshiharu’s Arrival to Castle Tower
When: around 3:30 pm ~  *After the Warrior Parade

*All above is approximate time. Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to the conditions of the day. The use of flash towards horses, drawn and tripod is prohibited for the safety reasons. 

 

■Watch this promotional video about Samurai in Matsue!

 

Matsue Musha Gyoretsu Official website (JP)