Matsue Samurai Procession (Horio Yoshiharu Procession)
Matsue City · From the south end of Matsue Ohashi Bridge to Matsue Castle (the route varies by year; in 2026 it was shortened to run from the Prefectural Office to Otemae)
Dates and details can change. Always check the official website before you go.
Matsue Samurai Procession Executive Committee · Last checked: Oct 11, 2026
Dates
Dates confirmed with official sources
- 2026
- Sat, Apr 4, 2026 (Ended)
- 2027
- Sat, Apr 3, 2027
- Usual timing
- Usually early April
- How the date is set
- Announced each year Usually on a Saturday in early April; may be shortened or cancelled in bad weather
- Venue
- From the south end of Matsue Ohashi Bridge to Matsue Castle (the route varies by year; in 2026 it was shortened to run from the Prefectural Office to Otemae)
- City
- Matsue City, Shimane
About
Around Matsue Castle, a National Treasure, this samurai procession re-enacts Horio Yoshiharu, founder of Matsue, entering the castle with his followers. After a send-off ceremony, each unit performs along the way from the prefectural office intersection to Otemae, where the Horio family's party advances along a flower path and a victory cry rings out. On the stage at Umadamari there are presentations introducing the Horio family, calligraphy performances and a grand finale that closes the procession. Marchers are recruited from the public, and dressing classes are offered. Expect road closures along the route.
Sources
- OfficialMatsue Samurai Procession Executive Committee www.musha-gyoretsu.jp
Last checked: Oct 11, 2026. Event information is based on official announcements, but changes may not always be reflected here. Please check each official website for accurate details.
Other events this month
On the day, see what locals are murmuring on the murmur map
murmur is an app that shows short, anonymous posts on a map, right where they were written. On festival day, open the map around the venue and see what people nearby are saying.