The Shikinen Shinkosai festival of Jozan Inari Shrine (Matsue City) is fondly known to local people as “Horan-enya.” The origin of the festival goes back to an episode concerning the first feudal lord for Matsue Domain, Matsudaira Naomasa. The legend goes that, 10 years after Lord Matsudaira came to the Izumo Province, a serious famine [...]

Shimane remains a relatively unknown part of Japan outside these shores. However, we hope to share the treasures here with many different people who are looking to travel in Japan, and to have a new experience. Because of this, Shimane joined up with our neighbouring prefecture (Tottori) to take part in the Japan Expo hosted [...]

There are a number of spots throughout Shimane where you can enjoy the flowering cherry trees, marking the changing season while also being a poignant symbol of the transience of life here in Japan. One highly recommended location for walking among and even having a picnic under the pink and white flowers is the Tamatsukuri [...]

The Morotabune Ritual  is a Shinto ritual taking place in Mihonoseki harbour re-enacting a famous episode of the Kojiki, “Records of Ancient Matters”, written 1300 years ago. The Kojiki is regarded as one of the most important records of the early history of Japan and includes well-known myths, many of which are set in Shimane. The [...]

(Irish Festival in Matsue　2014 PV by Jinjer Templer Photography) Matsue’s annual Irish Festival was held on March 9th 2014, with an Irish pub set up in Karakoro Art Studios vault on both the 8th and the 9th. The main event of Matsue’s Irish Festival, is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, carried out both by boat [...]

Matsue Warrior Parade (Matsue Musha Gyoretsu 「松江武者行列」) is an annual reenactment of Lord Horio Yoshiharu’s ceremonious entrance to Matsue Castle following its completion in 1611. Horio’s entourage includes nobility, samurai, cavalry, archers, foot soldiers, and taiko and flute players among others! (approx. 220 participants) Event schedule 2014 ◇Date: Saturday 5th April 2014 ◇Time: 12:30 – [...]