Matsue Suitoro: dates, venue and how to get there
Matsue · 松江水燈路
What to expect
Lanterns and illumination frame Matsue Castle and its moat. This is an evening walk through the castle town rather than a float or dance procession.
Photo: G41rn8 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Original date label: 2016-10-21 11:49:25 · Resized for display; the source file and reuse licence are linked below.
Festival dates and programme
Within the announced dates
26–27 September; 3–4, 10–12 and 17–18 October 2026, 18:00–21:00
The dates refer to the edition shown, not every future year. Programme times are in JST. Japan is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST. Check the organiser’s latest notices for individual performances, weather changes and tickets.
Where the festival takes place
Matsue · 松江
Matsue Castle and the surrounding moat area
松江城周辺
The location below marks one representative venue or route section. It is not the whole procession or every entrance; use the organiser’s venue map for your programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Take the JR Yakumo limited express from Okayama to Matsue, then a bus towards Matsue Castle. Confirm the return bus and any temporary festival service.
Find a public transport route from your starting point ↗History and local traditions
The event is organised by a light-up group within Matsue’s tourism association to showcase the castle town’s night scenery.
Plan your visit
Pick a listed evening and plan a castle-and-moat walk with a return route already arranged. The date span on a calendar does not mean the lights operate every night.
Editorial suggestion based on the festival’s venues and viewing format; no personal attendance is claimed.
Matsue Suitoro: questions travellers ask
When is Matsue Suitoro?
Matsue Suitoro: 26–27 September; 3–4, 10–12 and 17–18 October 2026, 18:00–21:00. These dates refer only to the stated edition. Check the organiser’s daily programme and weather notices before travelling.
How do I get to Matsue Suitoro by public transport?
Take the JR Yakumo limited express from Okayama to Matsue, then a bus towards Matsue Castle. Confirm the return bus and any temporary festival service.
Is Matsue Suitoro open every night between 26 September and 18 October 2026?
No. The nine listed evenings are 26–27 September and 3–4, 10–12 and 17–18 October, from 18:00 to 21:00 JST. Other dates within that span are not scheduled event nights.
Official programme and sources
- www.kankou-shimane.com: Official festival and visitor guidance ↗
- www.kankou-shimane.com: Official location, transport or historical reference ↗
Reviewed . Some official pages are in Japanese. Open the source for this edition’s venue, daily programme and access conditions.