MATSUE ― The floating lanterns event, part of the Bon Festival, was held on 16th August, the final day of Obon in 2024, on the Ohashi River in Matsue. Spectators prayed for world peace while admiring the enchanting scene.
At sunset, a priest’s chanting echoed across Matsue Ohashi Bridge, and approximately 6,000 lanterns in red, yellow, blue, and green were released, drifting silently on the water. The Sanin Godo Bank headquarters, a landmark in Matsue, was illuminated as part of the setting. This memorial service is held to remember and honour the deceased.
Although now increasingly recognised as a tourist attraction, the event is believed to have originally been established as a memorial for the souls of those who perished in the Second World War.
The Bon Festival, also known as Obon, is a traditional Japanese Buddhist event that honours the spirits of ancestors. During Obon, it is believed that the spirits of the deceased return to the living world to visit their families. The festival typically takes place in mid-August, although the exact dates can vary depending on the region.
Obon usually lasts for three days and involves various customs and rituals. A central practice is lighting lanterns, both at home and in temples, to guide the spirits back to the world of the living. This ceremony aims to guide the spirits to the realm of the afterlife.
The Ohashi River serves as a central canal connecting Shinjiko Lake and Nakaumi. The event was organised by Matsue’s Buddhist Association.
How to get to Matsue Ohashi Bridge
| Bus stop from Matsue Station | Bus route | Bus stop to get off | Travel time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. 2, 3, 6 stop | Via Matsue Ohashi | Ohashi Minami-zume | About 5 minutes | 160 yen |
| Kenmin Kaikan Mae bus stop | Via Matsue Ohashi | Ohashi Kita-zume | About 5 minutes | 160 yen |
Matsue Ohashi is a bridge located in Shirakatahommachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, spanning Lake Shinji and Ohashi River. The bridge is about 1.1km long and is a landmark of Matsue City.