Matsue — If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate Irish culture in Japan, Matsue offers a truly memorable experience. Often called The Chief City of the Province of the Gods, this picturesque city in Shimane Prefecture is best known for its connection to the writer Patrick Lafcadio Hearn. Matsue shares a special bond with Ireland and celebrates St Patrick’s Day on the second Sunday of March, blending Irish traditions with Japanese warmth in a heartwarming way.
Getting to Matsue
Travelling to Matsue is straightforward. From Tokyo, you can take the Sunrise Izumo sleeper train and enjoy a scenic 12-hour journey. Alternatively, a faster option combines the Shinkansen and the Yakumo Limited Express via Okayama, taking approximately eight hours. A round trip costs around 50,000 yen, though foreign visitors can enjoy savings with the Japan Rail Pass.
A Celebration Drenched in Green
On this festive day, the city honours St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Matsue’s usual camellia-yellow hues give way to a vibrant sea of Irish green, symbolising the shamrock and other iconic emblems of Irish culture.
Festivities at Karakoro Hiroba Plaza
The Karakoro Hiroba Plaza becomes the heart of the celebration. Local musicians perform using traditional Irish instruments such as uilleann pipes and harps, while bagpipers in kilts entertain enthusiastic crowds. Many attendees dress in green, creating a cheerful and festive atmosphere.
A Lively Parade by Land and Water
A vibrant water parade adds extra excitement, with participants boarding boats at Fureai Hiroba and sailing toward the plaza before joining a larger procession to Matsue City Hall. The hall is decorated with Irish flags featuring three colours: green, representing Catholics; orange, representing Protestants; and white, symbolising peace and unity between them. Throughout the event, live bands keep the energy high with spirited performances.
Honouring Shared Heritage
“Matsue and Ireland share a special connection through Lafcadio Hearn, and the city’s parade is unique, featuring boats and the green illumination of Matsue Castle. The Embassy of Ireland in Japan holds this relationship in high regard. Ireland plans to showcase an exhibit inspired by Lafcadio Hearn at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai Japan, said Rory Conaty, Economic Counsellor at the Embassy of Ireland in Tokyo.
Matsue’s ties with Ireland are also reflected in its tradition of inviting Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) from Ireland, one of whom plays the role of St Patrick each year.
A Green Glow over Matsue Castle
Adding to the festive spirit, Matsue Castle is lit up in green, creating a magical evening scene. Couples dressed as Lafcadio Hearn and his wife Setsu also appear, offering a preview of the upcoming NHK drama Bakebake, set to air this autumn. The drama will tell the story of Matsue-born Setsu’s dedication to supporting Hearn.
Voices from Ireland
Adrian, a visitor from Cork, Ireland, shared his thoughts: “The festival is exciting. It’s wonderful to see Irish culture being celebrated with such warmth and enthusiasm.”
(Words by Takashi Saito)
To reach Matsue, there are several travel options:
- Quick trip: Take a 2-hour flight from Haneda to Izumo Airport with JAL, followed by a 35-minute bus ride to JR Matsue Station. Roundtrip costs about 70,000 yen.
- Scenic journey: Take the night sleeper train, Sunrise Izumo, for a scenic 12-hour journey at 55,000 yen roundtrip.
- Shinkansen: Take the bullet train via Okayama Station and transfer to Local Limited Express Yakumo. The trip takes 8 hours and costs around 50,000 yen with a Japan Rail Pass.