Matsue – The Tenjin Festival, a vibrant annual summer event deeply rooted in local tradition, is currently underway at Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine, taking place on July 24th and continuing through today, July 25th.Held in honour of Sugawara Michizane, a historical figure revered as a patron of scholarship and the arts, the festival celebrates community spirit and cultural heritage in one of Japan’s most scenic castle towns.
Even before the official start, the shrine grounds were buzzing with activity. Food and game stalls lined the walkways, drawing in large crowds—especially teenagers eager to soak up the festive energy. The atmosphere was electric, offering a vivid contrast to the quiet charm that usually defines Shimane Prefecture.
On the evening of July 24th, the streets came alive as roughly 400 bearers in traditional happi coats chanted “soiya-sa” while carrying portable shrines in a circular procession that began and ended at Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine. The parade was a dynamic spectacle, featuring four mikoshi (portable shrines) sponsored by local businesses, a lively gal mikoshi—a shrine carried by a women’s team often dressed in black festival attire—and the main shrine representing the Tenjin-machi district. Despite the muggy summer heat, thousands of spectators gathered to witness this powerful celebration of local identity.
The Tenjin Festival is far more than a lively summer event—it’s the city’s most important traditional celebration, held every July to honour the spirit of a beloved historical figure: Sugawara Michizane, often compared to a patron saint of learning in Japanese culture. Locals say that the tradition has been passed down for nearly 400 years, dating back to the founding of Matsue in the early 17th century. As the annual highlight of the Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine, the festival blends deep-rooted cultural heritage with a strong sense of community pride, passed down through generations.