St. Patrick descends upon Matsue, his presence a bridge between distant lands. The Irish green mingles with the hues of Japan, a vibrant tapestry woven by tradition and celebration. In the heart of Shimane Prefecture, where gods once roamed, Matsue City Hall raises the Irish flag, a nod to the writer Lafcadio Hearn
St. Patrick’s Day in Matsue
Matsue City celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on March 10th, and the Irish festival is a significant occasion cherished by the Irish and their descendants. St. Patrick is known as the primary patron saint of Ireland. Crowds of spectators flocked to the Karakoro Hiroba plaza and the city hall to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and watch the lively parade. Dressed in the traditional Irish hue of green, music bands showcased their exceptional talents, captivating the audience with their performances.
A Gesture of Reverence
In a gesture of reverence towards Ireland and the distinguished Irish writer St. Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who once described Matsue as the chief city of the province of the gods and introduced its splendour to the Western world in the late 19th century, the city hall proudly raised the Irish national flag.
“This festival’s splendid blending of Japanese and Irish cultures is wonderful,” said Elizabeth Payne from Oregon, USA.
Travel to Matsue
Matsue City celebrates St. Patrick’s Day annually on the second Sunday of March, reaffirming its commitment to fostering cultural exchange and celebration between the city and Ireland.
Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, and travelling to the city is easy thanks to Japan’s efficient transportation system. The Sunrise Izumo sleeper train offers a scenic 12-hour journey from Tokyo to Matsue Station, featuring private cabins. Roundtrip tickets cost around 50,000 yen ($450), with cheaper bunk bed options available. Alternatively, the Shinkansen provides a quicker option, taking about eight hours with a transfer from Okayama Station to the Local Limited Express Yakumo. Roundtrip fares are around 50,000 yen, making it a convenient and affordable choice. Foreign travellers can benefit from a more economical Japan Rail Pass (click the link).
(Words by Takashi Saito)