Matsue Jozan Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

With the blooming of the sakura, Matsue is transformed into a sea of pink, where the beauty of spring is celebrated with every petal. The Matsue Jozan Park Cherry Blossom Festival, or Matsue Jozan Koen Festival, takes place in Matsue City, located in the Shimane Prefecture of Japan. It’s one of the most beautiful places to experience cherry blossoms. 

Jozan Park, known for its large grounds, hosts the event each spring, typically in late March to early April, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Forecasts indicate that in 2025, the blossoms are expected to begin blooming on March 28 and achieve full bloom between April 3 and April 9.

Disclaimer: These dates are based on bloom predictions for 2025, but bloom timing can change. Double-check closer to your visit to avoid surprises!

The festival evolved around Matsue Castle, a historical landmark completed in 1611, where samurai and nobles once admired the beauty of cherry blossoms as a symbol of life's impermanence. Over time, the local community embraced the tradition, gathering in Jozan Park, which surrounds the castle, to celebrate spring with food, music, and cultural performances.

What to Expect When Attending the Matsue Jozan Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

At the festival, you can expect a wonderful experience full of natural beauty. You’ll find lively food stalls offering traditional Japanese treats like takoyaki, taiyaki, and sweet sakura-flavored snacks, which you can enjoy while admiring the views. There will be performances with local music, dance, and even traditional tea ceremonies. The atmosphere is festive, with families and friends gathered for hanami (flower viewing), enjoying picnics under the cherry blossom trees. Expect a relaxed vibe and plenty of opportunities to explore the park’s amazing walking paths and take in the breathtaking views.

You can also visit one of the best places to view cherry trees — the Matsue Castle. On weekends, you can attend free stage performances at the Matsue Castle grounds, including stunning Kagura dances and drum concerts. The castle tower remains open later than usual, with night-time lights creating an enchanting atmosphere throughout the castle grounds.

You can walk on the Matsue Ohashi Bridge at night, which becomes even more magical. The illuminated cherry blossoms and castle create a breathtaking scene over the water.

During this period of the year, Matsue generally experiences mild spring weather. Average daytime temperatures hover around 17.3 C (63.1 F), while nighttime temperatures drop to approximately 10.3 C (50.5 F). You’ll want to dress comfortably for mild spring weather, keeping in mind the possibility of cooler evenings and occasional rain. If you want a more traditional experience, wearing a kimono or yukata is a wonderful idea!

Tickets

This festival is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms and experience traditional Japanese festivities without spending much. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms, stroll through the park, and participate in different cultural activities for free! Just bring cash for delicious food and interesting souvenirs.

Security Protocols

Expect standard checks at entry points, such as bag inspections, especially if carrying large bags or items. It's a good idea to avoid bringing bulky bags and prohibited items like alcohol or anything that could pose a safety risk. Staff will also provide guidance on crowd management during peak hours. Just follow any event instructions to make the most of your visit while staying safe!

How to Get To or From the Event

To reach the Matsue Jozan Park Cherry Blossom Festival, you can take several options depending on where you're coming from. Here's how you can get to Matsue:

• By train: Matsue Station is the city's main rail hub and is well-connected to other major cities, such as Hiroshima and Osaka. Once you arrive at Matsue Station, take a local bus or taxi to Jozan Park. It's a 10-15 minute drive from the station to the park.
• By Bus: If you're coming from Izumo, Hiroshima, or other cities in the Shimane Prefecture, you can take highway buses to Matsue Station.
• By Car: If you're driving, you can use Route 9 or Route 431 to reach Matsue. There are parking areas near the park, but during the festival, they can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early or use public transport if possible.
• By Air: If you're flying into the region, the nearest airport is Izumo Airport (about 30 minutes by car) or Yonago Kitaro Airport (about an hour by car). From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Matsue and then use local transportation to get to Jozan Park.

Matsue Jozan Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Policy

This festival generally has a relaxed atmosphere, but it's always good to be mindful of bag policies to ensure a smooth experience. While there are no strict security checks like at major events, here are some general guidelines:

• Small bags and backpacks are OK for carrying essentials like a camera, water bottle, and snacks.
• Large bags or suitcases may not be allowed in certain areas, especially during busy times. It’s best to travel light.
• No hazardous items—avoid bringing alcohol, fireworks, or anything that could disturb other visitors.

Matsue Jozan Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Store Your Bags With Bounce and Admire Sakuras

If you're traveling with luggage, Bounce will gladly help you store it in cities like Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo, or Kyoto. The process of storing your bags with Bounce is pretty easy! You can visit our website or use the Bounce mobile app to find a convenient spot in your chosen city.

The price is just ¥400 per day. Each booking has ¥1,000,000 in bag protection, and our support is available 24/7. If your plans change, you can cancel your booking anytime before drop-off with no cancellation fee.

How to Stow Your Bag With Bounce

• Book: Choose your spot, book, and pay online.
• Store your luggage: Arrive at the chosen spot with the payment confirmation and store your bags.
• Enjoy: Head to the festival and have a great time!

How to Make the Most Out of the Matsue Jozan Park Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

• Enjoy Japanese tea ceremonies or tea-tasting experiences. Take part in one or pack your own travel tea set and enjoy a peaceful tea break under the cherry blossoms. It’s a perfect way to slow down and embrace the serenity of the festival.
• If you're into photography, challenge yourself to capture the cherry blossoms from unique angles—get close-ups of the petals, shoot from beneath the trees looking up at the sky, or even try long-exposure shots with the movement of people and flowers.
• Visit the Adachi Museum of Art, famous for its stunning Japanese gardens and art collection. You can also stroll through the Shimane Art Museum or take a boat ride along the Nakaumi Lake. For a more cultural experience, check out the Matsue Vogel Park, a beautiful bird sanctuary, or relax at the Matsue History Museum to learn about local history.
• Store your luggage with Bounce while you travel. This way, you can enjoy hanami, take photos, and walk around comfortably without worrying about your belongings.

Get ready for your journey to Japan! The Cherry Blossom Festival at Matsue Jozan Park offers a wonderful opportunity to witness the stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom.