Matsuyama Spring Festival

The Matsuyama Spring Festival (松山春まつ) takes place on the first weekend of April, coinciding with the peak of the cherry blossom season. The festival begins on Saturday with a series of smaller events and activities, gradually building anticipation for the main event on Sunday—the spectacular Daimyo Musha Gyoretsu parade. The grand procession features the Lord of Matsuyama, flanked by feudal warriors, noble ladies, and performers dressed in historical attire, as they make their way through the streets. The parade winds through popular areas like Ropeway Dori and the Okaido Arcade, where spectators and photographers alike capture the vivid costumes, representing different periods of Japan’s history, such as the Edo and Meiji eras.

Beyond the parade, the surrounding park comes alive with a range of festivities. Food stalls line the area, offering Ehime’s B-Class Gourmet delights—regional specialties that allow visitors to savor local flavors. Children practicing martial arts, particularly kendo, under the cherry trees bring an energetic and authentic atmosphere to the scene. The festival beautifully intertwines Matsuyama’s rich history with modern-day celebrations, making it an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.