A historical spectacle in the Matsumae castle town, brought to life by warriors and dashi floats
Matsumae Jōka Jidai Matsuri
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Aug / Every year
- Area
- Hokkaido・Matsumae Town(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 30 min–2 h · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A summer period festival in Matsumae, where warrior and processions bring the castle town to life. Events that bring history and local festivity to life, such as the motorcycle warrior parade and , have been passed down through generations.
About Matsumae Jōka Jidai Matsuri
Matsumae Jōka Jidai Matsuri is a summer festival held in Matsumae, Hokkaido, that evokes the history of a castle town.
The festival has featured a procession of warriors in armor and helmets, motorcycle warrior parades, dashi processions, Bon Odori, and other events.
The festival continues to be passed down through generations, bringing together historical attire and local events against the backdrop of Matsumae’s streets.
Source: 松前城下時代まつり - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
A major highlight is the procession of warriors in armor and helmets making its way through town.
In the past, “motorcycle warriors” rode motorcycles instead of horses in a parade heading toward the Matsumae castle town.
There is also a dashi procession, with floats from each neighborhood making their way through the streets to Matsumae Gion music. Visitors can enjoy both the historical atmosphere of a castle town and the lively spirit of the community.
A historical spectacle in the Matsumae castle town, brought to life by warriors and dashi floats
What to expect
The festival opens with a procession of warriors and a motorcycle warrior parade, followed by a dashi procession through town.
The dashi floats proceed to Matsumae Gion music, with local neighborhood associations taking part in the festival.
As the festival takes place around the Bon holiday period, Bon Odori has also been held as part of the festivities.
Location and access
- Address
Matsumae Town
Host municipality 北海道松前町
This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.
Dates and season
- Season
Aug
- Frequency
Every year
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Hokkaido / Matsumae Town (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
松前城
北海道松前町にあった城
写真：en:User:Fg2 / Public domain(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·Origins and History of Matsumae Jōka Jidai Matsuri
Matsumae Jōka Jidai Matsuri was first held in August 1984, initially focusing on a procession of warriors in armor and helmets.
In 1992, a motorcycle warrior procession traveled about 100 kilometers from in front of the Takadaya Kahei statue in Hakodate to Matsumae, opening the festival.
In 1994, a dashi float called “Kyūfukuyama” was revived, adding the tradition of a dashi procession.
Official information
A notice from Matsumae Town, Hokkaido, features the 2026 Matsumae Jōka Jidai Matsuri as a topic of local interest.
Source: 広報（2026年（令和8年））｜北海道松前町
Matsumae Jōka Jidai Matsuri at a Glance
Matsumae Jōka Jidai Matsuri is a summer festival held in the castle town of Matsumae, featuring a warrior procession, motorcycle warriors, a dashi procession, Bon Odori, and other events.
It began in 1984 and has been passed down through the community, with changes to its period procession and the revival of dashi floats.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
Submit information or a correction Submit photos of this festival
