Shizuoka Matsuri

Shizuoka Matsuri, held every April, is one of Shizuoka City's most significant events, drawing thousands of visitors. The festival has deep ties to the region's history, particularly with Tokugawa Ieyasu, who retired in Shizuoka after his reign as Japan’s first shogun. This historical connection is celebrated with the Ieyasu Parade, where participants dress as Ieyasu and his retainers, marching through the city’s main streets. The parade is a nod to the time when the area was known as Sunpu and served as Ieyasu's home.

Beyond the parade, Shizuoka Matsuri offers various traditional experiences, including tea ceremonies, reflecting Shizuoka's status as a major tea-producing region. Visitors can also witness the Kachiya Festival, where archers shoot arrows to pray for a bountiful harvest, a practice that dates back centuries. The festival’s Yozakura Parade is enchanting, with participants carrying giant paper lanterns, lighting up the night against cherry blossoms.