Located in the north-west part of Chiba prefecture, 20km from the heart of Tokyo, Matsudo City was established in 1943. Now, with a population of about 500,000 people, the city has grown into a residential city near the capital, where the richness of lush green spaces and natural reserves coexists effortlessly with the vibrancy of urban life and a multi-generation population.
During the Edo period, the region flourished as a key transport hub and post town. Many historical sites remain today, including the Tokugawa family’s Matsudo Tojo-tei House and Garden, designated as a National Important Cultural Property, built by Akitake Tokugawa, the younger brother of Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the 15th shogun of the Edo Shogunate. The Hondoji Temple, where approximately 50,000 hydrangeas bloom in late of June, is another notable site in Matsudo City.
In spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival; in summer, the Fireworks Festival and Matsudoshuku Sakagawa Votive Lantern Offering Festival; in autumn, the Matsudo Festival and the Tourist Pear Orchard; and in winter, the Matsudo Christmas Music Festival are held, attracting many people.
Moreover, the “Forest and Park for the 21st Century”, an expansive 50.5-hectare green space in the heart of Matsudo City, offers a variety of seasonal activities year-round, including physical exercise activities, bird watching, barbecuing, and music appreciation. The park also features cultural facilities such as the civic museum and the “Hall of the Forest 21” music hall.
Matsudo City is also known for a variety of distinctive local specialties, lovingly crafted by passionate local farmers and producers. These include fresh produce such as spring onions, pears, strawberries, as well as local favourites such as ramen and freshly baked bread. The city also preserves traditional crafts such as Kumihimo (braided cords) and Yuzen Dyeing. For more information, please visit the official Matsudo City website.
Moreover, Matsudo City was designated as an “SDG’s Future City” by the Cabinet Office in 2022. Under the concept of “A Sustainable and Compassionate City”, the city has been actively working to create a safe and inclusive living environment for people of all generations.
• Green Tree Day – Whitehorse City of Australia
Matsudo City and Whitehorse City established a sister city relationship on 12 May 1971, making this year the 54th anniversary. Remarkably, it all began with one letter. In 1958, a junior high school student wrote to the Australia Embassy, requesting seeds of a Eucalyptus tree. This small gesture eventually led to the formation of the sister city relationship between Matsudo and Whitehorse. Both cities have designated 12 May as “Green Tree Day” to promote friendship and greening. On this day, events such as commemorative tree planting and online meetings are held to strengthen the bond. In addition, junior and senior high school students from Matsudo have taken part in exchange visits to Whitehorse through the Sister City Youth Exchange Program.
Matsudo City not only promotes exchanges between sister cities, but also aims to foster mutual understanding between countries and nurture young people with a global outlook.
• Sister City with Australia
In celebration of the sister city anniversary in May, Matsudo City has traditionally held events with a focus on Australia. These have included sports and art, concerts, and food-related events at commercial facilities throughout the city. During the event period, participating restaurants in the city helped deepen residents’ understanding of the sister city relationship by offering special menu items made with Australian ingredients.
In addition, citizens from both cities have been engaged in Girl Scout exchanges, which will mark their 40th anniversary next year. Through their respective cultural activities, participants have deepened their interest and understanding of different cultures, helping to foster an international perspective. There is also an ongoing exchange of etegami—hand-painted postcards featuring messages of local pride and warm greetings—between the citizens, strengthening bonds across borders. The postcards sent by Matsudo City were displayed at the Japan Festival in Whitehorse City, while the postcards sent from Whitehorse City were displayed in the connecting corridor of the city hall, where many people stopped to admire the works.
In 2026, the cities will be celebrating the 55th anniversary of their sister city relationship. Matsudo City will continue to strengthen the bond between the two cities through various exchanges and uphold their wonderful friendship.
