MATSUE

Matsue Castle

Completed in 1611 and one of only 12 remaining original castles nationwide, Matsue Castle was built over a five-year period by Horio Yoshiharu, feudal lord and founder of Matsue. It was designated as a national treasure in 2015.

The elegance of the castle’s swooping roofs and decor is often compared to the wings of a plover bird (‘chidori’), which has led to the castle’s nickname, Plover Castle (‘chidori-jo’). There is a museum inside, and the top floor offers a panoramic view of the castle grounds and the city.

Address：
1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City
Access：
about 25 minutes walk  from JR Matsue Station
by bus: about 10 minutes from JR Matsue Station

Horikawa Sightseeing Boat

This boat tour circles the castle’s historical inner and outer moats, passing points of interest which you may not see otherwise. The boat also passes under particularly low-built bridges from time to time, meaning the passengers need to duck down as the roof lowers. Kotatsu heaters are placed in the boat during winter and passengers can literally experience the “warmth” of Japanese tradition.

Address：
507-1 Kuroda-cho,Matsue City, Shimane
Access：
about 25 minutes  from JR Matsue Station
by bus: about 10 minutes from JR Matsue Station