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Matsue

Around Matsue Castle

Category

Matsue Castle

4.5

1523 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 1-5

A flatland mountain castle located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture which was completed in 1611, the castle tower, a designated National Treasure, is said to be the only orthodox-style original castle tower still standing in Japan. Covered with black-painted siding on most of its walls, the castle is designed as a watchtower and the top floor offers a sweeping view of the city of Matsue. Relatively simple in design, a characteristic of castles built in the early Momoyama period, the castle is also known as “Chidori Castle.” The area surrounding the castle has been turned into the Matsue Jozan Park; a famous cherry blossom-viewing destination, in spring some 200 cherry trees come into bloom on the park’s grounds. The park has even been selected as one of the 100 best places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.

Matsue Castle is gorgeous - inside and out. Such beautiful views of it from outside and its definitely worth going inside (shoes off) to climb up the five flights to the top. There are various...
Horikawa Pleasure Boat

4.5

320 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kurodachou 507-1

A pleasure cruise which goes on a 50 minute tour of the moat surrounding the National Treasure-designated Matsue Castle in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The cruise’s coarse is dotted with famous and elegant castle town sights such as Shiomi Nawate-dori Street and the Former Samurai District. The water birds, flowering plants growing by the water, and other highly seasonal scenery is also a must-see. The cruise boat itself is eight meters long, two meters wide, and covered with a small roof; a toasty kotatsu (table with a blanket and heater underneath) is provided in winter. The Hori River the boat travels is spanned by 17 bridges, and when the boat travels under particularly low bridges, the roof must be lowered to pass.

The experience of having to duck down so that the roof can be lowered was fun. We had the additional pleasure of having two volunteer guides from the Matsue Goodwill Guide Group to assist us in...
Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum

4.0

178 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Okudanichou 322

This is a memorial museum for Lafcadio Hearn, adopting the Japanese name, Yakumo Koizumi, known for his works of Hoichi the Earless, and the Yukionna (Snow Fairy) introduced in the storybook, Kaidan (Japanese ghost stories). This museum opened in 1934 is housed in the Japanese architectural structure adjoining the former residence of Yakumo Koizumi. It was renovated in 2016. This museum introduces the Greek born Irishman, Hearn, who arrived in Japan, via stays in England and the United States, and was then naturalized. The multifaceted aspects of Yakumo as an author, instructor, and journalist can be seen through the displayed mementos, manuscripts and writings revealing a portrait of his person.

Very modern and complet museum about Hearn life, irish writer who became japanese. Interresting if you want to know the details of the life of the author of Kwaidan.
Former Residence of Koizumi Yakumo

4.0

174 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou 315

Known as the author of “Mimi nashi hoichi” and “Yuki Onna”, Koizumi Yakumo whose original name was in fact Lafcadio Hearn is also known for having taught Japanese culture and customs to the West. The former Koizumi Yakumo residence in Matsue is a mansion which Yakumo lived in for about five months from May 1891. A feature of viewing the former residence is that the “garden” is what people come to see when they visit. I definitely want you to see the garden which is the setting of one of the works, “The Unknown Japanese Shadow” by Yakumo. This building which is preserved as it was at the time when Yakumo lived there is now the only former residence of Koizumi Yakumo in existence.

Interesting display of how this foreigner grew up and eventually established a relationship with Japan and came to settle there. Its also quiet and peaceful there.
Matsue History Museum

4.0

127 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 279

This is a history museum in the east of Matsue Castle, and is a facility to introduce the history and culture of the Matsue castle town. The building is deeply influenced by the samurai residence style, and houses the national treasures “Matsue Castle Tower Prayer Notes.” The standard exhibit features original items and video materials connected to the Matsue domain and the lives and livelihoods in the castle town. At the building’s high-grade Japanese fresh confections teahouse “Kissa Kiharu,” on top of enjoying tea while looking out over the castle tower and gardens, one can watch the work of artisan Tsugio Itami. Alight at JR Matsue Station and take the municipal bus to Shiomi Nawate.

Interesting display of History of Matsue. Go and request for the audio guide so you would be able to understand fully what the display shows
Matsue Jozan Park

4.0

88 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 1-5

Matsue Castle which was built in the early Edo period is also called by the nick name, “Plover Castle”. The castle tower has been designated as a National Treasure and the castle ruins as a National Historic Site. The vast castle ruins which are maintained as an inner citadel and an outer citadel are known as “Matsue Castle Jozan Park”. You will be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms and the castle at the same time as it has also been chosen as one of the “100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan”. The appearance of the various cherry trees such as the Yoshino cherry trees, the drooping cherry trees and the mountain cherry trees blooming in profusion is breathtakingly beautiful. You can enjoy the magical scenery with the keep being illuminated until 10 pm.

The walk through Jozan Park afterwards to Shiomi Nawate street was lovely, peaceful and well sign-posted. The mossy tree roots on some of the trees were beautiful.
Buke Yashiki Samurai Residence

3.5

124 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou Shiomi Nawate 305

This samurai residence was the dwelling of many successive samurai, of both mid and high-ranks, of the Matsue Domain from the early Edo period through to the end. The construction of the main house is such that the front and the back are made of completely different material and style. This reflects the public face and the private world of the samurai life. Even the garden is frugally adorned with an austere and manly sensibility. Although current structure is a replica of the original, which was burned in 1733, it preserves the architecture of that period, and is a cultural property of Matsue City.

If visiting the castle in Matsue, might as well get more out of the experience and see one of the traditional Samurai houses. The house is located near the castle on a beautiful street opposite side...
Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Footbath

4.0

95 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Shimane Matsue-shi Nakabaracho 30-4

This footbath is located in front of Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station. You can fully enjoy this suitable footbath to aid recovery from fatigue situated to the right after leaving the station. Right next to the terminal, it is a great place to relax and have fun even on rainy days because it has a roof. It can be used even if you do not have your own towel because there are towels on sale at the stand in the station. It is a popular spot for local residents to talk, and many people use it while waiting for the train or bus.

I found this ashiyu just by train station. I was surprised to see this in unlikely location. Watched train goes by, foot traffic. You wont be able to enjoy peace and quiet, but nice to have ashiyu...
Meimei-an

4.0

53 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou 278

Meimei-an is a teahouse built in the main residence of the Arisawa family to the liking of the seventh lord of the Matsue Domain, Matsudaira Fumai, who was well known as being a master in the tea ceremony. After having been moved a number of times, it was relocated to its current location, Shiomi Nawate, in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, in 1966. The modest building without any central pillars has a gabled, hipped roof of thick thatch and its unusual style, much loved by Fumai, is apparent. In the separate building, Hyakusotei, matcha green tea and sweets can be enjoyed while looking out over the garden.

Like other Japanese teahouses, visitors can enjoy matcha and confectionaries along with looking at a beautiful Japanese garden. But visitors can also see a very old wooden little teahouse which is...
The Tanabe Museum of Art

3.5

17 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou 310-5

This museum is located in Shiominawate in the traditional Bikan-chiku (beautiful site area) of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. It was opened in 1979 by Tanabe Choemon (Tomoyuki), who was the Land and Forest minister for Okuizumo Town and also served as governor of Shimane Prefecture. The collection and exhibits focus on items related to the 23 generations of the Tanabe family. There are also several items associated with the seventh leader of the Matsue clan, Matsudaira Fumai, who was a famous tea master. The collection includes Rakuzan-yaki ware, Fujina-yaki ware, and other tea ceremony-related items. Visitors can enjoy some matcha tea and Japanese sweets in the tea room.

松江城北側の塩見縄手にある美術館。入館料は700円だが、松江城の3館共通券を提示すると団体料金に割引となる。受付のある長屋門は歴史ある建築物だが、その先にあるのは現代的で美術館らしい建物。入口を入ったところは解放感のある吹き抜けとなっており、1階と2階はスロープで結ばれている。設計は奇抜な江戸東京博物館をデザインした菊竹清訓。展示品は多くなく、陶器が中心であとは茶道具と日本画が少し。古い町並み...
Fumonin Temple

3.5

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitatamachi 27

Located in Kitata Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Fumonin Temple was a shrine founded at the time the first lord of the Matsue Domain, Horio Yoshiharu, built Matsue Castle. In 1689, the third lord, Matsudaira Tsunachika, moved the temple to its current place at the site of Matsue Castle’s northeast gate, or demon’s gate. Highlight of the temple is the Sansai Hosokowa-style teahouse, Kangetsuan, often visited by the seventh lord, Matsudaira Fumai (Harusato), and also where the Meiji period Japanese researcher, Koizumi Yakumo (Lafcadio Hearn) first studied the tea ceremony. There is a large window on the eastern side where visitors can see the moon and the garden. Also famous is the Adzukitogi Bridge which appears in Koizumi Yakumo’s book, Kwaidan.

庭園と茶室が見どころの、閑静なお寺です。松江城や武家屋敷から少し東に行った所にあります。近いので一緒に見学がおすすめです。
Lake Shinji

Travel / Tourism

Matsue, Shimane Prefecture

Lake Shinji boasts of being the seventh largest lake in Japan with a circumference of about 45 kilometers. It is a slightly salty brackish lake in which fresh water blends with seawater. The whitebait and shijimi shellfish which are caught in the lake are famous as a taste which is representative of Matsue. The sunset on Lake Shinji was also registered as one of the “Top 100 Sunsets of Japan”. The footpath which continues along National Highway Route 9 from Sodeshi Town to Yomeshimacho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture on the lakeshore of Lake Shinji has become the “Lake Shinji sunset spot”. As there is also a parking lot provided, we want you to take your time to enjoy the splendour of this scenery.
Senchasoh

4.0

2 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Suetsuguhonmachi 74

Founded in 1939, the Senchasoh is a tea shop where you can enjoy tours, tea parties, and tea ceremony practice in the Keiuntei tea room. The Kyoten Main Shop functions as a gallery as well, providing a good sense of tea culture in Matsue. You may tour the Sencha-so plant in Yadacho Town, Matsue City only on weekdays (Monday through Friday), limited to one group of 20 or fewer people per day.

地元出雲のお茶をお土産にと思って松江で見つけたお店が千茶荘です。出雲ヤブ北茶が売られていたので、目的にぴったりのお茶だったのでお土産に購入しました。
Izumo Soba Kigaru

Gourmet / Alcohol

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Ishibashichou 400-1

This long-established soba restaurant is located in Ishibashi Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture and offers authentic Izumo soba made from homemade stone-milled flour. There are two types of soba prepared from early every morning: “hiki-gurumi,” which is made from unprocessed milled buckwheat, and “maru-nuki,” which is made from buckwheat with the shells removed. “Hiki-gurumi” is great for “warigo soba” and “kamaage soba,” which Izumo is famous for, and “maru-nuki” makes for great “kamo (duck) seiro soba” and “zaru soba.” Loyal local customers regularly come here, and it feels just like the old days. There’s raised tatami seating as well for those who want to stretch their legs.
Matsue Horikawa Local Beer Hall

3.5

52 Reviews

Gourmet / Alcohol

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kurodachou 509-1

"This is a beer hall where you can enjoy a Matsue local beer called ""Beer Hearn"". Also, at the beer restaurant visitors can eat Shimane Wagyu Beef and Shinjiko Shicchin, seven types of seafoods that can be found in the Seto Inland Sea. You can also enjoy five types of local beers at the beer counter overlooking the souvenir corner and the beer factory. It is a convenient facility that is walking distance from the Matsue Castle and Shiomi Nawate tourist site lined with traditional Japanese houses. "

5 minutes walking from the castle, a nice place where you can drink excellent draft beer, tables outside. a free shuttle drives you back in the city center
Yagumoan

4.5

101 Reviews

Gourmet / Alcohol

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou 308

This is a well-known Izumo soba shop in Kitabori Town, north of Matsue Castle, where the charm of the castle town remains. The shop interior, remodeled from the remains of a samurai residence, is a soothing space where one can feel the four seasons and history. One can enjoy a quiet meal while looking out over the bamboo forest, carp swimming in the pond, gardens and towering old pines. Among the meal options for Izumo soba prepared daily by the shop owner, cold-quenched Wariko soba and duck broth soup Kamonanban are popular.

Upon making the reservations for 6 for lunch for the room overlooking the gardens and pond, they asked for a Y200/person surcharge. I think it was very reasonable charge, given the beautiful...
Chugoku-Sanchi Soba Kobo Funatsu

4.5

70 Reviews

Gourmet / Alcohol

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Sotonakabarachou 117-6

This is a famous Izumo soba restaurant in Sotonakabara-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, bustling with tourists and local regulars alike. The specialty Juwari soba is made from buckwheat cultivated in Okuizumo-cho, home-milled and rolled by hand. The three types of soba made with local spring water are each matched with four specially-prepared flavors of dipping sauce. The luxury soba course and local sake options are popular.

１月下旬の日曜日、出雲大社参詣時の昼食でお邪魔しました。人気店らしいので行列覚悟で着いてみると、すんなり入店することが出来、ラッキー。口コミ評価の高い、特製割子蕎麦３段を注文しました。１０分足らずで蕎麦が到着。食べ方をお店の方が説明してくれます。説明通りつゆが少し濃いので、少しづつ味見をしながら掛けていただきます。蕎麦はのど越し絶妙で、つゆは少し甘めで私の好みに一致。小ぶりな３段重をペロリと頂きま...
Naked Space

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Suetsuguhonmachi 77 Matoeville 3F

Come enjoy a wide variety of club music in Matsue City's only club. Join the crowd and check out the wildly popular live events featuring local DJs and dancers. Cocktails are of course available in the bar area along with sake, wine, fruit wines, whiskey, and a wide variety of other drinks. All drinks are served for the reasonable price of 500 yen.
Kamiyo Soba

Gourmet / Alcohol

Shimane Matsue-shi Okudani Cho 324-5

"A veteran Matsue shop that has been making Izumo soba noodles with flour stone-ground in-house since its establishment in 1952. Izumo soba is known as the ""original buckwheat noodles."" It has a distinct aroma and flavor as well as a dark color from the grinding of unhulled buckwheat. As times change and shops making Nihachi-soba (made with 20% wheat flour and 80% buckwheat flour) increase, they still make Juwari soba (made with 100% buckwheat flour) without any additions. The soba noodle broth uses an old-fashioned cooking sake and high grade dried bonito to deliver the traditional flavors of Matsue."
Kounkaku

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 1-59

A structure built as a temporary residence for Emperor Meiji for a planned official visit completed in 1903. Located inside Matsue Jozan Park in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, the building is designated a Tangible Cultural Property by Shimane Prefecture. Although the Emperor’s tour was ultimately never implemented, the building was used to host Prince Yoshihito (later Emperor Taisho) as well as for a variety of other uses such as a reception hall for the city and as a venue for various exhibitions. The building was opened to the general public in 2015 after repairs were made to preserve its original appearance. The magnificent structure is adorned with a much ornamentation and carving both inside and out, and visitors can enjoy the superb blending of Japanese and Western influences incorporated into its design. There is a café on the first floor where you can take a relaxing break while soaking in the Meiji period atmosphere.

Shimane Matsue Around Matsue Castle

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Shimane Areas

What Shimane prefecture lacks in size and population, it makes up for in scenery and ancient mythology. Izumo-taisha, in the middle of the prefecture, is said to be Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine, where stories that delve into the creation of the Japanese race have been passed down over centuries. The 180 Oki Islands, a 40-minute ferry ride north of Sakaiminato, offer an undiscovered paradise well off the beaten track.