Matsue Castle: Touring the Castle Town by Lake Shinji, One of Japan's 12 Remaining Original Castle Towers

Matsue Castle, built on Kameda-yama in central Matsue City, Shimane, is the only remaining original castle tower in the San'in region, completed in 1611 (Keicho 16). Designated a National Treasure in 2015, it is an extremely valuable castle as one of only 12 remaining original castle towers nationwide.

National Treasure Matsue Castle Tower

Matsue Castle's keep is a four-layered five-story main tower, characterized by black-painted board exterior in the "望楼型" (watchtower) style. Exhibits inside display period weapons and armor, while the top floor offers panoramic views of Matsue cityscape, Lake Shinji, and Lake Nakaumi. The stone walls surrounding the tower are also magnificent, the mixing of multiple-era wall construction styles earning it the label of "stone wall museum."

Horikawa Cruise: Touring the Castle Town by Wooden Boat

The "Horikawa Cruise" touring the moat canals around Matsue Castle by wooden boat is a standard Matsue sightseeing course. While passing under stone bridges and past samurai residences, four-seasons castle town scenery is enjoyed from the water surface. In winter, kotatsu heated tables are installed in the boats for warm, comfortable cruising.

Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) and Matsue

Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), the author famous for "Kaidan," lived in Matsue during the Meiji era and introduced Japanese yokai culture to the West. Near the castle are "Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence" and "Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum."

Access

About 10 minutes by city bus, Lake Line, etc. from JR Matsue Station.