Spots in Matsue Area

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Matsue

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...
Adachi Museum of Art

4.5

1076 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Furukawachou 320

An art museum located in Furukawa Town, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture which focuses on displaying modern Japanese paintings. The museum’s collection includes master Japanese painter Yokoyama Taikan’s masterpieces “Koyo” and “Ame hareru,” in addition to works by other modern Japanese painters such as Takeuchi Seiho and Hashimoto Kansetsu, in addition to ceramics by renowned artist Kitaouji Rosanjin. The museum’s exhibit is changed four times a year in line with the seasons. The museum is also famous for Japanese gardens such as the Karesansui-tei rock garden and Hakusaseisho-tei sand and pine garden, totaling some 50 thousand square meters in all. The museum’s gardens are revered around the world and they have long ranked in at number one on the American Japanese gardening magazine “Journal of Japanese Gardening’s” list of top gardens.

The museum requires a train ride and then a short (free) trip on a tram to the museum. The art in the museum is mediocre, not world class. The gardens are overdone and the fake waterfall adds a...
Yaegaki Jinja Shrine

4.5

448 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Sakusachou 227

This shrine in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture is famous for marriage and enshrines the gods Susano-no-mikoto and Inatahime-no-mikoto. The three-paneled Itae Chakushoku Shinzo pictures (wall painting in the honden) in the treasure storage room has been designated as an important cultural property. On the grounds are many popular spots for women, including the Meoto-sugi (coupled cryptomeria trees), Meoto-tsubaki (coupled camellia) and Kagami-no-ike (mirror pond), where the appearance of a suitable marriage partner is predicted by the speed of which a piece of Japanese paper sinks after a coin is placed on top.

Famous for relationships (marriage) and its Japanese legends background. A beautiful holy place. There’re penis statue.
Shimane Art Museum

4.5

285 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Sodeshichou 1-5

An art museum which first opened in 1999. Located in Sodeshi Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, the Shimane Art Museum is one of the largest in the San’in region. A modern structure standing on the bank of Lake Shinji, the museum’s theme is an “art museum which harmonizes with water.” The museum’s collection consists of outstanding works of art in every genre, including paintings, sculptures, crafts, and photographs; the museum also displays numerous artworks which make use of water. The museum’s entrance lobby has giant windows facing Lake Shinji, and the view of the setting sun from here is spectacular (visitors may enter the entrance lobby free of charge).

First the architecture of the museum in front of the lac is amazing. Inside permanent exhibition has very important western and japanese master piece as an enormous sculpture Victor Hugo by Rodin...
Yuushien Garden

4.5

282 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Yatsukachouhanyu 1260-2

The largest Japanese garden surrounding a pond in the San’in region, which opened in 1975, is located on Daikonshima Island in a lake called Nakaumi (Middle Sea) in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. It is an idyllic garden of a simple and subdued refinement with its black pine, a waterfall, and Yukimi (snow viewing) lanterns in the center of the pond. It is famous for its peony and other seasonal flowers. In addition to the interior garden Peony Hall, where you can appreciate peony throughout the year, a Spring Peony Festival is held from late April to mid-May when about 20,000 trees of 250 species of peony color the garden. There are also places to eat and shops available. Goods using the special product Ginseng are popular.

Just outside Matsue, is Yuushien Garden. I drove here, there is a large parking lot across the street. You enter an interesting building with a shop, café, and ginseng displays. There is a fee to...
Miho-jinja Shrine

4.5

223 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Mihonosekichoumihonoseki 608

An ancient Shinto shrine located in mentioned in the “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki,” a book documenting local customs and culture. The shrine is the head shrine of all shrines dedicated to Kotoshironushi (Ebisu). The main shrine building, a designated National Treasure, is built in the Miho-zukuri (hiyoku taisha-zukuri) style and consists of two halls joined together. The one on the left facing the building is dedicated to Kotoshironushi, while the one on the right is dedicated to his mother, Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto. The shrine is believed to grant worshippers a variety of benefits, including not only prosperity in business but also large harvests, maritime safety, and luck in public performance. The shrine’s Aofushigaki Shinji ritual, held on April 7, and Morotebune Shinji ritual, held on December 3, are connected with the “kuni-yuzuri,” a legend relating the transfer of the rulership of Japan to the gods of Heaven, and during these times great numbers of people from around the country come to witness the events.

Authentic Japanese style shrine with interesting Japanese wooden architecture work. Ambience similar sacred. Very good Japnese snacks around the shrine. And very nice peer view too.
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...
Tamatsukuriyu-jinja Shrine

4.0

227 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tamayuchoutamatsukuri 508

An ancient Shinto shrine located on the outskirts of the Tamatsukuri Onsen hot spring district in Matsue, Shimane mentioned in the texts of the “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki” and “Engi-shiki.” The shrine is dedicated to three gods—Kushiakarutama-no-mikoto, who makes Tamatsukuribe; Onamochi-no-mikoto, who makes nations; and Sukunabikona-no-mikoto, god of hot spring medicine and protecting hot springs. The shrine’s treasure house stores jewels unearthed at the ruins of Tamatsukuri designated Important Cultural Properties. There is also a wishing stone on the grounds that grants wishes to those who touch it and pray, and in recent years the shrine has become a popular mystical “power spot.”

Its not a huge shrine but its right in Tamatsukuri Onsen so it was nice to go down and have a look at it. Very peaceful there.
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.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple

4.0

52 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Kiyomizuchou 528

Located in Kiyomizu Town, Yasugi City, Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple devoted to the worship of Kannon that, according to tradition, was founded by the renowned Buddhist monk Sonryu in 587. Since ancient times, it has been famous as a temple where people go to pray for protection against misfortune, and many people continue to visit the temple for this purpose today. Within the temple grounds, visitors can see the Konpon Hall, which has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property; there are also many precious statues of the Buddha, including a wooden statute of Kannon with eleven faces standing upright.

Wow! Im glad that Im in not-bad shape, because the road was pretty steep going in from where we were dropped off by the a and n oni. I kind of wish wed gone through the many torii gates...
Kumano Taisha shrine

4.5

93 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Yakumochoukumano 2451

A Shinto shrine standing amidst the mountains of Yakumo Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the god Kaburogi-kumano-okami Kushi-mike-no-mikoto, which is viewed as another name for the god Susanoo-no-mikoto. Together with the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, the Kumano Taisha has been viewed as one of the holiest shrines in the local Izumo area, and the shrine is famous as being the origin of fire in Japan. Some of the shrine’s many highlights include the taisha-zukuri style main shrine building, and the Sanka-den hall, which is built in a unique style—in addition to a thatched roof, the hall’s four walls are covered with hinoki cypress bark. During the Sanka Festival on October 15, the chief priest of the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine visits the Kumano Taisha and performs the Kamedayu Shinji, a ritual wherein the priest receives a wooden hand drill and board for lighting a sacred fire.

山あいにある「出雲国一之宮熊野大社」です。自分的にはかなりお気に入りです。島根県松江市にある「熊野大社」は「出雲大社」と共に「出雲国一宮」として古くから信仰を集めている神社だそうです。「出雲国神仏霊場、第十五番熊野大社...
Tamatsukuri Onsen Yu-yu

4.0

69 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Shimane Matsue-shi Tamayucho Tamatsukuri 255

this place is for local people. they enjoy onsen after work. Real hot spring but please follow the instruction. dont run inside.
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...
Roadside Station Ara Essa

4.0

44 Reviews

Transportation

Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Nakaumichou 118-1

"This roadside station is located at the eastern entrance to Shimane Prefecture, home to mythology. It is a multipurpose facility open 24 hours proving information and holding various events, as well as a market selling seafood and marine produce from off the Sanin coast and farm produce directly to the customer. In the renovated Meiji era house moved here as a Japanese restaurant, ""Nakaumi-no-Sato"", visitors can enjoy Yasugi cuisine in a relaxing space."

安来節の町らしいネーミングとキャラクターが秀逸ですね。軽快なBGMが流れていて「あらえっさっさぁ-」と声が出てしまいそうです。農産物等直売所と海産物等販売所では、商品の種類や品ぞろえも豊富で買い物が楽しくなります。安来はどじょうが特産ということで、レストランでは柳川鍋も提供されていました。
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...
Sada-jinja Shrine

4.0

32 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kashimachousadamiyauchi 73

This is a shrine located in Sadamiyauchi, Kashimacho, Matsue City. It is a historical shrine that gathered faith as one of the Izumo Grand Shrines, and in the Izumonokuni Fudoki (a book of regional culture) is described as Sada Grand Shrine and Sada Mikonoyashiro. The Sada Shin Noh dance performed on 24th and 25th September at the Gozagaesai (a ritual of changing the straw mats) is also registered in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

古くは出雲国三大社の内の一つとして「佐陀大社」とも呼ばれた由緒ある古社。大社造りの本殿が3つ並ぶ、三殿並立という全国的にも珍しい形式の社殿です。主祭神は佐太大神（さだのおおかみ）で、『出雲国風土記』には出雲国内四大神の一つと書かれています。別名猿田彦大神とも呼ばれ、開運・招福の神として親しまれています。境外摂社の田中神社は、「縁結び」と「縁切り」の社が背中合わせになった、全国的にも大変珍しい...

Shimane Matsue

Around Matsue Castle Matsue City Suburbs / Yasugi Tamatsukuri Onsen

Leisure / Hobbies Shopping Gourmet / Alcohol Style / Fashion Life / Living / Hospital Accommodations / Hot Spring Travel / Tourism Transportation

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.