Matsue Castle

4.5

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.

Spot details

Address: Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 1-5 Map
Area: Around Matsue Castle Area
Phone: 0852214030
Hours: [Apr.- Sep.] 8:30-18:30
[Oct.- Mar.] 8:30-17:00
※Information desk closed 30 minutes before
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Admission fee]
[Adult]680yen
[Elementary/Junior high school students]290yen
*Open 24 hours except for Matsue Castle and Honmaru
Parking Lot: Available(67spaces)
*Municipal Otemae parking lot
Credit Card: Available(VISA, MasterCard, JCB)
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Available
Note: *Currently there are no barriers.
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Itineraries about this spot

8 days: Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Aichi, Kagawa, Tokyo, Tochigi, Shimane, Tottori, Nagano, Gunma

8 day(s)

Review

A beautiful castle

Reviewed : 2023.05.03

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...
Although there are lots of castles in japan, dont miss this one

Reviewed : 2023.04.09

The cheerful atmosphere of this attractive castle complex make it Matsues main dont miss sight. The castle itself is at the top of a steep rise surrounded by lawns (lots of family picnickers) and...
Historic place, well preserved

Reviewed : 2021.09.03

Lovely castle made largely from wood. Has 4 floors and view from every floor is fantastic! Shoes have to be removed and carried with you.