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Castle · Matsue, Shimane
Matsue Castle
A 1611 castle with the original main keep, dark walls, a National Treasure, atop a hill surrounded by moats toured by boat; from the top floor you can see Lake Shinji.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Matsue Castle in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle was completed in 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu on a low hill between Lake Shinji and the Nakaumi Lagoon. The main keep is original—one of the twelve Edo-period keeps still standing in Japan—and has been designated a National Treasure. It is called Chidori-jo, the plover castle, for the shape of its gables, which resemble a bird’s outstretched wings.
The keep has five external levels and six internal floors, with dark-planked walls and a thick wooden structure visible inside. Steep stairs lead to the floors, which display armor, documents and models. A well inside the keep and stone-throwing openings show how the castle was designed to withstand a siege. The top floor has windows on all four sides with views of the lake, the city and the mountains.
The castle hill has stone walls, ancient trees and Matsue Shrine, as well as Kounkaku, a late-19th-century wooden building constructed to receive the emperor. Around it, the original moats still enclose the area and are toured by Horikawa boats on a roughly 50-minute ride that passes under bridges and along the samurai quarter.
Just north of the castle is Shiomi Nawate, a street of samurai houses along the moat, with one samurai family residence open to visitors, the house where Lafcadio Hearn lived, and a museum dedicated to him.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the keep and hill; 2 hours including the moat boat tour.
Best time
Early in the day, when the clear air favors the views from the high windows. The hill’s cherry trees usually bloom in early April. In winter, the moat boats have heated tables. Check opening hours.
How to get there
It is about 2 km from Matsue Station, a 10-minute ride on the Lake Line tourist bus or roughly 25 minutes on foot. The moat boats depart from docks near the castle entrance.
Tip
Buy the boat ticket together with the castle admission and take the boat after visiting the keep. Walk to Shiomi Nawate just behind the hill.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Matsue Castle
Is Matsue Castle original?
Yes. The main keep dates from 1611 and is one of the twelve original towers from the Edo period that still exist in Japan. It is a National Treasure.
How long is the Matsue moat boat ride?
About 50 minutes, around the castle, with stops at some landings. The roof lowers under the lower bridges.
What is Shiomi Nawate?
A street along the north moat of the castle, with samurai houses, Lafcadio Hearn’s house and the museum dedicated to him.
How do you get to Matsue Castle?
From the center, by the Lake Line tourist bus in about 10 minutes, or on foot in about 25 minutes from the station.
Beyond the guide
