40 Captivating Facts About Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Japan

From a dazzling castle to ancient shrines, Matsue is filled with fascinating attractions and rich culture. Read on to discover 40 of the most captivating facts about this quaint city.

No trip to Shimane is complete without 島根県松江市 介護 visiting Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s twelve remaining original castles. While there, witness the beauty of a sunset over Lake Shinji.
1. Matsue Castle

The castle, a hulking five-story keep known as the “plover castle” for its curved roofs that suggest spread wings, is an impressive sight all year round. Constructed by local daimyo (feudal lord) Horio Yoshiharu between 1607 and 1611, the castle was designed to protect Matsue from attack by invaders. The sandstone castle is a rare original in Japan—most of the country’s many surviving castles are reconstructions or replicas. The castle is also renowned for its woodworking—the floors, pillars and stairways connecting the levels are all outstanding examples of fine craftmanship.

The grounds, which include the castle tower and several shrines and a grove of plum trees, are delightful in any season. Jozan Park is particularly attractive in cherry blossom season when crowds of family picnickers occupy peacock-blue plastic tarps on the lawns. The castle is within walking distance of Matsue Station and many buses stop at the entrance.

One of Matsue’s most famous visitors was the open-minded writer Lafcadio Hearn (1850–1904), who introduced the city to the West in his writings. His former residence and memorial museum is a major attraction.

A highlight of a visit to the castle is the chance to take part in a tea ceremony at the Meimei-an Tea House, which was designed by Matsudaira Harusato, better known as tea master Fumai. He saved the Matsudaira clan from bankruptcy, and using his newfound affluence promoted tea culture, elevating Matsue to one of the main centers of tea ceremony culture in Japan today.

Matsue Castle was one of twelve original castles that survived the 1868 Meiji Restoration, which saw most castles torn down in favor of the modernization of Japan. Several turrets and gates were torn down in 1875, but the castle tower was saved through efforts and donations by the people of Matsue. The tower is now among the best-preserved of all the original castles and is a National Treasure.
2. Izumo Taisha

There’s something magical about a sunset over the Sea of Japan, especially when it happens at one of the nation’s oldest shrines. The tranquil moment as the sky slowly becomes tinged with intensifying shades of fiery orange-red and then melts into the blues and purples of evening is understood in many places around the globe as symbolizing a connection to the divine. But in Izumo, where the sun disappears into the waters facing the mighty Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine (also known as Yomotsu Hirasaka), it is more than just an inspiring sight; it’s literally understood as a gateway to the spiritual world.

As one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country, Izumo Taisha is often referred to as the “place where the gods gather.” Every year in the 10th month — which is called Kan-na-dzuki everywhere else in Japan but for Izumo and Okuninushi, the deity that promotes love and relationships — all of Shintoism’s eight million kami or deities meet at Izumo Taisha. The shrine also houses Japan’s largest shimenawa, giant straw ropes that resemble anacondas coiled around a tree branch, which separate the worlds of mortal and supernatural.

As the birthplace of ancient Japanese mythology, Izumo is a natural and cultural wonder that offers a glimpse into the ancient beliefs that still shape Japan today. It’s a region that has long embraced spirituality and the belief that fortune can change in an instant, a fact that can be experienced at the castle and throughout the mystical shrine grounds. With its beautiful azaleas in spring, lush green landscapes in summer, crimson foliage in autumn and snow-covered scenes in winter, Izumo is an unforgettable destination that’s best appreciated in each season.
3. Kamosu Shrine

As a city of legends and mythology, Matsue is the ideal base for exploring the area. Aside from the castle, visitors can enjoy the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi or visit a shrine dedicated to writer Lafcadio Hearn (who taught here from 1890 to 1891).

One of the most famous temples in Japan is Izumo Taisha, which enshrines the deities who created the world. This sacred site is a focal point of Shintoism and every November, the gods gather here for a meeting called Kamiarizuki.

Matsue is also home to Kamosu Shrine, where the goddess Izanami is enshrined along with a number of other deities. The main hall of the shrine is one of the oldest examples of taisha-style architecture and designated as a national treasure. It is known for its chigi beams, which show the gender of the gods it enshrines; horizontally-leveled chigi beams mean the enshrined deity is female, while vertically-leveled ones means male.

The shrine is considered to be the origin of shaman practices and many visitors believe they can find luck in relationships, business, childbirth, and more by visiting here. The shrine is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese history, mythology, and religion.

Matsue is a large city that was formed in 2005 from the merger of several towns including Kashima, Mihonoseki, Shimane, Yatsuka and the village of Yakumo. It is governed by a mayor and unicameral city council of 34 members as well as 11 representatives to the Shimane Prefectural Assembly. Its population is approximately 200,000 people. The city is surrounded by mountains and lakes and has a wealth of traditional architecture. The main industries are tourism and agriculture with fisheries and forestry also contributing.
4. Matsue Vogel Park

If you’re looking for a fun experience the whole family can enjoy, Matsue Vogel Park is a great option. It’s a theme park dedicated to flowers and birds, with plenty of exhibits to see. You’ll find a variety of plants and flowers in their botanical garden, including beautiful Begonias and Fuchsia that are in bloom year round, as well as aviaries where you can view over 90 different species of birds. There are even aviation shows featuring owls and falcons, as well as cute penguins that you can get up close to and interact with.

The grounds are paved with walkways and have roofed areas, so you can enjoy the park regardless of weather conditions. There are also four aviaries where you can observe tropical birds and other exotic animals. Plan to spend about two hours at the park if you want to see everything.

This is one of Shimane’s most underrated attractions, so don’t miss out on visiting it when you visit Matsue. You can easily reach it by taking the Ichibata Electric Railway from Matsue Shinjiko-Onsen station and transferring at Vogel Park. The train is not covered by the JR Pass, so be sure to purchase a discount ticket from a local travel agency in Matsue or Izumo.

The historic city of Matsue is filled with natural, cultural and historical sights to explore. From the spectacular Matsue Castle, which is one of only 12 castles in Japan to have a fully intact keep, to the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine that sets the stage for many of the myths and legends of Japanese religion, there’s much to take in and appreciate about this charming town.
5. Horibe Yasubei

While it is not as accessible as Tokyo, the town of Matsue does boast a decent public transportation system, so getting around is no problem. If you’re pressed for time, flying is an option as it will cut a few hours off the trip. Both Izumo Enmusubi Airport and Yonago Kitaro Airport offer a variety of domestic and international flights.

The town of Matsue was the home of famed Irish writer Lafcadio Hearn in the 1800’s and it is rife with references to him. You can easily spend two full days just strolling around and soaking up the atmosphere of this old Japanese castle town.

Hearn’s legacy is preserved in the town’s old samurai houses, some of which are open to the public. The samurai museum is also worth a visit, as it contains many original artifacts and documents from Hearn’s era.

One of the more interesting sights is this Utagawa Kunisada print featuring father and son members of the Forty-Seven Ronin, Horibe Yahei and Horibe Yasubei. Clad in their black-and-white patterned firefighter’s disguises and bearing a pike and wooden sledgehammer, the pair appear well prepared for battle.

A number of Matsue’s other sites are also well worth a look, including the Adachi Art Museum, the Gassan Toda Castle Ruins and the Yushien Garden. The Adachi Museum is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in contemporary Japanese art and it is set in the award-winning Japanese garden that is frequently ranked as one of the best in Japan. The Yushien Garden is on the other hand a more traditional setting and offers an opportunity to truly connect with nature. Both are about 20km east of Matsue and can be reached with either a direct train to Yasugi Station or an hourly shuttle bus from the Matsue JR station.