Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle, built 400 years ago, is one of only five castles in Japan with a castle tower that has been designated a National Treasure. The castle tower offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city of Matsue.
A footpath has been built around the castle, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal flowers, including azaleas and camellias. Around the time the cherry trees blossom, the Oshiro Matsuri (Castle Festival) is held, attracting crowds of people who come to see the flowers.
The Horikawa Sightseeing Boat that takes people on leisurely cruises around the 3.7km moat surrounding Matsue Castle offers views of the castle tower, as well as a Samurai Residence in the traditional Japanese scape of Shiomi Nawate Street and other charming, historical spots.
View scenic routes that include this spot
STUNNING NATURE LATEST TREND & TRADITIONAL CULTUREStreet address
- 1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane (Administration Office)
Access
Route1
- Ride the Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Station to ”Ote-mae.” Matsue Castle is right in front of the bus stop (10 minutes)
Route2
- Ride the City Bus (anticlockwise North Circular Line) from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway to ”Kencho-mae” (5 minutes).
The castle is 5 minutes by foot from the bus stop.
- Ride the City Bus (anticlockwise North Circular Line) from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway to ”Kencho-mae” (5 minutes).
Opening Hours
- [April 1 - September 30] 8:30-18:30
[October 1 - March 31] 8:30-17:00
* Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Closed
- Open throughout the year
Best season
- All year
Point
- The castle is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom festival in early April and the Water Lantern Festival (Matsue Suitoro) in October.

Spots around
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Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark (Kuniga Coast )
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Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
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Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark (Kuniga Coast )
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Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine World Heritage Site
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Oki Islands Global Geopark Airport
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Japanese inns and guesthouses on the islands
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Tamatsukuri Hot Springs
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Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center and the townscape of Omori
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Hinomisaki
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Adachi Museum of Art
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Izumo Enmusubi Airport
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Iwami Kagura Traditional Dance
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Izumo Soba Heiwa Soba Main Store
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Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo