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.

Street 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 / 200 yen)

Route2

Ride the City Bus (anticlockwise North Circular Line) from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway to ”Kencho-mae” (5 minutes / 210 yen).
The castle is 5 minutes by foot from the bus stop.

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

Fee: Overseas visitors
Admission fee
Adults: 280 yen
Elementary school and junior high school students:
140 yen

Website

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.