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Matsue

Matsue, Shimane, Japan

Matsue

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Matsue

Welcome to Matsue, the enchanting castle town of Shimane! Stroll along scenic canals, explore the stunning Matsue Castle, and bask in the rich history of the Samurai Residences. Don't miss the delicious local cuisine, especially the fresh, succulent Shijimi clams! With beautiful parks and vibrant festivals, Matsue is a charming slice of Japan that's bursting with fun! 🎏🏯

Recommendations

Outdoor4.4/5

Lake Shinji

Welcome to Lake Shinji, a shimmering jewel in Shimane, Japan! This picturesque lake boasts stunning sunsets and local delicacies like flaky, fried oysters. Take a leisurely stroll along its shores or hop on a traditional boat to soak in the stunning views of Mt. Daisen. Don’t forget your camera—every angle is Instagram-worthy! Adventure awaits! 🌅🚣‍♀️

Culture4.3/5

Matsue Castle

Nestled in the heart of Matsue, Matsue Castle is a treasure trove of history and charm! This stunning black-and-white structure, built in 1611, offers panoramic views from its top floor. Wander the beautiful grounds and explore the museums tucked inside. Don't forget your camera—this picturesque castle is a must-see for every traveler’s itinerary! 🏯✨

Culture4.4/5

Yaegaki Shrine

Yaegaki Shrine, nestled in Matsue, is renowned for its enchanting surroundings and the sacred connection to love and marriage, drawing visitors to its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere, making it a heartfelt pilgrimage for couples.

Culture4/5

Matsue History Museum

Discover Matsue History Museum, where the rich heritage of Shimane comes alive through captivating exhibits, stunning traditional architecture, and deep insights into local culture, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Eat3.8/5

シャトレーゼ 松江駅通り店

Eat$$$4.7/5

Yakiniku Ajiyoshi

Outdoor4.3/5

Yuushien

Cafe$$4.4/5

Café Kiharu

Eat$$$4.1/5

Ronjin Matsue

Eat$$3.7/5

Katsuya - Shimane Matsue

Cafe4.1/5

DEUX TERRace（ドゥ・テラス）

Stays

Stay4.65/5

Kasuien Minami

Nestled in Matsue, Kasuien Minami offers a serene escape with its stunning traditional Japanese architecture and tranquil onsen, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and an authentic cultural experience.

Stay4.5/5

Minamikan Ryokan

Stay4.45/5

Onyado Nono Matsue

Onyado Nono Matsue offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comfort, featuring soothing onsen baths and stunning views, making it an ideal retreat in the heart of Matsue's historic charm.

Stay3.75/5

Matsue Urban Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Matsue, Matsue Urban Hotel offers modern comforts paired with stunning views of Lake Shinji, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

Stay4/5

Matsue New Urban Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Matsue, Matsue New Urban Hotel offers modern comfort and convenience, making it an ideal base to explore this historic city known for its stunning castle and serene lakeside scenery.

Things To Do
Provided byViator

5/5
3 h

Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue

Matsue is a castle town that is great for wearing kimonos, and wearing a kimono as you tour the area is one of the best ways to experience the traditional atmosphere of Matsue. Please take a lot of memorable pictures in kimonos.

$36.63
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5/5
2 h 30 mins

Urban Goen Travel Multiple Plans to Enjoy Matsue

"Urban Connection Travel" is located inside Matsue New Urban Hotel and plans and organizes events and tours where you can experience the charm of the Shimane and Izumo regions. The area, where the myths and legends of ancient Izumo still remain, offers experiences in a townscape that blends the historic castle town with nature. [Important Notes] ・The listed price is per person. ・Please refrain from participating if you are feeling unwell on the day of the tour. We may also ask you to refrain from joining at our discretion. Persons under 16 years of age are not allowed to operate micro-mobility, so please be aware. [What to Bring] Comfortable clothing Clothes that can get dirty Sunscreen

$25.98
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5/5
8 h

Art and Gardens of Sakaiminato by Private Car

Enjoy the natural beauty and artistic charm of the Sakaiminato area on this relaxing private vehicle tour. Visit Yuushien Garden, a peaceful Japanese garden with elegant ponds, seasonal flowers, and traditional landscapes. Explore the world-renowned Adachi Museum of Art, celebrated for its award-winning Japanese gardens and exceptional collection of modern art. Continue to the expansive Tottori Prefectural Flower Park, where colorful seasonal blooms and panoramic views create an unforgettable experience. With private transportation, you can travel comfortably and enjoy each location at your own pace. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a scenic, cultural, and visually stunning journey through western Japan. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.

$865.00
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5/5
1 h 30 mins

Matsue Castle Guided Tour - With a Local Guide and an Audioguide

Explore Matsue castle with a local guide and discover its 400-year history, unique architecture, and hidden stories, including the little-known origins of the castle. Climb to the top floor and take in a 360-degree panoramic view: the shimmering expanse of Lake Shinji, the rooftops of the old castle town below, and on a clear day, the distant silhouette of Mount Daisen on the horizon. Look up. Four centuries of history are waiting. Schedule: 09:00 Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel 09:15 Matsue Castle - Otemon Gate 09:30 Matsue Castle Keep 10:30 Dispersal at the site or Matsue New Urban Hotel

$39.30
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4.8/5
4 h

Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Eastern Shimane! Shimane Prefecture sits on the southwestern portion of Japan's main island of Honshu, and is the perfect spot to visit if you're looking for an off the beaten path travel experience. Often overlooked by visitors in favor of more well known destinations, the region has culture, nature and history by the bucketload – just without the massive crowds to battle! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

$109.90
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4.6/5
50 mins

Tour around Matsue Horikawa

[One-day boarding pass] Purchase date is free during business hours and you can get on and off at any of the three piers. You can see seasonal trees and flowers on the route. Wild birds and fish, insects and boatmen Not only guide, but also fun to see with the eyes. If you are lucky, rays etc. 海 You can see the sea creatures. コ ー ス It is a varied course where you can also feel the historic townscape of the castle town and the life of the citizens I have

$12.66
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4.5/5
8 h

Matsue & Izumo Taisha in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Eastern Shimane! Shimane Prefecture sits on the southwestern portion of Japan's main island of Honshu, and is the perfect spot to visit if you're looking for an off the beaten path travel experience. Often overlooked by visitors in favor of more well known destinations, the region has culture, nature and history by the bucketload – just without the massive crowds to battle! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

$203.15
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4 h

Izumo Taisha Shrine Private Guided Tour by Chartered Vehicle

Get a taste of Izumo area with this 4 hours tour. You will be able to visit historical and most popular sites in Izumo area, including Izumo Shrine. This is an exclusive tour by our chartered vehicles. You don't have to hurry for any other tourist. This tour is only for your group! The local English speaking guide will be attended and welcome you. The tour can be started any hotels in Shimane. The tour course can be customized as long as it fits in 4 hours. Recommended places to visit ・Izumo Taisha Shrine ・Hino Cape and Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, the stunning view of ocean and sunset. ・Suga Shrine is known as the birthplace of waka, a form of poetry. ・Susa Shrine is located deep in the mountains of Sada in Izumo.

$439.27
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2 h

Private Romantic Walking Tour In Matsue

Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. An exclusive private tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Enjoy a hugely romantic getaway in one of the most exciting cities in Japan. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. Why is Izumo Taisha Shrine known as a spot that grants luck and good fortune in love and relationships? What is the most famous historical couple in Japan? What is the famous beautiful love story of princess Inata Hime and Susanoo? This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

$200.98
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2 h

The Best of Matsue Private Walking Tour

Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Why does Matsue attract visitors around the world all year round? Known as the “City of Water”, Matsue is so rich in cultural assets and historical sites that most of Japan's ancient legends have their roots from Matsue. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. How was a man named Gensuke sacrificed during the construction of the Matsue Ohashi Bridge to appease the spirits of the river? Gensuke is now a legend of the Matsue Ohashi Bridge. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Matsue. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

$200.98
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3 h

Ninja Costume Rental

Horikawa Komachi is a kimono rental shop in Matsue. It has a welcoming, at-home atmosphere. With a wide selection of colors and designs, you can choose the kimono or ninja costume that suits you the best. The friendly staff are waiting for you! Matsue Castle, a national treasure, and a townscape of former samurai residences are located near our rental shop, Horikawa Komachi, so you can feel just like a ninja! Anyone can enjoy our ninja experience, children, adults, men, and women. You can also rent small articles like katana. *We can accommodate heights from 120cm to 170cm.

$36.63
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48 h

Cultural Pilgrimage to Izumo Taisha 2 Day Escape

Visit Izumo Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's most sacred shrines, and Matsue Castle, a national treasure, explore traditional tea ceremony culture at a historic teahouse, and stay overnight at a lakeside inn on Lake Shinji. Izumo Taisha (出雲大社) - This is one of Japan's most famous and oldest Shinto shrines, but its cultural and spiritual significance might not be immediately clear to international visitors.

$1,531.93
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120 h

5 Day One Way Bus Trip to Fukuoka from Osaka via San'in

If you've traveled to Japan in the past, it's probably Tokyo-Mt.Fuji-Nagoya-Osaka and Kyoto, or Hokkaido and Okinawa. This tour is perfect for you! It's because it's five days that condensed the west side of Japan that you haven't seen yet. This is a charter bus tour that departs from Japan's second largest city, OSAKA, and tours hidden spots that are difficult to reach by train. The distance you move in 5 days is about 750 mile. The tour picks up and tours tourist attractions at intervals of 1-2 hours. Departure from OSAKA city by charter bus: - First day: PICK UP at OSAKA city - *Stay at Toyooka city, Hyogo - Day 2: from Toyooka city - *Stay at YONAGO city, Tottri Pref - Day 3: from YONAGO city - *Stay at HIROSHIMA city - Day 4: from HIROSHIMA city - *Stay at HAGI city, Yamaguchi - Last day: from HAGI city - *DROP OFF at FUKUOKA city * We support the "Western Golden Route" policy being promoted by Fukuoka City.

$6,647.27
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8 h

Sakaiminato Private Vehicle Service with Restaurant Reservation

Discover Sakaiminato (located in Tottori Prefecture) in comfort and style with a private chartered vehicle tour designed just for you. Whether you’re interested in exploring cultural landmarks, browsing vibrant local markets, or venturing off the beaten path, you can create a fully customized itinerary that suits your pace and interests. For added convenience, take advantage of your optional restaurant reservation service (securing a table at a locally recommended dining spot) tailored to your taste.

$276.41
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7 h

Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion

This is a private day tour in Hiroshima for shore excursion travelers! There are a couple of options that one of would fit your needs! With local English speaking guide, we will visit the historical sites such as Izumo Oyashiro Shrine and Matsue Castle. We will visit places you can feel Japanese cultural traditions such as Adachi Museum of Art. Depends on the time limit, we can arrange sightseeing area with the guide and we have options to fit you as much as we can. Tour Options are mainly divided into "Izumo Plan" and "Matsue and Sakaiminato Plan". Also you can change the start and end time up to your cruise schedule. Feel free to let us know your request!

$612.77
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Takachiho Gorge and Mount Aso Scenic Day Tour

Embark on an unforgettable full-day tour to Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki to the awe-inspiring Mount Aso in Kumamoto. Begin your journey with a scenic drive through lush countryside before arriving at the stunning Takachiho Gorge, a dramatic canyon formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Stroll along the riverside path, admire the famous Manai Falls, and enjoy an optional boat ride for a magical view of the emerald waters and towering cliffs. Afterward, savor a delicious local beef lunch at the charming Chiho-no-ie Restaurant before heading to the Aso region. Explore the vast grasslands of Kusasenri, visit the Aso Volcano Museum to learn about the region’s powerful geothermal activity, and even try the optional Kusasenri Horseback Riding Experience for an unforgettable ride across volcanic plains. This tour perfectly blends natural beauty, culture, and adventure — an ideal experience for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking the hidden wonders of Japan’s southern highlands.

$201.40
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Private Night Walk in Matsue Legends and Ghost Stories

Matsue is a peaceful waterfront castle town where lakes, rivers, and bridges create a gentle, dreamlike landscape. Once the sun sets, the streets grow calm, lanterns glow softly on the water, and the town’s long-told stories begin to feel alive. Guided by locals who were born and raised here, you’ll wander through atmospheric alleys, historical shrines, and old bridges—each connected to myths, legends, or ghost tales passed down for generations. For us, folklore has always been part of daily life, and we are excited to share these stories in the places where they were born. This experience is not a staged show or a haunted attraction. It is a slow, intimate walk through the real night scenery of a town untouched by overtourism, guided by people who deeply love their hometown. Join us for a quiet, story-filled walk—where landscape and folklore blend gently into the night.

$166.51
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48 h

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and Shimane 2 Days Private Tour

- Explore Shimane with a private car with a comfortable air conditioned. - Places that are hard to reach by public transport are now easily accessible by private car. - You can also visit the sights that are not included in the day trip, Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art and Izumo Taisha Shrine. You can learn the history of Shimane deeper and immerse the culture and tradition with long history Izumo. - You can customize the itinerary based on this default schedule.

$1,265.51
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4 h

The Discover Matsue’s Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the timeless charm of Matsue Castle Town on a scenic moat cruise. Glide along tranquil waterways to the National Treasure Matsue Castle, step inside its historic keep, then wander through atmospheric streets lined with samurai residences and cultural landmarks. This immersive 4-hour journey invites you to see, walk, and truly feel the living history of Matsue.

$93.25
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1 h 30 mins

Izumo Traditional Cuisine Izumo Soba Making Experience

Meeting Time: 10:50 Start Time: 11:00 Duration: 90 minutes Enjoy a hands-on soba noodle making experience. After a brief explanation, you will make soba noodles from scratch, then enjoy your freshly made noodles and relax with time to eat and chat. The experience ends at 12:30.

$64.61
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