Matsue is an original castle making it one of twelve national treasures in Japan. The main structure has overcome fires, earthquakes and the anti-feudal demolitions during the Meiji Period. The castle was built in 1611 and when you visit you can walk around the lavish grounds and observe the moat that surrounds the entrance. I had a great time but it was really cold when I visited in November. I recommend you wear warm clothing and socks.

Great castle to visit, very interesting indeed to see the original construction, more like a ship than a castle. A big contrast to European castles in design and use, and in an amazing location.

It was awesome, lots of historical facts about this castle. Additionally there are two shrines that yiu can visit (and get your stamps). There are also people dressed in samurai armors that you can take pictures with. I highly recommend it.

One of the few remaining intact castles in Japan, and a national heritage site, this structure has ambiance that other castles in Japan doesn't. A must see for history buffs.

Definitely worth a visit during your stay in Matsue. Pretty grounds and the castle itself is stunning. I learnt a lot from the interpretation panels in the castle (most of which were in English too) and the views from the top floor were fantastic. I visited at 5pm on a Tuesday and it was not busy at all.

 Matsue Castle, also known as the "Black Castle," stands as an extraordinary testament to Japan's rich heritage and serves as a gateway to the past. My recent visit to this magnificent castle left an indelible mark on my heart and has become one of the highlights of my travels. From the moment I set eyes on Matsue Castle's awe-inspiring silhouette, I was captivated. The castle's imposing black exterior, standing proudly against the backdrop of lush greenery and the serene waters of Lake Shinji, is a sight to behold. As I approached the castle grounds, the sense of anticipation grew, and I was transported back in time to an era filled with samurais, shoguns, and grandeur. Throughout the castle, I found engaging exhibits and informative displays that offered a glimpse into the castle's history. The artifacts, samurai armor, and weaponry on display provided a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage and the castle's significance in Japan's feudal past. Beyond the castle itself, the surrounding park grounds were a haven of tranquility. The moat that encircles the castle and the stone walls created an atmosphere of both beauty and defense, transporting me to a time of fortresses and battles. Lastly, I must commend the city of Matsue for its commitment to preserving this cultural treasure. The efforts made to maintain the castle's original splendor and the dedication to historical accuracy deserve applause. It is evident that Matsue Castle holds a special place in the hearts of locals, and their enthusiasm for sharing its history is contagious. Visiting Matsue Castle is not just an excursion; it is an immersive journey through time. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply someone seeking awe-inspiring sights, this castle will captivate your imagination and leave you with a deep appreciation for Japan's storied past. Matsue Castle is an absolute must-visit, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Beautiful castle. To visit inside the castle you need to drop your shoes. Running around in the castle without shoes in winter, was very uncomfortable.

(castles visited 50+) Honestly this is a 5 star castle, but finding parking drove me nuts and this is the darkest castle (building) I have ever been in. I drove to this castle and I could not find parking. I drove towards the castle, and found what I thought was parking but all I saw was a big "exit" sign. Then there was no way to turn around so I had to drive around the entire castle again. And I get back to the same place and there is a super super tiny "p" sign with no indication in any language if it's an entrance or even for the castle. Parking was 500 and entrance was 600 something. Pretty pricey, but it was a cool castle. The castle park was nice. Lots to do in the area. The main building was great. But it was sooooooo dark. It made me feel like I was 100 years old, barely able to see anything inside. Squinting to read the information. But at least, unlike most castles they had multiple languages and lots of really interesting things I will leave for you to read about when you visit.

One of the top spots for appreciating the unique Japanese castle and cherry blossom in Spring. We enjoyed our time and opportunity of visiting there and having some serene vibes.

Was built over a five year period (1607-1611)by Yoshiharu Horio founder of Matsue City. It is one of the last remaining original Castles in Japan. Visitors come to enjoy the panoramic view from the top floor the beautiful cherry blossoms that fill the Castle grounds during Spring.

One of the best cultural Immersion introductions into the city and region of Shimane. Make sure you check out the tea drinking introductions at the local museum too. Highly recommended as a first timer into the cityscape. I will come again ❤️.

Different experience than most castles in Japan since it has the original structure instead of a more museum feel. Has English signs and takes credit card. Highly recommend. Has very steep steps. Also has photos of a lot of the other castles in Japan so it was fun finding the one's we've also visited.

Very nice. Going there is like going back in time. Not as crowded as the other castles. The surrounding view is very beautiful.

A magnificent and amazing castle in Japan. It's said that there are some heart-shaped stones hidden in the wall, but unfortunately, I couldn't find them.

I went to Matsue Castle at the end of February 2023. We did the moat tour the day before - highly recommended - but it was sleeting, so we left the castle tour for the next day. It was still very cold, but the sun was out. The castle is amazing. Walking around in those rooms and seeing and feeling the ancient timbers - you're touching history. There's lots of information to read (in English), photos of the castle through time, artefacts and incredible views of the city. But a warning. I think it's dangerous. You can't wear shoes inside, there are lots of stairs, they're really steep and the timber is slippery. You've got to be fit. It's like climbing a mountain. And you've got to be really careful. OH and S would have a field day here!!

Wonderful ancient wooden structure, so rare to see one so old. Lots of very steep stairs, so best for reasonably fit people. Excellent interpretation of the history is in English and Japanese.

What a special shrine, I traveled from Osaka just to try my luck at the mirror fountain. nice experience

Famous power spot to pray for love :) Was touched by the holy atmosphere the Shrine owns. They have beautiful Omamoris too.

Interesting shrine linked to the Yamato no Orochi myth. As seen from the picture the shrine is dedicated to marriage and matchmaking. Check out the Mirror pond.

The section with the pond is nice, don’t miss it! The main area remains quite ordinary.

Beautiful little temple in Matsue. Worth a visit!

You must visit this place with your girlfriend. First visit a office in the shrine and get the fortune telling paper, then go to the mirror pond. You can float the paper on the pond and see if you can get along with your impirtant person

Very good

A great museum sitting beside the beautiful Lake Shinji. I recommend visiting it in the afternoon so that you can have enough time to finish all the exhibitions and then see the sunset. There’re buses twice or thrice every hour from the Izumo station and only takes 15 minutes.

It is situated near to sinji lake. Where you can see the best view of the lake. They have two main gallery area. One on 2nd floor and one on first floor. Ticket for 2nd floor gallery is 300 yen. And Not sure about 1st floor ticket charges. I think It would be around 1000 yen. Rest of the gallery were free. No ticket for that.

Didn't go inside, but the outside is by the beach and the museum has see through glass walls, so you can view from the outside.

Great art museum with a lot of paintings and old photos. Great view of the lake too.

I honestly wasn't expecting a ton from this place, so I was blown away by the quality and quantity of what they have on exhibit. Not sure whether it's still required, but for a while you had to buy your tickets in advance online. Well-worth the minor hassle.

Very nice art museum, located along the river in Matsue. Permanent exhibition on the second floor with five galleries. Featuring some contemporary, photography, sculpture and 19th century painting pieces. The special gallery on the first floor, currently featuring works from Hokusai.

A nice museum with a fantastic view over the lake and extensive collection by Hokusai of which unfortunately very few items are on display at any one time. One appreciates that for the visitors who live locally there is an element of thrill associated with seeing a new piece from the collection next time when the selection of prints on display changes, but the thrill loses the point for visitors from far away who cannot come to Matsue often.

This museum has a great hospitalityfor visitors who want to watch sunset. It closes 30 minitues after the sunset. So you can enjoy the great view from here. I miss the art works here because I didn't have time to see.

Stunning museum by Shinji lake. It has a great restaurant, a museum shop, desks for studying and reading and a lookout for the lake. Very beautiful sunlight comes into the museum with sunsets. Just visiting there is free.

We visited the impressive Shimane Art Museum on Monday 29th February. The building is beautiful - a piece of art in itself, nestled beside Lake Nakaumi. Outdoor sculptures (I loved the rabbits) are placed around the grassy lakeside and would be lovely to wander around on a warmer day. The enormous curved glass wall facing the lake gives good views of the sculptures too. Don't miss the outdoor sculptures of hippos on the roof!! This "lookout" has fantastic views of the lake. Find the entrance on the second floor. We saw 4 exhibitions - the Hokusai survey show on the ground floor - fascinating but so much material that we became somewhat overwhelmed, and 3 shows drawn from the permanent collection upstairs. The first - paintings - both European and Japanese, the second, ceramics, also a cultural mix and extremely interesting, and the third of black and white photography. These were mainly French and British photographers, containing many absolutely iconic images - outstanding!! My only disappointment was the gift shop. I just felt there was very little to choose from, especially compared to other art gallery gift shops around the world where you're spoilt for choice. Shimane Art Gallery could lift their game just by looking at what the Adachi Japanese Garden and Art Museum are offering. Definitely worth a visit. Give yourself a few hours to do it justice and remember that it's also a great option if you have some bad weather.

Rabbits along the lake are so cute. Beautiful place to visit before viewing sunset

I've been to this museum more than 5 times now and I keep coming back! The exhibition is switched up from time to time, so I see something new every time I go. This time I visited to see the special exhibition featuring the works of Hokusai. The museum received a collection of Hokusai works, extensive enough that they will keep researching it for around 7 years apparently. The museum is right next to a huge lake, and it's known as a sunset-watching spot. The large grounds around it are a good spot to go to with children.

Great garden. At the best season, you can also get cut flowers all around as a decorations. The garden contains a lot of sceneries making you feel in a typical "That is so Japanese" place like green moss, Japanese steps, red bridge, Buddha statues etc in a harmony.

I have been to the 3 most famous gardens in mito, Okayama, and Kanazawa but enjoyed this garden more. Peaceful with less people. Took #70 bus from matsue bus plaza stop 6. 700 yen one way but can buy a two day pass from the driver when you get off for 1050 yen. Can get bus schedule from tourist info booth next to bus plaza. Had a very nice lunch in the restaurant right next to entrance. The restaurants marked on the map look to be all for groups. This is next to tea house. Beautiful view of garden through floor to ceiling windows. Food was soba about 1200 yen to tempura and unagi for 2300 yen. English menu with photos available. Peaceful stroll through the gardens and surprise at the end of Sakura trees in full bloom around the parking lot across the street!

Beautiful garden with a great scenery. The garden has a veriarity of different flowers and trees. It also has lakes with bridges that provide the perfect picture opportunity. Additionally, this location also includes an inside restaurant and coffee shop with a great view of the garden.

¥700 entrance ticket for foreigners. Lovely and well-taken cared of garden. Comes with free ginseng tea—my first time to drink it. Feels small for the price. Lovely omiyages you can purchase within the garden.

A beautiful tranquil garden centre. Plants are carefully arranged and displayed

We went during the rainy season (beginning of July) with barely any tourists - I think we saw 6 in total. It was the best decision we made during our stay in Matsue. It's a magical place where one can appreciate all the work the gardeners and staff put into every single detail so that this garden becomes the most beautiful bonsai/Japanese garden we've ever seen.

This garden is so beautiful, especially when flowers are spreaded all over the lake (not always). I appreciated the staffs who are working here because of their hard-working and elaborateness. The ticket is 1400yen in peak season but it totally worth this price

This is one of the beautiful Japanese Garden I visited here in Japan. I just drove 10 hours from Yokohama to get here. The view of the peonies scattered in the ground or in the pond was not only stunning but amazing. If you are a foreigner, make sure to bring your passport or residence card to get a bid discount.

It was just a short walk from the bus stop. I stopped by the grocery near the bus stop to pick up a snack to have in the garden which was very convenient. A shame I was too early for the peony event but there were still lots of gorgeous peonies to see! The lake area was absolutely beautiful and although there is a labeled path, there are so many little paths to explore and it was just so peaceful and nice. I also got a free ginseng tea voucher and it tasted pretty bitter but I hope I reaped some health benefits. They were also selling ginseng soft serve at the cafe. There are different prices for whether the park is peak season or not. Since the peony event hadn’t started yet I guess I got the mid tier rate. I really enjoyed my time and although the infrequent bus times (once an hour or so) had me waiting, I’m so glad I went.

I visited here yesterday. The entrance was ¥1000 for adults. Peonies were stunning and it was my first time seeing this kind of flower display. You can also enjoy seeing autumn foliage from this week and illumination starting next week.

A beautiful temple, near the Tamatsukuriyu Onsen in Shimane. Based on a natural high land, the main building of this temple was built in the traditional Japanese architectural style.

Tamatsukuri Onsen is full of beautiful little corners like this. Well worth exploring on foot in any season.

Calm and peace

(Translated by Google) This is a shrine located in the back of Tamatsukuri Onsen town. There is a Madama ``wishing stone'' in the grounds of Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, and it is said that if you touch it and make a wish, you will receive divine blessings. It is said that worshipers can take the power home with them by using a protective stone called a ``Kai-ishi'' which receives power from the wishing stone. This time, I followed the etiquette and conveyed my wishes to the gods and was allowed to take the stone home. (Original) 玉造温泉街の奥にある神社です。 玉作湯神社の境内には真玉(まだま)『願い石』があって、これに触れて願うと御神徳が受けられると言います。『叶い石』という願い石から力を分けてもらう守り石を使って参拝者はパワーをお持ち帰りするそうです。 今回作法に則り願いを神様にお伝えして石をお持ち帰りさせて貰いました。

(Translated by Google) R6.3.14 This shrine is located right near Tamatsukuri Onsen. This shrine is said to enshrine the daimyo Mochi-no-Mikoto and Sukuhikona-no-Mikoto, who discovered Tamatsukuri Onsen, as well as Kushimeigama-no-Mikoto, the god of bead making who created the three sacred treasures, the 8-shaku Qiong Magatama. wish stone/grant stone The Madama ``Wishing Stone'' in the precincts of Tamasakuyu Shrine is a sacred stone that has mysterious powers and has been worshiped at the shrine since ancient times. Many people come from all over the country to worship because if you touch it and pray to it, you will receive divine blessings. ``Kai-ishi'' is a talismanic stone that receives power from the wishing stone. Kanai stones come in a variety of colors and shapes. It seems that the stone you choose is actually choosing you. You will also receive a book with instructions on how to visit the shrine, so you can enjoy your visit. I was also able to receive a goshuin stamp. (Original) R6.3.14 玉造温泉のすぐ近くにある神社です。 三種の神器八尺瓊勾玉を作った玉作りの神様、串明玉命とともに、玉造温泉を発見した大名持命と少彦名命をお祀りする神社とのこと。 願い石•叶い石 玉作湯神社の境内にある真玉『願い石』は、はるか昔から神社に奉られています不思議なお力を宿す御神石です。触れて願うと御神徳がうけられるので、全国から多くの参拝客が来られます。 『叶い石』は願い石から御力をお分けいただくお守りの石です。叶い石は色や形が様々です。選んだ石は、実は石の方があなたを選んでくださってるそうです。 参拝手順の書もいただけるので楽しく参拝出来ます。 御朱印もいただくことが出来ました。

(Translated by Google) An old shrine whose deities are Kushimeigyoku no Mikoto, Okuninushi no Mikoto, and Sukunahikona no Mikoto. Kushimeigyoku no Mikoto is the god who created the Hasshaku Qiong Magatama when Amaterasu Omikami hid in Amanoiwato, and is said to be the ancestor of Tamasakubu. During the Edo period, it was called Yuhime Daimyojin, and it was a shrine that the lord of the Matsue clan always visited when he visited his nearby retreat facility. The precincts that you climb up the stairs have a calm atmosphere without excessive decoration. When visiting a nearby hot spring facility, I think it would be a good idea to follow the example of the feudal lord and visit. Free private parking available. You can park on the right side facing the shrine. (Original) 櫛明玉命と大国主命、少彦名命を御祭神とする古社。櫛明玉命は天照大御神が天岩戸に隠れた時、八尺瓊勾玉を作った神様で玉作部の祖神とされる。 江戸時代は湯姫大明神と呼ばれ、近くにあった松江藩の静養施設に藩主が訪れる際は必ず参拝していたほどの神社です。 階段を登り上がった境内は過度な装飾のない落ち着いた雰囲気。近くの温泉施設に訪れた際は藩主に倣い参拝するのが良いと思います。 無料の専用駐車場あり。神社に向かって右側に停めれます。

(Translated by Google) It is said that this shrine’s energy stone will make wishes come true. At the beginning, you need to buy a wishing stone at the torii gate below, and then follow the instructions to make a wish. The service staff at the Torii Gate were very enthusiastic in writing the instructions for visiting the shrine in Chinese, and you can still understand the meaning of the content👏👏👏 I like this place very much. It's very quiet and feels like I'm purifying my body and mind. (Original) 據說這個神社的能量石，對其許願願望會實現。 一開始要在下方的鳥居買許願石，在依照指示進行許願。 鳥居那邊的服務人員非常熱心的把參拜的指示寫成中文，還是可以了解其內容含意👏👏👏 非常喜歡這邊，非常安靜，有種淨化身心的感覺

Stunning village and shrine. Well worth the trip if you're in Matsue. Was lucky enough to see a ceremony in progress.

Amazing!

very good

It is a splendid shrine near the port.

Quite and peaceful place to visit

Beautiful holy of several hundred years of history. Attending worship and festivals is an extraordinary experience for life.

Very cool

I was healed

A very fun place to enjoy different types of plants and beautiful flowers while being surrounded by beautiful birds and penguins! Multiple shows are available thru out the day so please check the schedule before going! Parking lot is free for the first 2 hours of use. Multiple souvenir shops and restaurants are also available inside the park.

The flowers were beautiful. It was also cool to feed the birds. There was a very nice gentleman where you could buy food. Thank you for a great experience. Unfortunately, there are some birds that are kept in cramped cages. Unfortunately, the owls don't have the opportunity to fly freely either. I really hope that this will change. I felt very sorry for some of the birds. Please make sure that the birds get more space. In other countries, for example, the peacock could roam free. The facility itself is large and clean. The staff are all very friendly. I also liked the owl show.

A wonderful peaceful place full of stunning flowers and beautiful birds. A place not only for bird lovers.

Beautiful flowers. The owl show is entertaining. You can pet one if you want. They offer discount for foreigners, you’ve to show your residence card or passport. On the way you can enjoy the view of lake Shinji. Would love to visit again.

🥀 - Matsue Vogel Park: The park structures harmonize with the natural scenery of 32-hectares of lush green hills, and include two bird greenhouses, the large flower exhibition greenhouse, and a number of other facilities. The walking course around the park is entirely covered by a roof, so you can enjoy a pleasant visit even in stormy weather. 💵 - Price: * Adult - (1050 yen). * Child - (530 yen). * Preschool - (Free). 🕒 - Hours: 1. April to September - [9:00 - 17:30] | (Last entry 16:45). 2. October to March - [9:00 - 17:00] | (Last entry 16:15).

I do not even know where to start. This park is just phenomenal! The flowers they have are very vibrant and you just can’t help but to stare in awe. It’s definitely a feast for the eyes. Their bird shows were so much fun and entertaining. I was so surprised how big this park is and how much it has to offer. We really enjoyed feeding the birds. Also for foreigners be sure to bring your passport because they offer a discount!

Visiting on a rainy weekday afternoon in late September, I practically had the whole place to myself other than a school group in the Tropical Aviary. The Observation Tower is relaxing and the views are lovely. The flowers are very nice. The birds are interesting, though if you are upset by tethered birds, you might want to skip some of the areas, like the Tropical Aviary. Do try the Begonia Ice Cream, though! Lots of opportunities for photos. A great place to spend a rainy day (since the outdoor walkways between the buildings are covered), clear signage and easy to access via the Ichibata Railway. Nice gift shop, as well.

One of best garden of Shimane and it's preserverance for bird Sanctuary. Loads of amazing and never seen birds and few organized Bird show. Picturesque and amazing experience.

The owl show is great but it only have two sections per day. You must arrange the time when come to here to see the show.

As a fan of Hearn, it’s a really wonderful place to just wander around and explore. Really get the sense of being in a place someone once loved, lived in, and just… existed in. It’s got a lot of character to it and some nice gardens. There’s less documentation inside, compared to his Kumamoto home, but I imagine that’s due to the museum being next door. As a note, there’s a monument that includes some of his hair nearby, but I missed it when I went, so keep an eye out for it in the courtyard.

I like Lafcadio Hearn's stories, and it absolutely trilled me to be able to finally visit his former residence. The landscape is really stunning, the surrounding streets are also very traditional-looking, it's very relaxing to walk among those streets.

Very small and just a couple rooms, but if you are interested in seeing more about Lafcadio Hearn’s life, check it out. There are some nice artworks and displays. You can rest your mind looking out at the Japanese garden. It is discounted for foreign visa holders. You can take pictures inside, too.

The small size is not the problem, but there is virtually no information. For that you have to go next door to the Memorial Hall.

An interesting look into the life and times of author Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) as well as the architecture of a Meiji Era Japanese home. They even sell manga telling (a truncated part of) his life story here.

For foreigners who enjoy reading Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) you will have to visit this museum / his home. It has all of his books, artifacts and great stories about his life.

It's a very special experience!

This museum was way more engaging and interesting than I thought it would be. As an English teacher in Japan, it was very fascinating to learn about Lafcadio Hearn’s experience teaching in Japan so long ago. There’s a lot of English information, so even if you can’t read Japanese, this museum will keep you busy for some time. Plan at least a half hour here. You can examine old newspapers. There was also a display detailing people who were influenced by Hearn’s life and works. I would come back here. It was very inspiring for me on how to live a life doing lasting and worthwhile things.

A really great memorial museum dedicated to Mr. Hearn. I like how the curator shows a variety of ways to display his works. Definitely worth a visit.

Fascinating museum. Extremely well presented. Spent over an hour there learning about someone we'd known nothing about previously but who made such a huge contribution in such a short time. Full marks to the museum curators who've created the bilingual displays.

My family and I are from Ireland and we were very curious to visit the museum. It is a beautiful museum and the displays were as interesting as the story they were telling. We learned so much about Lafcadio Hearne, the layout of the museum ensures there is a lot of information, pictures and drawings on display. I loved to hear about Japanese writers and international figures who were influenced by him. My kids (9 & 11) loved it too, especially the drawings of some Japanese ghost stories! Upstairs some local school children had completed a project about Ireland and it brought a year to my eye! Great museum.

People are likely to skip this location as it's about "some foreign guy", but he was very significant in the history of Matsue, and the museum is beautiful, informative, and cheap

Lovely museum and wonderful displays. Very interesting individual and became interested in his writing.

Very good, going there inspired me to read some of Hearn's writings.

Excellent museum, Lafcadio in my opinion was totally underrated as he lived an amazing life

Visit on rainy day

A treasure well maintained and close to the city. Worth visiting this place as it is one of the ancient shrines of Japan. The beautiful trail and peaceful atmosphere add to the bliss

Absolute peacefulness with atmosphere of little haeven ♡♡♡

It is a little far from the nearest station, but I prefer this shrineeven to Yaegaki shrine. Just so mahnificient.

Great shrine Spiritual atmosphere

(Translated by Google) The main deity enshrined is Izashoku Okami, and the date of its establishment is unknown. It is said to have been founded on the day that Tenho Nichi no Mikoto descended. It is also called Oba Omiya. The female-built main shrine, which was rebuilt in 1346, is the oldest existing shrine structure and is a national treasure. The thickness of the wood used and the texture that emanates from it are impressive and worth seeing. At most shrines, the main shrine is difficult to see, but at Kamintama Shrine, you can see it very well. The precincts have a refreshing atmosphere. It is kept well-maintained and you can worship comfortably. Perhaps because it was early in the morning, there were no Shinto priests or worshipers, so I was able to visit the shrine in peace. It seems that there are various unpleasant things in the reviews, but I think it would be a good idea to adjust your visit time to avoid it. Private free parking available. More than 10 cars can be parked. The toilet is inside the precincts. (Original) 主祭神は伊弉冊大神で創建時期は不明。天穂日命が降臨した日に創始とされている。別名で大庭大宮とも呼ばれています。 1346年に再建された女造の本殿は現存する最古の大社造りで国宝。使われている材の太さや滲み出る風合いが圧巻で一見の価値アリ。一般的な神社は本殿が見にくい位置になっているが神魂神社では非常に良く見えます。 境内はスッキリとした雰囲気。清掃は行き届いており気持ち良く参拝できます。 朝の早い時間だったせいか神職さんや参拝者は誰もおらず落ち着いて参拝できた。クチコミでは色々と不快な事もあるようだが訪れる時間を調整して回避するのも良いかと思います。 専用の無料駐車場あり。10台以上停めれます。トイレは境内の中にあります。

(Translated by Google) I also went here because it was nearby on the way to Yaegaki Shrine. The building, which is considered a national treasure, definitely gives you a sense of history. There are cherry blossom trees all along the entrance, so it looks quite nice when they are in bloom. It's small so you can see it right away, but please note that the Japanese poster about Dokdo attached to one of the offices may be off-putting. (Original) 야에가키신사 가는길에 근처라서 여기도 가봤습니다. 국보라 하는 건물은 확실히 역사를 느끼게 하네요. 입구쪽으로는 쭉 벚꽃나무가 있어서 피는 시기가 되면 꽤 멋있을 듯 합니다. 규모가 작아서 금방 보고 나올 수 있는데 한가지 사무실 쪽에 붙어있는 독도는 일본 포스터 때문에 기분이 상할 수 있으니 참고하시기 바랍니다.

Matsue is an original castle making it one of twelve national treasures in Japan. The main structure has overcome fires, earthquakes and the anti-feudal demolitions during the Meiji Period. The castle was built in 1611 and when you visit you can walk around the lavish grounds and observe the moat that surrounds the entrance. I had a great time but it was really cold when I visited in November. I recommend you wear warm clothing and socks.

Great castle to visit, very interesting indeed to see the original construction, more like a ship than a castle. A big contrast to European castles in design and use, and in an amazing location.

It was awesome, lots of historical facts about this castle. Additionally there are two shrines that yiu can visit (and get your stamps). There are also people dressed in samurai armors that you can take pictures with. I highly recommend it.

One of the few remaining intact castles in Japan, and a national heritage site, this structure has ambiance that other castles in Japan doesn't. A must see for history buffs.

Definitely worth a visit during your stay in Matsue. Pretty grounds and the castle itself is stunning. I learnt a lot from the interpretation panels in the castle (most of which were in English too) and the views from the top floor were fantastic. I visited at 5pm on a Tuesday and it was not busy at all.

 Matsue Castle, also known as the "Black Castle," stands as an extraordinary testament to Japan's rich heritage and serves as a gateway to the past. My recent visit to this magnificent castle left an indelible mark on my heart and has become one of the highlights of my travels. From the moment I set eyes on Matsue Castle's awe-inspiring silhouette, I was captivated. The castle's imposing black exterior, standing proudly against the backdrop of lush greenery and the serene waters of Lake Shinji, is a sight to behold. As I approached the castle grounds, the sense of anticipation grew, and I was transported back in time to an era filled with samurais, shoguns, and grandeur. Throughout the castle, I found engaging exhibits and informative displays that offered a glimpse into the castle's history. The artifacts, samurai armor, and weaponry on display provided a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural heritage and the castle's significance in Japan's feudal past. Beyond the castle itself, the surrounding park grounds were a haven of tranquility. The moat that encircles the castle and the stone walls created an atmosphere of both beauty and defense, transporting me to a time of fortresses and battles. Lastly, I must commend the city of Matsue for its commitment to preserving this cultural treasure. The efforts made to maintain the castle's original splendor and the dedication to historical accuracy deserve applause. It is evident that Matsue Castle holds a special place in the hearts of locals, and their enthusiasm for sharing its history is contagious. Visiting Matsue Castle is not just an excursion; it is an immersive journey through time. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply someone seeking awe-inspiring sights, this castle will captivate your imagination and leave you with a deep appreciation for Japan's storied past. Matsue Castle is an absolute must-visit, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Beautiful castle. To visit inside the castle you need to drop your shoes. Running around in the castle without shoes in winter, was very uncomfortable.

(castles visited 50+) Honestly this is a 5 star castle, but finding parking drove me nuts and this is the darkest castle (building) I have ever been in. I drove to this castle and I could not find parking. I drove towards the castle, and found what I thought was parking but all I saw was a big "exit" sign. Then there was no way to turn around so I had to drive around the entire castle again. And I get back to the same place and there is a super super tiny "p" sign with no indication in any language if it's an entrance or even for the castle. Parking was 500 and entrance was 600 something. Pretty pricey, but it was a cool castle. The castle park was nice. Lots to do in the area. The main building was great. But it was sooooooo dark. It made me feel like I was 100 years old, barely able to see anything inside. Squinting to read the information. But at least, unlike most castles they had multiple languages and lots of really interesting things I will leave for you to read about when you visit.

One of the top spots for appreciating the unique Japanese castle and cherry blossom in Spring. We enjoyed our time and opportunity of visiting there and having some serene vibes.

Was built over a five year period (1607-1611)by Yoshiharu Horio founder of Matsue City. It is one of the last remaining original Castles in Japan. Visitors come to enjoy the panoramic view from the top floor the beautiful cherry blossoms that fill the Castle grounds during Spring.

One of the best cultural Immersion introductions into the city and region of Shimane. Make sure you check out the tea drinking introductions at the local museum too. Highly recommended as a first timer into the cityscape. I will come again ❤️.

Different experience than most castles in Japan since it has the original structure instead of a more museum feel. Has English signs and takes credit card. Highly recommend. Has very steep steps. Also has photos of a lot of the other castles in Japan so it was fun finding the one's we've also visited.

Very nice. Going there is like going back in time. Not as crowded as the other castles. The surrounding view is very beautiful.

A magnificent and amazing castle in Japan. It's said that there are some heart-shaped stones hidden in the wall, but unfortunately, I couldn't find them.

I went to Matsue Castle at the end of February 2023. We did the moat tour the day before - highly recommended - but it was sleeting, so we left the castle tour for the next day. It was still very cold, but the sun was out. The castle is amazing. Walking around in those rooms and seeing and feeling the ancient timbers - you're touching history. There's lots of information to read (in English), photos of the castle through time, artefacts and incredible views of the city. But a warning. I think it's dangerous. You can't wear shoes inside, there are lots of stairs, they're really steep and the timber is slippery. You've got to be fit. It's like climbing a mountain. And you've got to be really careful. OH and S would have a field day here!!

Wonderful ancient wooden structure, so rare to see one so old. Lots of very steep stairs, so best for reasonably fit people. Excellent interpretation of the history is in English and Japanese.

Genuinely don’t know how Japan is this good at museums. The exhibits are a fantastic mix of traditional artifacts and interactive screens, there’s some really fun models, a fantastic gift shop and cafe, and the staff were some of the nicest I’d encountered on my most recent trip to Japan. Super recommend the cafe, you get to sit in front of a nice Japanese garden complete with a view of the castle.

This museum was incredible! They have all kinds of interesting artifacts from times past in Japan, they also have a sweet shop, and a tea room. Before you enter the Sweet Shop, there are two giant sculptures made entirely out of Japanese sweets! They're very beautiful.

we visited this museum as a prelude to visting the matsue castle. they have a small but high quality collection of local artefacts arranged to present the history of matsue castle. there is an english audio guide available for free as well discount tickets for non japanese. You can get a combo ticket for museum and castle. they have regular art exhibitions. there is an excellent coffee shop and gift shop.

Wonderful introduction into the rich history and culture of Matsue.

The museum was quite interesting; talking about the history of Matsue. The is a english audio guide that you can get for free which is helpful. Do bring your passport for a foreigner price.

Get to see Samurai traditional costume and top view of castle from museum window. At exit do check huge drums which they does play marching in streets of Matsue in month of April a traditional Matsurri event.

Definitely recommend visiting the museum once, and the café once-per-week. It's easily one of my favourite places to relax

(Translated by Google) Please be careful not to fall on the tree roots on the walkway on the castle side. If you come to Matsue, please take a walk! (Original) 城側の歩道は、木の根っこで転ばないように注意して下さい。 松江に来たなら是非散策してください！

(Translated by Google) This road is lined with samurai residences and offers a taste of the traditional townscape. Although it is about 10 meters long, it has been renovated and used as a modern building such as a museum, restaurant, and inn, while maintaining the original building and atmosphere. It seems that some people live here normally. At Horikawa, which faces the highway, you can sometimes see sightseeing boats passing by. (Original) 武家屋敷が並ぶ、昔ながらの町並みを味わえる街道です。数10m程ですが、当時の建物や雰囲気そのままに、博物館や飲食店、宿など現代の建物に改修されて使用されています。普通に住んでいる方もいるそうです。街道に面した堀川では時々遊覧船が通るのを眺めることが出来ます。

(Translated by Google) I was asked to explain when I got on the ship. It is a street where samurai residences are lined up. A rope is a straight road like a rope. Mr. Shiomi is famous, so Shiomi Nawate. It seems that it has been selected as one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan" and is often used for shooting TV. There is a museum. (Original) 船に乗ったときに説明してもらった。武家屋敷が並んでいる通りです。縄手とは、縄のように一筋にのびた道のことです。塩見さんが有名なので、塩見縄手。「日本の道100選」に選ばれているそうで、テレビの撮影でもよく使われているらしい。博物館とかがあります。

(Translated by Google) Visited in 2013/10 Not bad for a walk. In addition to the samurai residences, willow trees are planted on the banks of the moat, and tour boats can also be seen. There are also some gift shops, cafes, and soba noodle shops on the roadside where you can eat and have afternoon tea. (Original) 2013/10到訪 散散步還不錯。除了武士宅邸，護城河岸種有柳樹，也可看到遊覽船。路邊還有一些禮品店跟咖啡廳、蕎麥麵店可以吃飯喝下午茶。

(Translated by Google) I sat on a bench here and rested comfortably for about 30 to 40 minutes. I really liked the quiet atmosphere. (Original) 이곳 벤치에 앉아 30~40분정도 편히 쉬다 갔어요. 한적한 분위기가 너무 좋았습니다.

(Translated by Google) I went for a walk early in the morning. It's a lovely place. You will feel like you have traveled back in time. It's about a 15 minute walk from the prefectural office area. It's perfect for a short stroll, and there are other attractions nearby, such as samurai residences and the Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum. (Original) 朝早めに散策してみました。素敵な場所です。タイムスリップした感覚に陥ります。県庁の辺りからここまで歩いて15分程度です。ちょっとした散策にピッタリで、近くには武家屋敷や小泉八雲記念館などの見所もあります。

(Translated by Google) An elegant street along the Kyobashi River in Matsue that gives you a feel of the Edo period. This street is full of attractions such as the Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum, samurai residences, and sightseeing boats that take you down the river. On this street, there is a pine tree with a heart-shaped cut that is said to bring good luck to those who find it, and without any prior knowledge, I happened to find the heart-shaped cut and thought it was interesting, so I took a photo of it. After I got home, I saw it on TV and wondered if that was what it was about, but it seems like this is another popular spot. (Original) 松江・京橋川沿いの江戸時代っぽさを感じる風流な通り。この通りには小泉八雲記念館や武家屋敷、遊覧船で川下りなど見所が集まっている。 なおこの通りには見つけると幸運が訪れると言われるハート型の切り口のある松の木があり、自分は何も予備知識なくそのハート型の切り口をたまたま見つけて面白いなと写真に収めておいたのだが、帰った後でテレビで見てそういう事だったのかヘェ〜となったのだが、これがまた人気のスポットのようである。

(Translated by Google) Shiomi Tate is one of the 100 selected streets in Japan, retaining the castle town style of the Edo period. In the past, this area was a place where only samurai with a salary of two hundred koku could live. There is also the former residence and memorial hall of the famous British writer Koizumi Yakumo here. It's raining continuously today, the temperature has dropped sharply, and it's a unique atmosphere. (Original) 塩見縄手是日本街道百選之一，保留江戶時代的城下町風情。以前這一帶是必須擁有俸祿兩百石的武士才能居住的地方。 這裡還有日本文壇馳名的英國作家小泉八雲的故居及紀念館。今日綿綿陰雨，氣溫驟降，別有一番風情。

(Translated by Google) I don't think there is any other prefectural capital with such beautiful scenery. It's not very noticeable, but there are long-established stores selling soy sauce and alcohol in this area, so it's worth exploring. (Original) こんなに美しい景色を抱いた県庁所在地はないと思う。 目立たないが、この界隈に醤油、お酒などの老舗があり探索しがいも有る。

Nice little samurai house to explore. You can wander the gardens and go inside the rooms. There isn’t much furniture, but you can still get a feel for how the samurai lived long ago. Like many sites in Matsue, the entry fee is discounted for foreigners as of December 2019. Make sure to go up the hill in the garden to find a small building housing festival drums. You can press a button to listen to the history of the festival and hear a recording of the drums.

It’s pretty neat with some nice rooms, artefacts, and mannequins. It’s worth visiting alongside the Hearn Museum/Castle and House but I don’t think it’s worth making time for on its own outside them, unless you haven’t experienced anything like it before.

Lovely traditional samurai home and decent explanations in English.

Quite interesting to know how is samurai house in Edo period. The site has prepare point for photo shooting. People can pretend living there to shoot. 😉

It was very interesting to experience a part of Japanese history.

Pleasure to walk around and imagine the life of a samurai.

Just a few old traditional houses associated with samurai. Unless you are keen on their lifestyle and history, can give this place a miss.

It is very quiet here. There are some koyfishes that you can feed, it is very icy for small children.

One of 2 Ichinomiyas in Shimane, an amazing shrine which is way quieter than Izumo Taisha. Would be a good pick place for the first prayer of the year.

I was healed

(Translated by Google) There is a benefit of matchmaking! At the beginning of October of last year, when we entered the third year of our marriage search, which we had been lazily continuing to do while taking breaks, I went on a trip to Shimane with my family. Shimane is one of my favorite travel destinations, and this was my third time visiting Kumano Taisha Shrine, and this time, at my mother's insistence, I prayed for marriage. I also visited Izumo Taisha Shrine. When I chatted with a local at a museum I stopped by, I was encouraged by someone who said, ``If you pray today, you'll be able to slip in and make it in time to consult the god of the moon,'' and I returned home feeling a mysterious response. I carefully enshrined the sacred talisman on my altar at home. As if my wish had come true, I quickly got engaged to someone I met soon after, and the following year we decided to get married at Kumano Taisha Shrine. Since it is a shrine dedicated to Suhoson and his wife, Princess Kushiinada, I think it is natural that it will bring good luck in matchmaking. The lucky charm comb is also cute, so I received it and am using it carefully. As the ladies who dressed me and did my hair and make-up during the wedding preparations said, some people call Kumano Taisha the parent of Izumo Taisha. The person who said that didn't seem to know much about the details, but I felt that it was a shrine that had a lot of weight to it, as people who were born and raised in Matsue perceived it that way. It makes sense since it is an Ichinomiya shrine along with Izumo Taisha. During the ceremony, a Shinto priest will perform live on the sho and koto. At the end of the ceremony, the priest would read something like an instruction, but this was extremely anachronistic. Wives don't appear in front of their husbands, they make the family name even more prosperous, and so on. If a man like Sosho Takashi were my husband, I wouldn't think of coming forward... It would be good if we could help each other by stepping forward and retreating while walking side by side. I'm sure there are people who are concerned about this, but I think it's best to not get too nervous and take it in a way that suits you. I was a little surprised to find a nice board for a nameplate among the hand-me-down items. It has an old-fashioned feel to it. My husband and I get along well, have fun together, and are doing well in good health, so I think we have a good relationship. I had a lot of bad experiences in my marriage, but thanks to everyone, I was able to get to where I am now. 1. Pray for matchmaking at Kumano Taisha Shrine before the month of Kamiari. 2. Visit Izumo Taisha Shrine properly I'm just wondering if this was a mistake. I think it would be great if Kumano Taisha's matchmaking power spread along with Izumo Taisha. The following is a review of Kumano Taisha's affiliates and surrounding facilities. I hope this will be helpful to those who are considering a wedding ceremony. There is no building with a large hall inside the shrine, so the only things that can be done inside the shrine are preparations and the ceremony. It is possible to hold the reception at a luxurious hotel in Matsue City, but in my case, I chose Yuuaikuma-no-Yakata, which is right next door. We wanted to have a small ceremony with only our families invited, and enjoy a leisurely meal while chatting.Also, we had many families with young children, so we didn't want to burden them with transportation. Kuma no Yakata has a Showa-era feel to its exterior and interior, but the food is surprisingly delicious. I can see that they have put some thought into the menu, and despite being in a mountainous area, the quality of the sashimi was good and my family was very satisfied. I was wondering if I would be able to eat dinner after the reception because it was so large, but the receptionist suggested I prepare a boxed lunch. My family was happy because I could eat whenever I wanted, and the bento boxes were also very luxurious and delicious. There was nothing I disliked about the staff's response, and the bathhouse was very spacious and had a pleasant hot spring that felt good on the skin, so I was really grateful that I was able to make my family happy. We also had the option of renting a waiting room for relatives rather than staying overnight, so breastfeeding families could spend their time with peace of mind. I think Kumano Taisha is good because it has such facilities right next door. There are companies in the downtown area of ​​Matsue City who can coordinate wedding ceremonies at Kumano Taisha Shrine. There is also an application form to submit to the shrine, so it will go smoothly if you ask the person at the shrine when you visit. I used Muramatsu who offers "Kumano Taisha weddings". Since we were founded as a costume rental store, we have many wonderful costumes. I was happy that I was able to get married in the white solid wood that I liked. I was very satisfied with how I dressed on the day, and was flexible with my hair and makeup, which I had communicated to them in advance. I think there are many women who are very particular about their wedding ceremony, but I think you can have a wonderful ceremony even if you leave it to the people around Kumano Taisha Shrine. (Original) 縁結びのご利益あり！ 休み休みしながらだらだらと続けていた婚活が3年目に突入した去る年の10月頭、家族と島根旅行へ出かけました。島根はお気に入りの旅行先で、熊野大社に参拝するのは3度目だったのですが、この時は母の強い勧めで縁結びの御祈祷をしていただきました。 その足で出雲大社にも参拝。 立ち寄った博物館で地元の方とお喋りした中でも、「今日御祈祷したなら、神在月の神様のご相談に滑り込みで間に合いますよ」と励ましてもらい、謎の手応えを感じながら帰って、いただいた神札を自宅の神棚に大切にお祀りしました。 願いが届いたのか、そのすぐ後に出会った方とスピード婚約に至り、翌年には熊野大社で挙式をすることに。 素戔嗚尊とその妻、櫛稲田姫を祀る神社なので、縁結びのご利益は当然あるかと思います。 お守りの櫛もかわいいので、いただいて大切に使っています。 結婚式の支度の際、着付けやヘアメイクをしてくださったおねえさまたちが仰っていたのですが、「熊野大社は出雲大社の親」と呼ぶ方もいるそうです。詳細はそう言ったご本人もあまりご存知ないようでしたが、松江で生まれ育った方々がそんな風に受け止めている重みのある神社なんだなと思いました。出雲大社と並ぶ一の宮の神社なので、納得です。 挙式の際は神職さんが笙と琴を生演奏してくださいます。 式の締めに神主様が訓示のようなものを読み上げるのですが、これは大変時代錯誤な内容でした。妻は夫の前に出ず、とか、家の名を益々栄えさせて云々、等々。素戔嗚尊のような人が夫であれば前に出ようとは思わないでしょうけど…。並んで歩く中で前に出たり後ろに引っ込んだりして助け合っていければ良いですよね。 気になる人は気になると思いますが、あまり神経質にならずに自分たちに合った受け止め方をすれば良いと思います。 お下がりの品の中に表札用の立派な板があり、少し驚きました。昔ながらの感じが端々にあります。 夫とは仲良く楽しくぼちぼち健康にやってこれているので、良い縁を結んでいただいたなと思います。 嫌な思いをたくさんした婚活でしたが、お陰様で今の生活に辿り着けました。 1.神在月までに熊野大社で縁結び祈願 2.出雲大社にもちゃんと参拝 これがミソだったのかなと勝手に思っています。 出雲大社に並んで熊野大社の縁結びパワーが広まれば良いなと思います。 以下は熊野大社さんの提携先・周辺施設を含むレビューです。挙式を検討されている方に役立ててもらえればと思います。 神社内には大広間があるような建物はないので、神社内でできるのはお支度と挙式のみです。披露宴は松江市内の豪華なホテルで開くことも可能ですが、私の場合はすぐ隣のゆうあいくまの館さんを利用しました。 お互いの家族だけを呼んだ小さな式をして、ゆっくりお食事を味わいながら歓談したいという希望もあり、また、家族に小さな子ども連れが多かったので移動の負担をかけたくないという事情もありました。 くまの館さんは外観・内装共に、The昭和な感じの施設なのですが、失礼ながら意外に思うほどお食事が美味しいです。メニューに工夫されているのがわかりますし、山間の地域ながらお刺身の質が良くて家族も大満足してくれました。 披露宴後の夕食は量が多くて食べられるかなと迷っていたところ、受付の方がお弁当の用意を提案してくださいました。食べたい時に食べられるので家族も喜びましたし、お弁当もまたとても豪華で美味しかったです。 スタッフのみなさんの対応も嫌なところはなく、浴場がとても広くて肌当たりの良い気持ち良い温泉があって、家族を喜ばせることが出来て本当にありがたかったです。 宿泊ではなく親族控室だけ借りる相談もできたため、授乳中の家族にも安心して過ごしてもらえました。 そういった施設がすぐ隣にあるという点でも、熊野大社は良いと思います。 熊野大社での挙式をコーディネートしてくれる業者さんは松江市の市街地にあります。神社に提出する申込書もあるので、参拝された際に神社の方にお声掛けするとスムーズです。 私は「熊野大社結婚式」を打ち出しているむらまつさんを利用しました。貸衣裳店として創業されただけあって、衣装は素晴らしいものをたくさんお持ちです。気に入った白無垢で挙式できて満足でした。 当日の着付けはきっちりと、事前にイメージを伝えておいたヘアセットやメイクは柔軟に対応していただけたので、満足度は高かったです。 挙式にたくさんこだわりがある女性も多いと思いますが、熊野大社さんの周辺にお任せしても充分素敵なお式になると思います。

(Translated by Google) It had a great atmosphere and I felt empowered. The shrine where fire originated. It is dedicated to the god of fire, and I remember visiting the shrine closest to my home when my child was job hunting. My child became a firefighter and I visited the shrine with a special feeling. If you go to Izumo Taisha in Shimane, you should stop by. (Original) かなり雰囲気があり、パワーを貰ったので気持ちになった。火の発祥の神社。火の神様を奉られており、私の自宅の一番近い神社で、子供が就活時におまいりしたのを思い出しました。子供が消防士になり、特別な思いで参拝しました。 島根でも出雲大社に行った際は立ち寄られた方がいいです。

(Translated by Google) There was plenty of parking. Cross the elegant red bridge to reach the shrine. A relaxing interior. There is also Inari Shrine. Visit the five shrines in the lunar calendar. (Original) 駐車場はたくさんありました。風情のある赤い橋をわたり大社に行きます。ゆったりした境内。稲荷神社などもあります。 旧暦の神在月五社巡りで参拝。

(Translated by Google) It’s a beautiful place, but there are very few trains. After taking the Yakumo Line from Matsue to Yakumo Garage, transfer to a small shuttle bus (one trip is 200 yen for adults, half price for children, and one-day passes cannot be used). You can only vote cash The territory is very beautiful, the staff are very friendly, there are restaurants nearby, and there are some experience centers nearby. However, it will be difficult to visit many places in a short time without driving. Be sure to pay attention to the time when taking a ride. The location for the return trip is in the parking lot. Don’t miss it in front of the toilet on the road~ If you are driving by yourself, you can take a detour on your way back to Shitabi Shrine to see the giant sacred tree. There is also a pocket park parking lot nearby. (Original) 很漂亮的地方，但車次相當少，從松江搭八雲線到八雲車庫後，轉乘小型接駁專車（一趟200日幣大人，小孩半價，通票一日票都不能使用） 只能投現金 境內很漂亮，社方人員相當親切，旁邊有餐廳，附近有一些體驗中心，但不開車來會很難在短時間內跑多個地方，搭車一定要注意時間，另回程搭車位置在停車場靠馬路的廁所前，不要錯過了～ 如果自駕的話，回程繞個道可以去志多備神社看超大神木，附近也有口袋公園停車場