Matsue

Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, Due to its location between Lake Shinji, Nakaumi(another lake) and the Sea of Japan, Matsue is also known as the "water city". Along the banks of the Ohashi River connecting the two. Nearby Izumo Taisha is recognized as one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan and is ranked second in importance only to Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture. This city is a feudal stronghold that appears in Japan's earliest myths and legends.

Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle is one of only a dozen original castles in Japan, meaning that its main tower has survived to this day through fires, earthquakes and the anti-feudal demolitions of the Meiji Period. It is sometimes called the "black castle" after its darkly-colored, austere exterior.

Shimane Art Museum

The Shimane Art Museum houses a collection of Japanese and Western art, including Momoyama folding screens and paintings by Corot, Sisley, Monet, and Gauguin.

Horikawa Sightseeing Boat

Cruising the inner and outer moats enclosing the castle is one of the main sightseeing activity that Matsue has to offer. It gives the visitor a chance to discover the city from an original point of view.

Yaegaki Shrine

Yaegaki Shrine, formerly known as Sakusa Shrine, is dedicated to marriage and matchmaking.

Tamatsukuriyu Shrine

The biggest shrine in Tamatsukuri is Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, and within its grounds is a small Inari Shrine. Guarded by a pair of fox statues, the fox being the messengers of Inari.

Yushien Garden

The Journal of Japanese Gardening has ranked Yushien Garden one of the top Japanese gardens in the nation.

Kamosu Jinja

Kamosu Jinja is in Matsue. The Taisha-zukuri Honden of 1583 is a National Treasure. The coeval branch Inari shrine is an Important Cultural Property.

Matsue Former Samurai District

Some of Matsue's former samurai mansions have been preserved along the busy road north of Matsue Castle's inner moat.

Miho Jinja Shrine

A collection of 846 musical instruments dedicated to Miho shrine has been designated an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property.)

Matsue Vogel Park

Matsue Vogel Park is an aviary park, is home to various birds from around the world, including rare and exotic birds.