Matsue Castle (松江城), located in the capital of Shimane, is one of the 12 remaining castles in the original wooden form in Japan. This means the castle has survived until today through fires, earthquakes and the anti-feudal demolitions of the Meiji Period when many Japanese castles were destroyed after the end of the feudal period.
The castle was built by Yoshiharu Horio (堀尾吉晴) over 5 years and it was competed in 1611. Matsue Castle is also known as Chidori-jo (千鳥城), meaning "the Plover Castle", because the elegance of the castle’s swooping roofs are compared to the wings of a plover bird.
Inside the castle, there is a large collection of historical materials, such as armor, swords, and helmets which used to belong to samurai in the time of war.
The castle tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding city and Lake Shinji (Japan’s 7th largest lake in Matsue City). Visitors can experience the same extensive view of the city as the samurai saw 400 years ago.
⬇ The view from the castle tower 🏯
⬅National Treasury Certificate of Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle was enrolled as one of Japan's National Treasures* in 2015. Although it had been once designated as a National Treasure 65 years ago, because of the lack of remaining official records of the castle's history, it was removed from the list of National Treasures.
In 2012, two sheets of wooden praying cards used for Shinto rituals were found. The construction time of the castle was recorded on the wooden card. Thanks to this finding, Matsue Castle was once again designated as a National Treasure in 2015.
National Treasure*
A National Treasure is the most precious of Japan’s Tangible Cultural Properties, as determined and designated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan.
There is a system of designating the cultural importance of historical objects in Japan. Those considered to be of the greatest importance are enrolled as National Treasures.
Matsue Castle
Phone: (+81)-852-21-4030
Hours:
April-September: 8:30-18:30 (Entry by 18:00)
October-March: 8:30-17:00 (Entry by 16:30)
Open 7 days a week.
Admission Fee:
Adults: 670 JPY
Elementary students or junior high school students: 280 JPY
International visitors: 330 JPY
In addition to touring the castle, visitors can also enjoy, Horikawa Sightseeing Boat, a cruising tour around the Matsue Castle!
The boat departs every 15 minutes from three boarding points. Visitors can get on and off freely from any of these spots using a one-day pass.
⬅ The lowered roof of the boat
There are 17 bridges around the course.
Watch your head!
During the cruising tour, there are 4 spots where the boat's roof gets lower to fit under the bridge!
⬇ Beautiful view of Matsue Castle from a boat!! 🚤
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat (50 minutes boat cruise)
Phone: (+81)-852-27-0417
One-day pass:
Adults: 1,230 JPY
Elementary students: 610 JPY
International visitors adults: 820 JPY
International visitors elementary students: 410 JPY