Matsue Castle

Shimane

Castles & Historic Sites

Cultural Immersion & Activities

# Castle

# Scenic View

# Boat Ride

# National Treasure

# Original Castle Keep

The Matsue Castle keep viewed through the foreground branches of pink cherry blossoms in spring.

The black-walled Matsue Castle keep and stone base, standing on a grassy hill under a clear blue sky.

Matsue Castle keep in winter, seen rising above snow-covered green trees.

The black and white main keep of Matsue Castle, one of Japan's original castles, standing on its massive stone foundation surrounded by parkland.

A sightseeing boat on the moat surrounding Matsue Castle, with the castle keep visible in the distance above the trees.

Key Points

One of only 12 Japanese castles with its original castle keep
Designated a National Treasure in 2015
Nicknamed “Plover Castle” for its hip-and-gable roofs
Castle moat cruises on the Horikawa Sightseeing Boat

Completed in 1611 by feudal lord Horio Yoshiharu, Matsue Castle is one of only 12 surviving original castle keeps in Japan and among just five designated as National Treasures. Its striking black exterior and gracefully curving roofs earned it the nickname “Plover Castle.” After passing through control of the Horio and Kyogoku families, Matsue came under the rule of the Matsudaira clan, descendants of Tokugawa Ieyasu, tying the castle closely to the political networks of the Edo period.
Matsue Castle’s sturdy design reflects its original role as a fortress. Inside, you can explore centuries-old wooden staircases and exhibits on the castle’s history, before climbing to the top floor for sweeping views of Matsue city and Lake Shinji.
Surrounding the castle is Jozan Park, a popular cherry blossom spot and home to historic shrines, including Jozan Inari-jinja Shrine, beloved by writer Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), whose home was nearby. To experience the castle from a different angle, you can take a ride on the Horikawa Sightseeing Boat. This pleasure cruise weaves its way through the castle’s moats and canals, and a highlight of the journey is navigating under a series of distinctively low bridges. Seasonal touches like boats with kotatsu (heated tables) in winter make this a memorable way to enjoy the samurai atmosphere of Matsue.

Information

Spot information including address, access, and website
Address	1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane
Access from Tokyo	(1) From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi to Okayama Station (approx. 3 hr 15 min). (2) At Okayama Station, transfer to the Limited Express Yakumo to MATSUE STATION (approx. 2 hr 38 min). (3) From MATSUE STATION, walk to the Matsue Eki bus stop (approx. 3 minutes). (4) From Matsue Eki bus stop, take the bus (bound for Kawatsu) to Kokuho Matsuejo Kencho mae (approx. 7 min). (5) From Kokuho Matsuejo Kencho mae, walk to the Matsue Castle (approx. 2 minutes). Show route from Tokyo Station
Website	https://www.visit-matsue.com/