Matsue Castle

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Matsue Castle

An iconic landmark in Matsue with a striking castle keep.

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Perched on a 29-meter tall hill in the flatlands near Shinji Lake, Matsue Castle was designated a Japanese national treasure in 2015. It was built some 400 years ago by Yoshiharu Horio, the lord of Izumo and Oki Provinces. The castle is sometimes nicknamed “Plover Castle” due to the castle gables resembling a plover bird with outstretched wings.

While it may appear to have 4-storeys, this 5-storey castle is home to both a basement floor and a top-floor “Tengu no Ma” watchtower featuring nothing but rails and no walls. From here you can see 360-degree panoramic views of the Matsue townscape and Shinji Lake below. It is one of 12 castle keeps still standing in Japan, and the third tallest after Himeji and Matsumoto Castles.

Flanking both sides of the stone stairs are the towering, layered stone walls leading to the main keep, famous for the fan and pentagram shaped carvings along the rock faces. Once inside the castle you’ll find a display documenting the history of Matsue township and castle or the heart mark in the natural grain of the pillar on the 1st floor. This is also the only place in Japan with an emergency stair made of paulownia tree wood. The wooden “shachihoko” (half tiger/half fish) ornament on top is as much as 2 meters tall, boasted as the oldest of its kind in Japan.

Whether a novice or full-on history buff, you won’t want to miss the “Matsue Castle Visit with a Cosplaying Japanese Private guide” tour (prior reservation required).

Highlights

  • One of five castles regarded as a national treasure in Japan and one of only twelve castles that still has a castle keep.
  • Home to a number of unique architecture highlights, including the hefty stone wall and unique stairs.
  • Guided tours available on site.

Photos

  • A former military foothold that stands today as a pre-modern monument.

    A former military foothold that stands today as a pre-modern monument.

  • Evening illumination over the castle moat available at times.

    Evening illumination over the castle moat available at times.

  • Boasts almost 180 cherryblossom trees in spring.

    Boasts almost 180 cherryblossom trees in spring.

  • Boasts almost 180 cherryblossom trees in spring.

    Boasts almost 180 cherryblossom trees in spring.

Reviews

4

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    The mainly black exterior with some white walls makes Matsue Castle's contrast really unique! Also, if you go up to the top floor of the main keep, you can get a great view of the whole city of Matsue.

    This is one of the few remaining national treasure castles in Japan. The surrounding area is really well maintained, and the view of the lake from the top is fantastic!

  • The main keep still has its original wooden structure. The stairs inside are really steep, and since you have to walk in socks, it's pretty easy to slip. But if you make it to the top, you get a great view of Lake Shinji.

  • Matsue Castle is really well maintained. Unlike other castles that have become too modernized and lost their original charm, this one still feels authentic. Plus, there aren't many tourists, so the experience is much better.

Details

Name in Japanese
松江城
Postal Code
690-0887
Address
1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane
Telephone
0852-21-4030
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
Honmaru: April - September 8:00 am - 6:30 pm / October - March 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Tenshukaku (Main Keep): April - September 8:30 am - 6:00 pm / October - March 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Admission
Honmaru palace is free to enter. Tenshu/Main Keep (Adults): 800yen, (elementary/middle school students) 400yen.
Access
Ride the city bus from JR Matsue Station for 10 mins and get off at the Kokuhou Matsue-Jo Kenchoumae Station. Walk for approx. 10 mins to arrive.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)