In the pleasant early-spring weather of May, I planned a special trip to Shimane to visit the national treasure Matsue Castle! The weather in Matsue in May was incredibly comfortable, with a gentle breeze carrying a slight chill. Lush greenery surrounded the castle and lined the moat, and together with the old-fashioned black exterior of the castle keep, the scene looked extremely elegant and magnificent.
As soon as I arrived at Matsue Castle, one of the few remaining original wooden castle keeps in Japan, the antique texture of the wood and traces of history inspired a deep sense of respect. I climbed the wooden stairs all the way to the observation deck on the top floor, and the expansive view was truly breathtaking! Not only could I take in the entire Matsue cityscape, but I could also see the sparkling waters of Lake Shinji. When the breeze blew through, I felt completely relaxed.
Best of all, it wasn't overly crowded in May, so strolling along the paths surrounded by the castle's stone walls and greenery was very leisurely and comfortable. After touring the castle keep, you can also take a Horikawa sightseeing boat nearby and enjoy a different view of the castle from the water. I highly recommend adding Matsue Castle to your San'in road trip or walking itinerary when the weather is pleasant in May. You'll definitely get to experience the most captivating side of Japanese history!
