All Reviews of Matsue Castle

Looking up at that imposing dark brown castle keep instantly makes you feel as if you've traveled back to Japan's war-torn Sengoku and Edo periods! This ancient castle, one of Japan's Five National Treasure Castles, is also one of only 12 surviving original castle keeps in the country. It has completely preserved its appearance from when it was built more than 400 years ago. The exterior walls of the keep are covered with dark black wooden siding, and the boldly spreading eaves look both elegant and commanding, like a huge black bird about to take flight. That's why it earned the impressive nickname "Plover Castle"! Climbing the steep, sturdy old wooden stairs inside and walking across the thick wooden floors that make a deep sound underfoot, you eventually reach the observation level at the very top. The view is unbelievably open, offering an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of Matsue's cityscape as well as a distant view of sparkling Lake Shinji. The breeze blowing against your face feels incredibly refreshing!

Matsue Castle is absolutely worth making a special trip for.
It is one of only 12 surviving original castle keeps in Japan, and one of the very few designated as a National Treasure—only five castles in the entire country have that status.
Compared with many castles rebuilt in reinforced concrete after the war, the most captivating thing about Matsue Castle is that it has beautifully preserved its original wooden structure from more than 400 years ago, dating back to the early Edo period. That simple, steady, and dignified sense of history is something modern reconstructions simply can’t match.

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.