Matsue is known for its well-preserved Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few original castles, and for its scenic lakes and waterways. The city is also famous for its connections to Lafcadio Hearn, a Western writer who fell in love with Japan and lived in Matsue.
In addition to Matsue Castle, other main attractions include the Adachi Museum of Art, known for its stunning Japanese gardens, and the Miho Shrine, which is closely tied to local mythology. Lake Shinji is also famous for its beautiful sunsets.
Matsue can be reached by train from major cities like Osaka and Hiroshima. The JR San’in Main Line connects Matsue to nearby cities, and it takes about 3 hours by express train from Okayama. Matsue is also accessible by highway bus and by air via Izumo Airport, which is a short drive from the city.
Matsue is known for its fresh seafood, especially shijimi clams from Lake Shinji. Local dishes include shijimi miso soup and Izumo soba, a type of buckwheat noodle served in a traditional wooden box. The city is also known for its Japanese sweets, often served with matcha tea.
Matsue hosts several traditional festivals, with the most famous being the Matsue Suigo-sai Festival in summer. This festival features fireworks over Lake Shinji and attracts thousands of visitors. Another key event is the Matsue Warrior Procession, which celebrates the city’s samurai heritage.
