Matsue Castle
松江城
One of only 12 surviving original castle keeps in Japan and one of five National Treasure keeps. Its black exterior has earned it the nickname "Plover Castle." The top floor offers a 360-degree view of Lake Shinji.
Matsue Castle was completed in 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu. The keep appears to have four stories outside and six inside. It has black vertical-board walls and is nicknamed "Chidori-jo," or Plover Castle. It was designated a National Treasure in 2015 and is one of the 12 surviving original castle keeps in Japan. Inside, the original wooden framework, a well with wooden pins, and stone-drop openings (ishiotoshi) are preserved. The top-floor lookout, the Bōrō, is open on all four sides, offering views of central Matsue, Lake Shinji, and Mount Daisen. In spring, about 200 cherry trees bloom in Shiroyama Park, making it a famous cherry-blossom spot in the San'in region. Keep admission costs about ¥800. Hours are 8:30 to 18:30, or until 17:00 from October to March. Getting there: Take the Lake Line loop bus from JR Matsue Station for about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
08:30–18:30 (winter until 17:00)
Nearby sights
- Shiomi Nawate & Lafcadio Hearn Residence
- Horikawa Pleasure Boat
- Gessho-ji Temple
- Lake Shinji Sunset
- Yaegaki Shrine
- Kamosu Shrine
- Tamatsukuri Onsen
- Kaga no Kukedo Sea Caves