It is one of the last remaining original feudal castles in Japan, and is the only castle left in the San-in region. Visitors come to enjoy the panoramic view from the top floor, as well as the beautiful camellia and cherry blossoms that fill the castle grounds during spring.
Lining the castle’s northern moat, Sheomee Nawateh Street is a designated Cultural Preservation Area. Along this street you will find a former samurai residence, Buke Yasheekee or Samurai House, the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum and his former residence, the Tanabeh Museum of Art, showcasing tea utensils once belongings the Feudal Lord Matsoodaira Hoomai, and the Mei-mei-ann Teahouse.
On this pleasure cruise through the canals around Matsue castle, passengers will travel under 16 distinctly styled bridges, some low enough that the boat's awning must be lowered. In the winter, kotatsoo heaters are placed on the boat, and passengers can literally experience the warmth of Japanese tradition.
The boat passes inner moat of Matsue Castle, and under a bridge.
International Visitors 33% OFF.
- From March 1st to June 30th, 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
- From July 1st to August 31st, 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.
- From September 1st to October 10th, 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
- From October 11th to November 30th, 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
- From December 1st to the end of February, 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Horeekawa Hoo-reh-eye Hiroba at Koo-roda-cho,
Carla-koro Hiroba at Kyo-miseh,
Shemane's sightseeing symbol, Lake Shinji, is the seventh largest lake in Japan and has a circumference of 45 kilometers. The brackish water supports an abundance of aquatic life, including sea bass and sheejimi claims, which are among the seven delicacies of Lake Shinji.
The little sheejimi boats that dot the lake in the early morning paint a poetic picture, and the image of the sun sinking behind the tiny island of Yomegashima is not to be missed. Sunsets are best enjoyed on board a pleasure cruise or from the grounds of the Shemane Art Museum.
Sunset behind Yomegashima, and a sightseeing boat on Lake Shinji
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Shinji, the Shemane Art Museum is famous for its beautiful sunsets. The museum stays open an extra half-hour past sundown from March through September so visitors can enjoy the setting sun.
Come see both the standard and special exhibitions, which change periodically throughout the year.
The museum showcases the history and culture of the 400-year old castle town of Matsue.
Pine tree at the entrance, and wah-gashee or original Japanese confectionaries
Two kilometers from JR Matsue Station.
Three minutes walk from Otema-eh car park.
13 minutes from JR Matsue Station on the Lake Line Bus.
Get off at Otema-eh Horikawa Sightseeing Boat Boarding Point bus stop, then 3 minutes walk.
International Visitors 50% OFF.
Located on Dai-kon-ji-ma Island, Yushi-en's gardens encompass 40,000 square meters and are home to flowers of all four seasons. Of special interest are the garden's Japanese Peonies.
In the House of Peony, large flowered peony can be viewed in bloom year-round. Yushi-en's restaurant can seat 600, provides patrons with a lovely garden view, and serves fine cuisine utilizing local ingredients such as the wildly popular Daikonjima Ginseng.
Take a 70 minutes tour of Matsue's most famous tourist attractions in this vintage bus, and receive discount Admission fee is coupons with the purchase of a one-day pass. Buses depart every 20 to 30 minutes.
Running along the northern shore of Lake Shinji, the Iche-bata Railway connects Matsue and Ezumo cities with convenient access to Ezumo Taisha. The train also serves Matsue Four-guel Park.
On the westernmost tip of the Shemane Peninsula located in the midst of a Black Tailed Gull breeding ground, the Hinomisaki Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in East Asia, 43-point-six-five-meter-high. The view from the observatory is unparalleled, and the lighthouse is considered among the top 100 historic lighthouses in the world.
Hinomi-saki Shrine has been designated as one of Japan's Important Cultural Assets, appearing in the Ancient Chronicles of Ezumo. Within its grounds stands Carlakooni Shrine, which helps illustrate the important relationship that existed between Korea and ancient Ezumo.
Dedicated to the Shinto god of marrige, Okuni-nooshi-no-Okami, Ezumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most venerated shrines in Japan. The inner shrine is constructed in the Taisha-zukuri style, Japan's oldest form of shrine architechture, and has been designated as a National Treasure.
Each year during the 10th month of the Lunar Calender the gods from throughout Japan congregate at Ezumo Taisha for their annual meeting. Only in Ezumo is this month known as, The Month With Gods.
A model of a 48-meter-tall structure at Ezumo Taisha, and bronze swords and bells.
Known throughout Japan, the famous Yasgui-booshi is performed here four times a day.
A stone statue in the image of magatahma, or comma-shaped beads, and an open-air bath.
Onsen district on Lake Shinji, and Onsen Foot Bath at Matsue Shinjeeko Onsen Station.
Sodium calcium chloride and calcium sulfate thermal hot springs.
Nerve pain, chronic skin and digestive ailments.
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Matsue International Tourist Information Office.
10 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station.
Right beside Ichibata Railway's Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station.
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the first such mine to be registered in Asia. The site also includes the surrounding transportation routes, ports, towns, and hot springs.
She-miz-dani Refinery Ruins, adit of Ryuhguengi Mabu, and silver coin of the Edo Period
Erected in 1801, this house has been designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan.
The traditional red tile roof, and the tatami-mat living room of the house.
It is a great source for background information before heading on to the mine.
Over the stone bridge leading into this ancient Shingon Buddhist temple are 501 statues of Buddhist arhats. Bearing various expressions of happiness, anger, and sadness, the statues almost appear ready to spring to life.
Stone bridges of Rahkanji Temple, and statues of Buddhist arhats
The mainstreet of Yunotsu Onsen, and Yacshe-yuh
The first hot springs to be a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Yunotsu Onsen have a 1300 year history, and renowned for their therapeutic effects. The scenic road leading up to the springs is just wide enough for a single car, and is lined with traditional Japanese inns. There are two open air baths, Moto-yuh and Yacshe-yuh, both fed from the same natural source.
Immerse yourself by taking a stroll through the glass tunnel running through the aquarium's 1000 ton tank, and don't miss the aquarium's beluga whales, which dazzle visitors with their bubble ring show. The seal and sea lion shows are also popular.
The pond in the court, and inside of the museum
The Grand Twah is an arts center, combining the Ewami Art Museum and the Ewami Arts Theater. The museum's rotating exhibit changes four times each year, and the permanent collection features the work of Shemane natives, including the fashion designs of Hana-eh Mori, and the literary compositions of Owe-guy Moree. In the theater's two performance halls one can enjoy a variety of concerts, plays, and stage performances.
Mount Sanbe, in central Shemane, is a range of six separate peaks reaching up to 1126 meters above sea level. On its broad grassy slopes you can find something to enjoy in every season: skiing, camping, Onsen, and of course hiking. Visit the nearby Mount Sanbe Nature Museum Sahee-mel, and see trees buried by volcanic matter during the Jomon Period at the Sanbe-Azukee-hara Buried Forest Museum.
Ewami is said to be the birthplace of Cargu-la. In ancient times Cargu-la was a dance performed for the enjoyment and appeasement of the gods, but since the Meiji Era has been practiced as a type of folk entertainment. There are many different performances, but the one depicting Susano-no-mikoto's battle with the eight-headed serpent, Oro-che, is the most famous.
This former castle town lies in the western reaches of Shemane. Buildings with white plaster walls and mud roofs border the streets, and thousands of beautiful carp leisurely swim in the town's canals. It is especially beautiful in early June when the town's irises bloom.
1175 brightly painted Shinto gates line the path that leads up to this shrine. It is especially popular with visitors making their first shrine visit of the New Year.
Saghimai is a dance performed each year during the Yasaka Shrine's Gueon Festival on July 20th and 27th. Dancers dressed as white herons gracefully dance to an accompaniment to traditional instruments and song.
The Oki area lies in the Sea of Japan, north of mainland Shemane. It is comprised of the large island of Dogo, and the three smaller islands of Dohzen: Nishe-no-shima, Ahma, and Chibu.
K ooniga Coast, and some pastured horses.
The Oki Islands have been located in the center of the Sea of Japan for approximately 20000 years. Prior to that, they were part of the Eurasian continent, and after breaking away, were at one point submerged beneath the ocean.
The Oki Islands Global Geopark provides the opportunity to "discover connections" between the earth, planets, animals, and humans. It also offers a glimpse at the history of the planet.
The best time to visit Oki is between spring and autumn. In the winter, the seas are subject to storms and the frequency of ferries is reduced.
Most impressive is the Kooniga Coastline's Ma-tenn-guy Cliff, the tallest cliff in Japan, which rises vertically from sea level to a height of 257 meters. The traditional bullfights and temples on Oki are highly recommended, as well as the local seafood specialties, including rock oysters, crab, and squid.
Shemane is home to a number of quality golf courses. Enjoy a day on the greens, and take in some of Shemane's beautiful scenery.
Matsue Country Club: 18-hole course, 6142 yards, par 72.
Tamatskuri Onsen Country Club: 18-hole course, 6889 yards, par 72.
Ezumo Airport Country Club: 18-hole course, 6747 yards, par 72.
Ezumo Golf Club: 18-hole course, 4914 yards, par 68.
Ezumo Taisha Country Club: 27-hole course, 10163 yards, par 108.
Shemane Golf Club: 18-hole course, 6774 yards, par 72.
Classic Shemane Country Club: 18-hole course, 6793 yards, par 72.
Swee-may Country Club: 18-hole course, 6566 yards, par 72.
Hamada Country Club: 18-hole course, 6045 yards, par 72.
Hamada Golf Links: 18-hole course, 6673 yards, par 72.
Located in western Honshu, Shemane does not receive as much snowfall as the Hokkaido or Shinshu regions, but in the mountains you will still be able to find enjoyable skiing, where yearly snowfall averages exceed two meters. Ski areas like the Mizuho Highlands boast gondolas and high speed lifts among the best in western Japan, and every year the slopes are enjoyed by multitudes of skiers and snow boarders.
Longest slope: 3,600 meters long.
Longest slope: 3,080 meters long.
- Kotobeeki Forest Park Ski Area
Longest slope: 830 meters long.
Kanzu-e Onsen, Ari-hooku Onsen, Kah-zenokni Onsen, Meema-ta Onsen, Asahi Onsen, You-yah Onsen.
Made from unhusked grain, Ezumo Soba is famous for its dark color, rich fragrance, and deep taste. Try wah-ree-go soba, a variety unique to the Ezumo region served in a small stack of lacquer bowls.
In Matsue City alone you can find 20 soba shops. If you include Ezumo City, Yasgui City and the surrounding area, there are no fewer than 60 soba shops.
Owing to Feudal Lord Matsdaira Hoomai's passion for the way of tea, Matsue has many beautiful Japanese sweets. Take some time and relax joying traditional tea, and wahgashee sweets while sightseeing.
There are many sakeh breweries in Shemane, due to the high quality and taste of local rice. At Matsue City's Kokki Sakeh Brewery, visitors can take a tour of the facilities, and try samples free of charge.
The sheejimi clams are of special note, and if you stay overnight in Tamatskuri or Matsue, they will undoubtedly appear on your breakfast menu. Reputedly good for the liver, sheejimi clams are recommended after a night of drinking.
Located right beside the Horeekawa Sightseeing Boat's Hooreai Hiroba Boarding Point is the Matsue Horeekawa Local Beer Hall. A selection of locally produced beer is available for your drinking pleasure.
Matsooba Crab, also known as Zuwaee Crab, or Snow Crab, is one of the winter delicacies of the San-in region. You can find Matsooba Crab at hotels near the Tamatskuri Onsen, and in Matsue City.
- Shemane Prefecture's Official Tourism Site
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- Shemane Prefectural Government, Tourism Promotion Division
1 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shemane.
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- Shemane Prefectural Tourism Federation
1, Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shemane.
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- Matsue History Museum, International Tourist Information Office
2 7 9, Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shemane.
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- Adachi Museum of Art, International Tourist Information Center: "Visit Japan" Information Desk
3 2 0, Hoo-ruka-wah-cho, Yasgui City, Shemane.
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- Masooda City Tourist Information Center
1 7 hyphen 2, Eki-ma-eh-cho, Masooda City, Shemane.
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- Tourism Association of Tswano
7 1 hyphen 2, Wshee-roda, Tswano Town, Shemane.
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JR Matsue Station makes a great starting point for sightseeing in Matsue and Ezumo. Tour buses and taxis provide easy access to major attractions, or if you prefer you can also rent a car or bicycle. Surrounding the station, there are also many reasonably priced hotels, restaurants, department stores, and shopping centers.
Be sure to stop by before heading out for a day of sightseeing.
- Shemane Tourism Mascot: Shemanekko
Birthplace: somewhere in Shemane.
- Shemane Super Ambassador: Yosheda-kun.
Birth date: February 14, 1985.
Birthplace: Village of Yosheda, currently Yosheda Town, Own-nan City.
Land area: 6,707 point one two square kilometers.
Population: 707,074, current as of 2012.