Japan has four distinct seasons and you can find the different beautiful scenery for the tourist attraction in each season. As our 7th article of “Four Seasons Series”, We will introduce Matsue Castle(松江城), designed as a Japan’s national treasure in 2015 at last, attracts many tourists throughtout the year.
Matsue Castle
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
Matsue Castle(松江城), built by Yoshiharu Horio in 1611, is one of Japan’s three premier castles along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. It is one of 12 existing castle towers in Japan and is said to be only the orthodox castle tower succeeded the shape of Azuchi Castle having castle tower for the first time.
Two sheets of praying cards written the construction time of the castle were found in 2012, which became the deciding factor that Matsue Castle was designed as a Japan’s national treasure in 2015.
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
The castle tower adopted the Boro style (lookout tower type keep) with five-tiers and six-floors, and the outer wall painted with black adopted the shitami itabari style (wooden board siding with battens), which remain the characteristics of heavy and spacious apperance during Momoyama Period. Castles with five-tiers’ castle tower are only three castles, Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Matsue Castle.
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
Visitors can see arms, armors and historical documents inside the main tower, and also can climb up to the top to see a panoramic view of of Matsue City.
photo by flickr/Travel-Picture
Seasonal scenery of Matsue Castle
(Spring) Matsue Castle is selected one of best 100 cherry blossom spots. Castle filled with Cherry blossoms will be very impressive, and visitors also enjoy the illuminated cherry blossoms in the evening.
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
(Summer) Castle tower is set off against the blue sky, increasing the solemn dignity and the beauty to its appearance.
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
(Autumn) Water Lantern Festival (Matsue Suitoro), held from mid-September to mid-October, is lighting-up event around Matsue Castle. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic and romantic scenery creating by the light and shadow.
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
(Winter) Matsue Castle is covered by snow. The contrast between black castlewall and white snow emphasizes the beauty of the castle.
photo by Shimane Prefecture Tourist Association
Spot Information
| Name | Matsue Castle(松江城) | |
| Address | 1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane, Japan | |
| Hours | （April – September）8:30 – 18:30 / （October – March）8:30 – 17:00 | |
| Closed | – | |
| Fees | General: 560 yen / Elementary and Junior High School Students: 280 yen / International Discount 50%→ 280 yen | |
| Website | http://www.visit-matsue.com |
Access
 |
Route1 | |
| 2 kilometres from JR Matsue Station. 10 minutes by Ichibata bus, disembark at Kencho-mae bus stop (in front of Shimane Prefectural Office). | ||
| View Map |
