A National Treasure and one of Japan's twelve original surviving castles, best enjoyed alongside a moat boat cruise and castle-town stroll.
Matsue Castle stands in Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, and is one of only twelve original castle keeps surviving in Japan. Designated a National Treasure in 2015, it is counted among the "Five National Treasure Castles" together with Himeji, Hikone, Inuyama, and Matsumoto castles.
Built by Horio Yoshiharu in 1611 (Keichō 16), the castle rises majestically on a hilltop overlooking the castle town of Matsue Domain, which held 186,000 koku. The interior displays armor and historical materials from that era, and the top floor offers a panoramic view of Lake Shinji and the surrounding castle town.
The castle is encircled by intact water moats, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely view from the water aboard a Horikawa sightseeing boat. Combined with a walk through Shiroyama Park, the area offers a rich experience of Matsue's history and timeless atmosphere.