One of Japan's few original castles stands over a city threaded with canals and bridges. Lafcadio Hearn made his home here, drawn by the ghost stories and old-world atmosphere. Sunset over Lake Shinji is worth the trip alone.
What Matsue is known for
Top-rated in Matsue
Kyuuan
4.9shopping
Craft studio in Iwami Ginzan's historic streets offering silver jewelry-making workshops.
Matengai Cliff
4.7landmark
Cliff rising 257m above pounding surf, sculpted by millions of years of erosion along Nishinoshima's Kuniga coastline.
Kuniga Coast
4.7landmark
Dramatic sea cliffs, a natural rock arch, and an 18-meter waterfall on Nishinoshima Island in the Oki Islands.
Yakiniku Ginzan Wagyu
4.7restaurant
Specializes in high-quality Shimane Wagyu beef, grilled at your table in the Karakoro Art Studio complex.
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
4.6shrine
Japan's oldest Shinto shrine dedicated to marriage deity, featuring the country's largest shimenawa sacred rope.
Adachi Museum Garden
4.5garden
Repeatedly voted Japan's finest garden, designed as a living painting with the museum.
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
4.4landmark
Japan's tallest stone lighthouse at 43.65 meters from 1903, still active beacon with panoramic Sea of Japan views.
Miho Shrine
4.5shrine
Head shrine for Ebisu, god of fishing and music.