What to know
Matsue (松江), the capital of Shimane Prefecture, sits beautifully on the eastern shores of Lake Shinji (Shinjiko). Known as the "water city," it lies between Lake Shinji, Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan, offering scenic waterways and a relaxed atmosphere.
Top attractions include the original Matsue Castle and the former home of writer Lafcadio Hearn. The city also serves as an excellent base for visiting Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's most significant shrines, and the Adachi Museum of Art, famous for its stunning landscape garden.
Activities and attractions
Adachi Museum of ArtArt museum with a spectacular garden
Yushien GardenJapanese garden known for its peony flowers
Matsue CastleOne of Japan’s largest, original castle towers
Matsue Former Samurai DistrictHistoric Samurai Quarter of Matsue
Lafcadio Hearn's ResidenceFormer home of the writer Koizumi Yakumo
IzumoHome to Izumo Taisha, Japan’s Oldest Shrine
Iwami GinzanFormer silver mine with world heritage status
Mount DaisenTallest mountain in the Chugoku Region