Wanderplans - Matsue

Discover Matsue

Matsue, known as "the water city" due to its location, is an idyllic and picturesque area where nature meets shrines and temples. Visit the renowned Adachi Museum of Art, home to an impressive collection of Japanese modern art. Surrounded by Lake Shinji, Matsue offers a tranquil and beautiful setting perfect for relaxation and exploration.

Things to see and do

Tours and Activities

Matsue/Izumo Taisha Shrine Half-Day Private Trip with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Tour around Matsue Horikawa

FAQs

Getting around in Matsue

The easiest way around Matsue is on foot, since the major sights and attractions are within walking distance from each other. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or bus might be necessary. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below.

Travelers can also opt to buy the following passes to get around:

Lake Line Loop Bus 1-Day Bus Pass
- Coverage: most tourist attractions within Matsue
- Duration: 1 day
- Price: 520 Yen
- Where to buy: Matsue station

Getting to Matsue

Public transportation:

To get from Osaka to Matsue by public transportation, travelers have the following options:

Option 1: Bullet Train:
1. First, take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Okayama Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
2. Transfer to the JR Limited Express Yakumo at Okayama Station and get off at Matsue Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
  (The total travel time is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes.)
Option 2: Regular Train:
1. First, take the JR Limited Express Super Hakuto from Shin-Osaka Station to Tottori Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
2. Transfer to the JR Sanin Main Line at Tottori Station and get off at Matsue Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  (The total travel time is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes.)

Valid rail and bus passes:

Japan Bus Pass

Nearest airport:

The nearest and most convenient airport is Izumo Airport.

by car: approximately 30 hours
by public transport: approximately 55 minutes

Rental cars:

How long to stay in Matsue

We recommend staying here between one and two days.

Hotels in Matsue

Flights to Matsue

The nearest and most convenient airport is Izumo Airport.

by car: approximately 30 hours
by public transport: approximately 55 minutes

Seasonal information

Scenic rides:

Matsue Horikawa Fun Boat: click here to go to the official website
Boat Trip on Lake Shinji: click here to go to the official website
Kaka Kukedo Sightseeing Boat: click here to go to the official website

Beaches:

The swimming season on mainland Japan is usually between July and August.

Flower blossoms:

Yushien Garden: vibrant peonies in sring and irises in summer.

Festivals in Matsue

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information.

For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

Horan Enya Festival
- Date: May 18th, May 22nd and May 26th

Matsue Summer Dance
- Date: August 24th
- Time: 12:00 - 20:00

Matsue Suigo Lake Fireworks Festival
- Date: September 12th
- Time: 20:00 - 21:00

Getting mobile data in Japan

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