Matsue-jō Castle — Attraction in Matsue

I absolutely loved visiting Matsue Castle! This historic fortress, completed in 1611, is one of only 12 original wooden tenshu still standing in Japan—and one of just five designated National Treasures .

Highlights: • The black, austere “plover castle” silhouette is stunning, especially contrasting with seasonal backdrops—cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or even snowy white . • Climbing the six-storey interior gives a sense of history—creaky wooden floors, samurai-era artifacts, and narrow staircases evoke a bygone era . • At the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking 360° views over Matsue city and tranquil Lake Shinji .

Great extras: • Horikawa moat cruise: A peaceful boat ride through canals offers charming perspectives of the castle and historic samurai district . • Beautiful grounds: Jozan Park surrounds the castle—ideal for walks under cherry blossoms in spring or fiery foliage in autumn . • Cultural events: Time your visit for the Oshiro Festival in April or the Tea Ceremony Festival in October to see the castle illuminated and filled with traditional performances .

Tips: • Entry is ¥680 (castle only) or ¥1,100 with nearby samurai museum and Lafcadio Hearn collection . • Open daily from 8:30–18:30 (summer) and 8:30–17:00 (winter). Closed only for admissions 30 minutes before close . • Easily reached via a 25–30 min walk from Matsue Station or a quick ride on the Lakeline sightseeing bus . • Small boat tours run between 09:00–17:00, with audio guides in multiple...

Matsue Castle was constructed from 1607 to 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu, the first daimyō of the Matsue Domain, during the early Edo period. Ownership was passed to the Izumo branch of the Kyōgoku in 1633 and then the Matsudaira, a junior branch of the ruling Tokugawa clan, in 1637. The Matsudaira donated Matsue Castle to the city of Matsue in 1927. Matsue Castle is one of few remaining feudal Japanese castles that retains its main keep in its original wooden form and not a modern concrete reconstruction. Built after the last great war of feudal Japan, the keep has survived earthquakes, fires, wars and other causes that destroyed or damaged many Japanese castles. However, a number of its castle buildings were demolished during the early Meiji period, leaving only the keep, an attached turret and stone walls existing as original structures today, though some of the other castle buildings have been reconstructed in modern times. Matsue Castle, standing on the shores of Lake Shinji, is one of Japan's Three Great Lake Castles and the heart of Matsue's central...

(castles visited 50+) Honestly this is a 5 star castle, but finding parking drove me nuts and this is the darkest castle (building) I have ever been in.

I drove to this castle and I could not find parking. I drove towards the castle, and found what I thought was parking but all I saw was a big "exit" sign. Then there was no way to turn around so I had to drive around the entire castle again. And I get back to the same place and there is a super super tiny "p" sign with no indication in any language if it's an entrance or even for the castle.

Parking was 500 and entrance was 600 something. Pretty pricey, but it was a cool castle. The castle park was nice. Lots to do in the area. The main building was great. But it was sooooooo dark. It made me feel like I was 100 years old, barely able to see anything inside. Squinting to read the information. But at least, unlike most castles they had multiple languages and lots of really interesting things I will leave for you to read about...