MATSUE

Daikon-shima is an island in the Naka-umi Lagoon in eastern Matsue. It was formed 120,000 – 300,000 years ago from volcanic ash. The quality of the soil makes the island the perfect place for growing Korean ginseng and peonies, and their cultivation, which started on the island in the Edo period,  has grown into the island’s main [...]

It is said that Tamatsukuri hot spring was discovered 1300 years ago by the god Sukuna-hikona, who appears in Japanese mythology and accompanied Okuni-nushi around  Japan developing the land and industry. The hot spring appears in the ancient chronicles as “the water of the gods”. The sun god Amaterasu, had three sacred treasures, the sword, the mirror [...]

Kezo-ji Temple is located at the top of Mt. Makuragi (456m) in the northern area of Matsue. It was founded over 1000 years ago, but fell into disrepair over the years. The temple was later revived by the ruling clan of Matsue when the castle was built. The temple lies directly north-east of Matsue Castle, [...]

Kumano Taisha Shrine is located just south of central Matsue in the town of Yakumo. Since ancient times it has been known as the highest ranking shrine in the Izumo region. The main shrine is dedicated to Susano, and the other two shrines are dedicated to Inada-hime and Izanami. The shrines precinct is large and [...]

Jozan Inari Shrine was one of Lafcadio Hearn’s favourite places in Matsue. He would pass by the shrine every day on his way to the school where he was teaching, very often stopped to admire the thousands of kitsune statues that used to surround the shrine building. At the behest of the ruling clan of [...]

Senju-in Temple is famous for its 200 year drooping cherry blossm tree. The blossoms bloom fully for around three days and attract many visitors throughout the day and also into the night. The best time to visit is from the end of March to early April. The temple itself was originally located  in Yasugi, however [...]

Mihonoseki is a small fishing town on the eastern part of the Shimane Peninsula, and is home to the head shrine of all the Ebisu shrines in Japan. Further up the hill from the shrine and harbour is Mihonoseki Lighthouse, which is listed as one of the world’s top 100 historical lighthouses. On a clear [...]

Miho Shrine is located in the small fishing village of Mihonoseki, and the main deity, Kotoshiro-nushi is worshipped as the God of good fortune, fishing and safety at sea. The deity is the child of Okuni-nushi and is also known as Ebisu. Miho Shrine is the head shrine of the thousands of shrines dedicated to [...]

Route Inn is in the centre of Matsue and is around a 15 minute walk from Matsue Station, Lake Shinji and Matsue Castle. It is very close to one of the rivers that the Horikawa sightseeing boat travels along, and just a short walk from the boarding point. Information Breakfast is free of charge. Admission [...]

Matsue English Garden is located on the shores of Lake Shinji, and boasts over 500 species of plants. It was constructed in the traditional style of an English garden, and its full-time gardeners work throughout the year to maintain its beauty. The garden and neighbouring building has festivals, concerts and other events throughout the year. [...]

  Established 120 years ago, Kasuien Minami is located in the centre of the Tamatsukuri Hot Spring district in Matsue. The first floor has a large hot spring bath and a foot bath, and the ninth floor has a large outdoor bath from which you have stunning views of the town of Tamayu across to [...]

Ho-onji Temple is located in the Tamayu area of Matsue. There are many jizo statues in the grounds, and the statue in the main hall is the largest figure of the Kannon deity in Shimane, standing at a height of 4.22m. It is a designated cultural property of the prefecture. Behind the temple is a [...]