Best Things to do in Matsue | Must-see attractions 2025

Shimane Art Museum

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

1-5 Sodeshi-chō

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Shimane Art Museum in Matsue, Japan features 12,500 sqm of exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts, focusing on water themes with sunset views over Lake Shinji.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Matsue Vogel Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

52 Ogaki-cho

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Matsue Vogel Park in Shimane Prefecture features diverse bird species in a landscaped garden setting, designed for birdwatching and visitor exploration.

Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Adult: ¥1,400, Child (4-12): ¥700, Discounts available for groups.

Yushi-en

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

1260-2 Yatsukacho Hanyu

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Yushi-en, a 40,000 sq meter garden established in 1975 in Matsue, Japan, features peonies, rock gardens, and traditional Japanese elements along Lake Nakaumi.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Lake Matsue Waterfront Park

24 hours

Park

Nadamachi

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Lake Matsue Waterfront Park in Matsue, Japan, offers scenic views, walking trails, and cultural history along the shores of Lake Matsue, enhancing leisure activities for locals and visitors.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Certain events may have entry charges.

Izumo Tamatsukuri Historical Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

85-8 Tamayucho Tamatsukuri

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Izumo Tamatsukuri Historical Park, located in Matsue, Japan, features significant historical landmarks and a rich cultural heritage, showcasing the area's history.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Eshima Ohashi Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

渡町 / 八束町江島 (境港臨海道路江島幹線)

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Eshima Ohashi Bridge in Matsue, Japan, is a rigid-frame bridge known for its steep incline and distinctive architecture, connecting two key islands and showcasing local landscape.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No entry fees are required to walk or drive across the bridge.

Mihonoseki Lighthouse

Open all day

Lighthouse

Mihonosekicho Mihonoseki Ohira

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Mihonoseki Lighthouse in Matsue, Japan, offers stunning coastal views and a rich maritime history, making it a significant landmark for visitors and locals alike.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No special exhibitions or events requiring a ticket.

Matsue Jozan Park

Open 24 hours

Park

1-5 Tonomachi

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Matsue Jozan Park features lush gardens, historical structures, and scenic views of Lake Shinji, ideal for leisurely walks and cultural experiences.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have additional costs.

Saku Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

Taishomachi

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Saku Bridge in Matsue, Japan, is a historic wooden bridge built in 1745, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and beautiful river views.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No entrance fee required.

Magatama Bridge

24 hours

Bridge

Tamatsukuri

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Magatama Bridge in Matsue, Japan, is a historic wooden bridge dating back to 1886, known for its scenic views and cultural significance.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free to access. No fees are required.

Kirakira Bridge

Open all day

Bridge

Tamatsukuri

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Kirakira Bridge in Matsue, Japan, features a striking design and offers views of Lake Shinji, making it a favored spot for photography and leisure.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free for all visitors.

Miyabashi

Open 24 hours

Bridge

508 Tamatsukuri Tamayucho

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Miyabashi in Matsue, Japan, is a historically significant stone bridge built in 1820, connecting the city’s central area with its old castle. It reflects traditional Japanese architecture and offers scenic river views.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

Matsue Ohashi Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

Shirakatahonmachi

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Matsue Ohashi Bridge connects Matsue City to the scenic lake areas, showcasing impressive design and rich historical significance.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

Matsue History Museum

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

279 Tono-machi

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Matsue History Museum in Japan presents the region's rich history through artifacts, maps, and local crafts, including famous Matsue wagashi sweets.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Shirakata Park

Open 24 hours

Park

〒690-0062

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Shirakata Park in Matsue, Japan, features a beautiful park and lake, providing a tranquil retreat for visitors looking to enjoy nature and community activities.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Matsue Castle

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

1-5 Tonomachi

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Matsue Castle, built in the early Edo period, is one of Japan's few remaining original feudal castles, featuring a five-tiered wooden structure by Horio Yoshiharu.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Adults: ¥400, Children (elementary and middle school): ¥150. Discounts available for groups.

Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

奥谷町322

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The Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum in Matsue, Japan, explores the life and writings of the famed author who lived in the city from 1890 to 1891.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Daikon Island

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Island

八束町

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Daikon Island is a volcanic island located in Nakaumi, a brackish lake. It is known for its beautiful autumn leaves and rich natural scenery, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Yaegaki Shrine

8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Church

227 Sakusacho

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Yaegaki Shrine is a significant Shinto shrine located in Matsue, Japan. It is known for its beautiful architecture and connection to love and marriage, attracting many visitors seeking blessings for relationships.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Miho Shrine

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Church

608 Mihonosekicho Mihonoseki

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Miho Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its rich history, including the Important Cultural Property, Honden, built in 1813 and the dedication of 846 musical instruments to the deities.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Tamatsukuri Onsen

9:00 AM-8:00 PM

Landmark

32-7 玉造玉湯町 Matsue

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Tamatsukuri Onsen is a famous hot spring located in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its healing waters and beautiful surroundings, making it a relaxing spot for visitors.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

$5

Shinji Lake

6:00 AM-7:00 PM

Lake

Tamayucho

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Shinji Lake is the seventh largest lake in Japan, located in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. The lake is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, including rabbits and various birds.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free