（Day trip）Discover the Beauty of the Four Seasons and History! Matsue Castle, Japanese Garden & Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Day1
Explore Yuushien, the largest circuit-style Japanese garden in the San’in region, adorned with seasonal flowers and lush greenery, as well as Matsue Castle, a national treasure and symbol of Matsue. You can also enjoy a leisurely sightseeing boat ride around the castle’s moat, taking in the historical scenery at your own pace.
Route: Miho Shrine → Yuushien → National Treasure “Matsue Castle” → Horikawa Sightseeing Boat → Matsue Station
Departure from Matsue Station (around 9:30 AM)
Transportation: 50 min by car
Miho Shrine (30 min)
The head shrine of Ebisu, the child of Okuninushi-no-mikoto, revered as the god of fishing and maritime safety. It is said that visiting together with Izumo Taisha brings greater blessings.
Transportation: 40 min by car
Yuushien (60 min)
Located on Daikon Island, famous for peony and Korean ginseng cultivation, Yuushien is the largest circuit-style garden in the San’in region. Modeled after Izumo’s miniature gardens, it showcases beautiful seasonal landscapes year-round. Spring, when the peonies bloom, is especially recommended.
Transportation: 30 min by car
Lunch / Matsue Horikawa Local Beer Hall
On the second floor, you can enjoy freshly brewed local beer along with regional specialties such as Shimane Wagyu beef and Izumo soba. The first floor features a beer counter and a shop offering local products, making it a great place to find souvenirs.
Transportation: 10 min on foot
National Treasure “Matsue Castle” (45 minutes)
Matsue Castle is one of only 12 remaining original castle keeps in Japan. From the top floor observatory, you can enjoy spectacular views of Matsue city and Lake Shinji.
Travel: 5 minutes on foot
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat (60 minutes)
Cruise around Matsue Castle’s moat for approximately 50 minutes. The changing seasonal scenery is one of the highlights.
Travel: 10 minutes on foot
Shiomi Nawate Street Walk (30 minutes)
Samurai residence-style houses face the moat, preserving Matsue’s most authentic castle town atmosphere.
