Matsue Castle in Japan

The Matsue Castle, built in 1611 by Lord Horio Yoshiharu, is an important specimen of feudal architecture. The five storied black monument has a unique shape of a plover and hence its nick name - the 'Plover Castle'. The architecture itself is unique of its kind, and unlike the other castles, this one is positioned on an irregular platform of close fitting stones. The moats guarding the castle are navigable even today and serve as a major attraction for the tourists. The castle had been inhabited by the Matsudaira Clan for around 230 years, and exists today as one of the most famous structures of ancient Japan.

How to reach Matsue castle: To reach Matsue by train from Tokyo, one has to take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama. Matsue is a 2 hour ride from there in the JR Yakumo limited express train or Izumo. The Izumo and Sunrise Izumo are night trains running everyday between Tokyo, Matsue and Izumo.

A number of JAL flights are available daily between Tokyo and Izumo. The ANA too has one flight between Tokyo and Yonago.

A night bus runs everyday between Tokyo, Matsue and Izumo.

The Matsue castle is a few minutes walk from the station, and the "Matsue Walker" loop bus is also available if you choose not to walk.

Where to stay in Matsue: As one of the major tourist spots in Japan, Matsue has a number of luxury and economic hotels to house the visitors. The Matsue Washington hotel, Tokyo Inn Matsue, Kishu Minabe Royal hotel, and Hotel Ichibata are few of the most visited ones.

Other destinations near Matsue Castle: With its innumerable lakes, canals and a lush green vegetation, the ancient town of Matsue is an abode of an excellent scenic view. Apart from the castle which serves as the focal attraction, the town has a number of other perks for the tourists. Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi girdle the city from both sides and function as an excellent spot for a boat ride. The Hori river is lined by ancient building that served as residences of the lords' samurais.

Matsue has a number of museums to visit. The Louis C. Tiffany Garden Museum is a valuable collection of paintings and jewelry. The Adachi museum is a home for the evolving Japanese art from the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods. Matsue Kyodo Kan is a regional museum near the main castle.

The ancient castle town is also the home of the oldest Taisha-zukuri, or Grand shrine-style. The Kamosu Shrine is in fact one of the few remaining shrines of the country.

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