Matsue Castle

Situated in northeast Shimane prefecture, western Japan, Matsue Castle, also known as “Plover Castle”, preserves one of the only 12 existing original Main Keeps in Japan and was designated as a National Treasure in 2015. Encompassed by moats, the castle was finished in 1611 under the order of the feudal lord and founder of Matsue. The Main Keep is retained in the original wooden structure with black walls and gray roofs, which is the only remaining one in the Sanin area. 

Why is the Castle Nicknamed as “Plover Castle”?

Matsue Castle is nicknamed as “Chidori-jo” in Japanese - literally “Plover Castle” because the peculiar structure of its roof, which looks like the wings of a flying plover bird, bringing the building some vitality and a feeling of power.

What to See at the Main Keep of Matsue Castle

With a height of 30 meters (98 ft.), the Main Keep of Matsue Castle is the third tallest among all Japan’s 12 Main Keeps. Looking from the outside, the Main Keep has 4 stories, but actually it has 5 stories, and a basement with an old well in it. Surrounding it, there is a park called Jozan Park open to the public for stroll and cherry blossom admiration. The followings are things to see at the Main Keep.

1. City Panorama from the Top Floor

The top floor of the castle’s Main Keep offers a 360° panorama view of the surroundings including the nearby mountains, the whole city of Matsue and the serene Lake Shinji. If during the cherry blossom time, the view will be more delightful. Also it’s a good choice to admire a sunset here.

2. Firm Stone Base

With a history of over 400 years, the base of the Main Keep is still as firm as before. It was constructed with irregular-shaped stones by a unique construction method, which remains solid and still even after several earthquakes and fires. 

3. Heart-Shaped Wood Grain & Stone

There are two naturally-formed heart-shaped patterns hidden in Matsue Castle: one is on a wood pillar and the other is on a stone of the base. They are believed to bring good luck to those who find them both. You may look carefully when getting into the Main Keep.

4. Paulownia Wood Stairs 

There is no elevator in the Main Keep of Matsue Castle, so visitors need to take the wood stairs to go up to the top floor. The whole castle was built to withstand a war. That’s why the stairs in it are all made of paulownia, which was to make them light enough to be easily dismantled if enemies attack.

More Things to Do in Matsue Castle

1. Visit Kounkaku: A Mansion Built for an Emperor

Within the castle grounds there is a grand western-styled mansion called Kounkaku which was built for Meiji Emperor’s stay in 1903. While actually he never came here, the mansion is retained. The first floor is now an exhibition room and the second floor is still with the original furnishings. The mansion is open for free.

2. Take a Sightseeing Boat to Cruise on the Moat

Horikawa is the moat around Matsue Castle which has been remained since 400 years ago. You can take a cruise along Horikawa in small sightseeing boats. The boats usually depart every 15 minutes and are accessible all year round. You may take them from three spots surrounding the castle, enjoying the breeze and admiring the castle from different angles. A 30-minute course is 1,400 JPY per person and One Day Pass without time limit is 1,600 JPY per person.

Notable Festival of Matsue Castle - Matsue Dogyoretsu Drum Parade

On the 3rd Sunday of every October, Matsue Dogyoretsu Drum Parade is held around the castle town when people parade with huge taiko drum floats to the rhythm of traditional music played by bamboo flutes and changara cymbals. This festival is a community event which encourages everyone to participate the parade and beat the drums on the floats. It officially began in 1915, while its history is said to be at least 400 years. Along with the event is the Matsue Water Lantern Festival throughout October, during which thousands of paper lanterns are placed and illuminated on the grounds of Matsue Castle and its moats at night. 

Opening Hours

Apr.-Sep.: 8:30-18:30, last entrance at 18:00.
Oct.-Mar.: 8:30-17:00, last entrance at 16:30.

Ticket Fare

680 JPY.

How to Get to Matsue Castle

1. From JR Matsue Station, you may take a bus on Lake Line and get off at Kokuho Matsuejo Ote mae bus stop. Walk north and you will see the castle.

2. From Matsue-Shinjiko-Onsen Station by Ichibata Densha-Kita-Matsue Line, you may walk northeast for about 15 minutes to get there.

Nearby Attractions

Matsue History Museum: A museum helping visitors know more about the history of the city as well as traditional Japanese tea ceremony. From the castle you may walk east for 5 minutes to get there. 
Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum: The former residence and a memorial museum of Lafcadio Hearn - a famous writer and world-traveler who once lived in Matsue. You may walk north for about 10 minutes to get there.