April-May-June

For International Visitors
and Residents of Matsue City
10 Things to Know About Matsue,
an International City of Culture and Tourism
SAVE
No trip to the City of Water
would be complete without a
pleasure boat trip around the castle
and within the city, or on Lake Shinji.
Matsue City offers significant
discounts to foreign residents and
visitors at several sightseeing
facilities. See the list below.
TASTE
ENJOY
Lake Shinji is one of the top
Matsue is renowned for the
spots in Japan for spectacular
Seven Delicacies of Lake Shinji,
sunsets. In the early morning, you such as Shijimi clams. The city also
can enjoy the scene of the Shijimi is also proud of its thriving traditional
boats and fishers. It’s free!
tea and confectionary culture.
CREATE
FEEL
The shrines in Matsue and the
A castle town founded 400
surrounding area have close
years ago, Matsue still offers an
connections with the mythological atmosphere reminiscent of Edo era
origins of Japan. The region is well- Japan. Don’t be surprised if you run
known for En-musubi, a divine into samurai, ninja, rickshaws, and
matchmaking force.
people in kimono.
GET AROUND
LEARN
You can get around the city by
using the convenient Lake Line
Bus, which runs every 20-30
minutes. A single ride is ¥200, a day
pass is ¥500. Bikes can also be
rented around the station.
There are a lot of interpreters
who can help you learn more
about Matsue and its history.
The History Museum also provides
free English audio-guides.
Matsue Goodwill Guide Association (MGG)
You can make an appointment with English-speaking
volunteers to guide you around Matsue Castle.
Please apply through the MGG Facebook Page.
M
ei
50 % OFF ¥150
Lafc
hi
us
en J a p a n e se G ar
Yu
su e Vog el Park
30 % OFF ¥105
ke
Sh i n j i
FUREAI HIROBA
in northwest
Matsue
P l e a su re
Cr
KARAKORO HIROBA
by Kyomise
33 % O FF ¥800
0
sh G ard en
En g l i
50 % OFF ¥300
30 % O
e Art M u seu
m
FF ¥980
a ts
to r
u e H i s y M u seu
ora
n -e n y
a M e m ori
al
Ha
S
an
him
m
ll
F re e !
0
( S p5e0 % O F F ¥i5t i 0o n s )
ci a l E x h i b
50 % OFF ¥250
Matsue International Tourist Information Office
Tel: 0852-21-4034/4035 9:00-18:00
English brochures available in front of Matsue Station
Since 1890
at
ÔTEMAE HIROBA
by Matsue Castle
H
Lafca
us
50 % OFF ¥150
FF ¥150
a S i g h ts e e i n g B o
Thank you for taking a copy
of the secon d editio n of the
Matsu e City Guide newsl etter!
This Englis h guide has
inform ation to help you plan
how to spend your time in
Matsu e and make sure you
don't miss out on events.
Matsue h
Fl ow
as p
has come laces to see flowe e rs !
, you will
r
even finds year-round, now
th
more flow
ers than uat spring
sual.
Glimpses of Matsue
H ORIKAWA S IGHTSEEING B OAT TICKETS
CAN BE USED ALL DAY LONG AND AS MANY TIMES
AS YOU WANT. THERE ARE THREE BOARDING
POINTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
La
50 % O
ka w
H ori
u i se
IR team at work
a rn M e m ori al M
d en
50 % OFF ¥250
The C
M at
o He
eu m
sh o-j i Te m pl e
ad i
ce
G es
50 % O F ¥280
F
n ' s F orm er Re
H ear
si d
50 % OFF ¥200
en
dio
U se tra
a s yo in s a n d b u se
Ad u lt ¥u wa n t for th res a s m u ch
F or sa le3 0 0 0 , C h il d re e d a ys !
n ¥1 5 0
a t lo
0
Ich ca l a irpor
Issue No.2 - 201 3
April/May/June
s
M
S
c
n Te
m e i -a a H ou
e
a
i Re s i d e n
m u ra
e
s u e C a s tl e
P eErnfemctu s u bi
Ticket
ts
ib a ta T
ra ve l . a n d
Discounts for international visitors
M at
RELAX
Blessed with many hot springs
(onsen), Matsue give the visitors
the chance to soak in mineral-rich
waters, or relax for free at friendly
outdoor footbaths (ashiyu).
CONNECT
Matsue is famous for its
traditional confectioneries and for
Magatama, magical comma-shaped
jewels. There are workshops around
the city where you can try your
hand at making them.
E
D
I
U
G
Y
T
I
MATSUE CNEWSLETTER
CRUISE
50 % OFF ¥100
Shimane Art Museum is closed every Tuesday.
Matsue History Museum and the Horan-enya Memorial Hall are closed
the 3rd Thursday of every month or the day after if it is a national
holiday. Castle Tower opening hours: 8:30 - 1 8:30 (Apr.-Sept.)
Note that there is free admission to the Horan-enya Memorial if you
have a ticket for the History Museum.
Matsue City Guide on Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitmatsue | Contact: matsuecityguide@gmail.com
Edited by Matsue City Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs): Luc Pomarède, Bernice Dempsey, Brittany Partin
CIR blogs: http://visitmatsue.wordpress.com http://madeinmatsue.com http://saninstory.wordpress.com
Published by Matsue City International Division
Horio Yoshiharu and his son Tadauji*
When Japan was unified at the start of
the Edo era, Horio Yoshiharu (1 5421 611 ) was appointed the first lord of
Izumo Province. Upon arriving, he made
plans for a new castle and capital city,
and his son Tadauji (1 578-1 604)
suggested the current strategic location
of Matsue Castle. While they did not
initially agree on the location, Yoshiharu
conceded after Tadauji died of a sudden
illness. Tadauji's son Tadaharu (1 5961 633) succeeded leadership at a very
young age, but he died leaving no
succesors, and control of the domain
was left to other clans thereafter. Matsue
Castle was built in five years and
achieved in 1 611 .
*Illustration: Adachi Fuden.
nd a r
e
l
a
c
t
n
Eve 23 - April 15ival
Mihonoseki Harbour
Aofushigaki Ritual
Matsue Warrior Parade
(Musha Gyoretsu)
Marchue Castle Fest
Mats6 (Sat)
de
April ue Warrior Para
Mats7 (Sun)
April higaki Ritual
Aofus 3 (Sat)
l
April 1no Taisha Ritua
Kuma at) - May 6
S
Apr 20 F(estival
y
Peon (Mon)
l
April 2n9o Taisha Ritua
Kuma Mon)
l
(
April 2n9o Taisha Ritua
Kuma5 - June 9
May 2Festival
Rose (Sat)
l
June 30no Taisha Ritua
Kuma
April 7 (Sun), early afternoon
April 6 (Sat)
This parade commemorates the founding of
Matsue and Horio Yoshiharu and his retainers
settling here. With the help of artistic directors
famous around the country, this parade is one of
the best warrior processions in Japan.
The parade will start at
1 3:00 from Shirakata
Tenmangu Shrine on
the south side of town,
and finish at Matsue
Castle around 1 5:00.
There will be many
good vantage points
along the way, with
food markets and
shopping events.
The historic small harbour of Mihonoseki is home to Miho Shrine,
which is the head shrine of all the
shrines dedicated to Ebisu, the god
of the sea. Mihonoseki is deeply
linked to several famous Japanese
myths. The place also offers many
sightseeing spots, like the Aoishidatami “blue-stone-paved” Street,
lined with traditional houses; the
Mihonoseki lighthouse, from which
one can see the Oki Islands; or the
Gohonmatsu “Five Pine Trees”
Park, famous for its azalea blossoms in May. Learn more about the
Aofushigiaki ritual and how to get
there on our website!
Matsue Castle Festival
Matsue is home to many famous spots for cherry blossom viewing (Hanami).
Senju-in Temple's weeping cherry tree
Ohashi bridge's giant cherry tree
Located northeast of Matsue Castle, this 200-year- This tree is located by the stone monument dediold tree is designated as a natural treasure. The cated to Gensuke, sacrificed to become a human
pillar when the bridge was built in 1 607.
temple also offers a great view of the castle.
Shimane Peninsula
English Garden
Cherry Road
MATSUE
Daikon-shima Island
Lake
Nakaumi
Tamatsukuri
Onsen
Kumano Taisha Shrine
Kumano Taisha Shrine
Matsue English Garden
Rose festival
Dedicated to god Susanoo, this
impressive shrine will hold many
rituals in the coming months.
May 25 (Sat) - June 9 (Sun)
The English Garden has something
in bloom all year round, but it is
especially well known for its
collection of over fifty varieties of
roses that are at their best at this
time. As always, admission is free!
April 29 (Mon),
April 1 3 (Sat),
from 11 :00
from 1 0:00
Choju-sai
Migushi-sai
May 22 (Wed),
June 30 (Sun),
from 9:30
from 1 6:00
Motomiya-sai Oharae/Nagoshi-sai
f
F l owaetsrsu eo
M
Matsue's symbol flowers are peonies and camellias, but there are many other
flowers to enjoy all year long. Don't miss our photo album 'Flowers of Matsue' on
Matsue City Guide Facebook Page.
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More events and details on
Tamayu River's sakura avenue
Mihonoseki
Harbor
Lake
Shinji
ki
M ihnomnaotsseu P a rk
G oh o
May
Located between Tamatsukuri Onsen and Lake This road along the coast is lined with hundreds of
Shinji, this 2 km long spot is one of the most beau- trees. It is near Kaka Harbor, where there are
boat tours to Kukedo Cave (See kukedo.com).
tiful in Japan. Easy access from Matsue Station.
April 20 (Sat) - May 6 (Mon)
Daikon-shima Island has peonies
to view all year round, but at this
time most of them are in bloom.
Besides various gardens and
galleries for flower viewing, the
island will also set the stage for
many other activities and events.
Cherry Road
May 23 (Sat) - April 1 5 (Mon)
So as to celebrate the coming of spring and enjoy the castle
scenery, the cherry blossoms surrounding the castle tower will be
illuminated for nighttime viewing from 1 8:00 to 21 :00 every night,
while the tower itself can be accessed until 1 8:30 (last entrance at
1 8:00). Tea stalls will sell matcha tea and sakura rice cakes.
Many events will be held on stage by the entrance of the castle.
Stage Apr. 6, 1 0:00 Apr. 7, 1 0:00 Apr. 1 3, Yasugi- Apr. 1 4,
events Kagura dance Folk songs
bushi dance Modern dances
Hanami Special
Daikon-shima Island
Peony Festival
www.facebook.com/visitmatsue
Matsue City Guide
P a rk
Riv
H orika wa
er
June
C om in g s oon rine Festival (Cen tral Matsu e).
ta Sh
ed, Thu), Shigiraoskaai Fi rework (L ake Sh in ji)er. .
July 24-25 (W
Su
),
n
Su
hash i Riv
al .
August 3-4(F(Sriat),, To ro -n agashi , Lantern onOOyu
kake -ji zo Fe stiv
August 16 (Sat), M atsu e Sh in jiko O nsenne G ozakae Ritu al
.
August 24 24-25 (Thu, Fri), Sada Sh ri
(Kas hi m a-ch o)
September
G e ssh o-ji
Te m ple
July