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Matsue

City · Shimane, 🇯🇵 Japan
Population 201,802
Area 572 km²
Time zone Asia/Tokyo
Official website www.city.matsue.shimane.jp
Matsue

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Monado / CC BY-SA 2.5

Matsue Essentials

Matsue, the 'City of Water,' preserves the architectural and cultural heritage of the Edo period. At its center stands one of Japan’s twelve original feudal castles, surrounded by a moat system still used for boat tours. The city’s history is reflected in the preserved samurai district and the tea houses established by Lord Matsudaira Fumai. Its unique character is further defined by the literary legacy of Lafcadio Hearn and the expansive views of Lake Shinji, famous for its sunset scenery and local brackish-water clams.

10 places

Hidden Coastal Heritage

This collection explores the maritime and ancient heritage of the Shimane coastline. It features historic stone and wooden lighthouses, such as the 19th-century Mihonoseki Lighthouse, which served as vital navigational aids for Sea of Japan trade routes. Complementing these are significant archaeological sites, including Nara-period temple foundations at Kurumi Haiji and prehistoric shell mounds at Sata Kobu. These locations provide a direct link to the region's transition from Jomon-era coastal settlements to the early Buddhist era.

6 places
みっち / CC BY-SA 3.0

Top Art & History Museums

Matsue’s museum scene spans from ancient Izumo history to modern lakefront galleries. Explore the city's samurai heritage at the Matsue History Museum and preserved residences, or delve into the supernatural at the Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Museum. The region’s deep connection to the tea ceremony is showcased through specialized art collections, while unique sites like the Horan-enya Memorial Hall preserve vibrant local traditions. These institutions offer a detailed look at the craftsmanship, folklore, and historical figures that shaped this castle town.

12 places
Jerry fish tkc / CC BY-SA 3.0

Spiritual Sites of Matsue

Matsue is home to some of Japan's most significant Shinto sites, including several of the 'Ou Rokusha,' or Six Shrines of Ou. These landmarks are deeply tied to Japanese mythology, such as the legend of the underworld entrance at Iya Shrine and the sacred 'wishing stones' of Tamatsukuri-yu Shrine. From the Taisha-zukuri architecture of Miho Shrine to the castle-ground setting of Matsue Shrine, these sites offer a glimpse into the Izumo region's ancient spiritual traditions and historical craftsmanship.

6 places
663highland / CC BY 2.5

Parks & Nature in Matsue

Matsue’s landscape is defined by its historic architecture and diverse waterfronts. The 17th-century Matsue Castle stands as one of Japan’s few remaining original wooden keeps, surrounded by a public park. The region features specialized horticultural sites like Yuushien Garden, famous for year-round peonies, and the Izumo Tamatsukuri Historical Park, which preserves ancient bead-making ruins. Along the coast of the Sea of Japan and the shores of Lake Shinji, visitors find sandy swimming beaches like Kitaura and Koura, alongside scenic viewing spots like the uninhabited Yomegashima Island.

9 places

Matsue — Map

Matsue — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: May, June, October

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Poor
  • 8° (feels like 1°) · extremes 1°–12°
  • 4° at night
  • 19 rainy days
  • 1 sunny day
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in February

Poor
  • 8° (feels like 2°) · extremes 1°–14°
  • 4° at night
  • 15 rainy days
  • 3 sunny days
  • 3 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 3 · moderate

Typical weather in March

Poor
  • 12° (feels like 6°) · extremes 3°–18°
  • 7° at night
  • 13 rainy days
  • 7 sunny days
  • 5 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in April

Fair
  • 16° (feels like 12°) · extremes 6°–22°
  • 11° at night
  • 11 rainy days
  • 10 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in May

Great
  • 21° (feels like 18°) · extremes 12°–25°
  • 15° at night
  • 11 rainy days
  • 10 sunny days
  • 7 hours of sunshine per day
  • Comfortable humidity
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in June

Great
  • 25° · extremes 17°–28°
  • 20° at night
  • 14 rainy days
  • 5 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Muggy, humid air
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in July

Fair
  • 28° (feels like 30°) · extremes 21°–32°
  • 24° at night
  • 17 rainy days
  • 4 sunny days
  • 5 hours of sunshine per day
  • Oppressive humidity
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in August

Fair
  • 30° (feels like 32°) · extremes 23°–33°
  • 26° at night
  • 15 rainy days
  • 7 sunny days
  • 6 hours of sunshine per day
  • Oppressive humidity
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in September

Good
  • 26° · extremes 19°–31°
  • 22° at night
  • 16 rainy days
  • 5 sunny days
  • 5 hours of sunshine per day
  • Muggy, humid air
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in October

Great
  • 21° (feels like 19°) · extremes 13°–26°
  • 17° at night
  • 12 rainy days
  • 7 sunny days
  • 5 hours of sunshine per day
  • Comfortable humidity
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in November

Fair
  • 16° (feels like 12°) · extremes 8°–21°
  • 12° at night
  • 14 rainy days
  • 4 sunny days
  • 4 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 2 · low

Typical weather in December

Poor
  • 11° (feels like 5°) · extremes 3°–15°
  • 7° at night
  • 18 rainy days
  • 1 sunny day
  • 2 hours of sunshine per day
  • Dry air
  • Light breeze
  • UV index 1 · low

Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) · 1996–2025

Practical information

Currency
Japanese Yen JPY ¥ · Card payments · Commonly accepted
Emergency numbers
118
Electricity
Type A / Type B
100 V · 60 Hz
Languages
Japanese
Tap water
Safe to drink
Driving side
Left
Calling code
+81
Learn more

Tours & Activities

Matsue Castle
Drive
Lake Shinji
Drive
嫁ヶ島

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