Check out these articles
-
Video article 3:21
The Pure White Walls and Tiles of Kanazawa Castle Are Absolutely Gorgeous! A Look at the Castle Where You Can Learn About the Culture of Kaga Hyakumangoku in Kanazawa, Ishikawa!
Art & ArchitectureHistory- 47 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:02
Hamamatsu Castle, Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Made a Name for Itself in the Warring States Period as a Castle of Prominence. Discover the History of the Former Ruler at Hamamatsu Castle in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka!
Art & Architecture- 169 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:22
Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture – A Base of Tokugawa Ieyasu, One of the Three Unifiers of Japan! Discover the History of Japan in a City Deified as the Birthplace of the Gods!
Art & ArchitectureHistory- 120 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:00
The Jet-Black Okayama Castle Standing Beautifully in the Darkness of Night! Discover the Amazing Light Up Event That Turns This Travel Destination Into a Land of Fantasy!
Art & Architecture- 25 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 16:34
From Hokkaido in the North to Okinawa in the South, 160 of Japan's Amazing Castles! An Introduction to Japanese Castles From All Periods, From Ancient Times to the Edo Period!
History- 25 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:35
Osaka Castle - Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Second "Great Unifier" of Japan, in Osaka! Learn About the History of the Warring States Period Through Famous Swords and Armor!
History- 307 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:50
Nanao Castle - One of the Most Famous Castles in Japan and Once an Impregnable Fortress in Ishikawa! Discover the Secrets of Nanao Castle, Where the Famous Warlord Uesugi Kenshin Fought for His Life!
Art & ArchitectureHistoryTravelTraditional Culture- 24 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:48
Inuyama Castle: One of Just 5 Castle Towers in Japan Considered a National Treasure. Come and Be Immersed in Japan's Rich History in Aichi Prefecture!
HistoryTravel- 100 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:33
Aizuwakamatsu Castle: One of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. Enjoy the Magnificent Stone Walls of the Impregnable Castle and the Red-Tiled Castle Tower in Fukushima- The Only One of Its Kind in Japan!
Art & ArchitectureTravel- 215 plays
- YouTube
Matsue Castle - Designated as a National Treasure This Castle Is One of the Most Popular Sightseeing Spots in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture! A Look at the Only Castle in Japan's San'in Region to Boast a Castle Tower!
Introducing Matsue Castle!
This video is titled "[Remastered] Matsue Castle - Shimane - 松江城." Produced by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful," it introduces Matsue Castle in Shimane prefecture.
Matsue Castle is one of the 5 castles of Japan that are designated as national treasures.
The majestic castle has an aura of history surrounding it and is a popular sightseeing destination in Shimane prefecture.
In this article, we'll introduce Shimane prefecture’s Matsue Castle alongside with the video.
About Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle, introduced in the video, is a hirayama-style castle built in 1611. Horio Yoshiharu, Kyougoku Tadataka, Matsudaira Naomasa, and Matsudaira Harusato were lords of this castle.
The castle has two names, and is often called "Chidori Castle."
Famed for the only existing castle tower in the San-in region, Matsue Castle is built on the small Kameda Mountain, overlooking the beautiful Shinji Lake.
Besides Matsue Castle, 5 more castles, including Inuyama Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Hikone Castle, and Himeji castle, are all designated as national treasures of Japan.
Matsue Castle is designated as a national historical ruin as well as being chosen as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan and one of the top 100 beautiful cityscapes.
The History of Matsue Castle
In the Edo period (1603-1868), Matsue Castle served as the government office of the Matsue clan in the Edo Shogunate.
However, because of the ordinance of "One Domain, One Castle," in the Meiji era (1868-1912), most of the castle, besides the wooden castle tower, was dismantled.
Later on, the outer citadel tower and stone walls were reconstructed; and in the early years of the Showa era, the castle hillside area was opened to the public as a park.
At 0:39 in the video, you can see Matsue Castle at the center of Matsue Shiroyama Park.
Attached to the castle tower, there are connecting towers called Tsuke-yagura (lit. attached tower).
The brattices, paulownia staircases, and wrapping boards called Tsutsumi-ita that protected the pillars were all distinctive features of the castle.
It is said that there were many failed attempts when building the stone walls for the castle tower and there is also an urban legend that tells of men sacrificing themselves and becoming human pillars.
Things to Note When Sightseeing at Matsue Castle
During the fall season, there is an illumination event at Matsue Castle, and you can see the beautiful autumn colors.
On New Year’s, the area is packed with people waiting to see the first sunrise of the year.
Every year in winter, the Matsue Castle marathon is held; we recommend checking it out if you're interested!
After visiting Matsue Castle, enjoy lunch at a café in the castle town where the samurai residences still remain, or take a cruise around the moat of Matsue Castle on the Horikawa River on a sightseeing boat.
Summary of Matsue Castle
It takes about 1 hour to see everything at the castle, including the castle tower and connecting towers, the well, and Matsue Castle Park.
When sightseeing at the castle, be sure to get your seal stamp to commemorate your visit.
In Shimane prefecture, there are many popular tourist spots, including Shinji Lake, Izumo Taisha Shrine, and Tamatsukuri Onsen. Be sure to check them out if you have time!
◆Matsue Castle Facility Overview◆
【Address】1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
【Access】10 minutes by Lake Line Bus from JR Matsue Station, or a 20 minute walk from Matsue Shinji Onsen Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway
【Hours】8:30~18:30(Differs according to season)
【Admission fee】Adults ¥680, Elementary/Junior High School Students ¥290, Foreigners ¥470
【Parking】None. Please use a nearby coin parking lot
【Telephone】0852-21-4030
【Official Website】National Treasure Matsue Castle Website
https://www.matsue-castle.jp/
【Tripadvisor】Matsue Castle
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298136-d324845-Reviews-Matsue_Castle-Matsue_Shimane_Prefecture_Chugoku.html
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 3:14
Saruhashi Bridge - Stunning Japanese Architecture and Beautiful Autumn Leaves. Check Out One of the Three Most Unusual Bridges in Japan in Yamanashi Prefecture!
Art & Architecture- 360 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:04
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine: The Setting for a Popular Anime, This Shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture Is a Must-See for Anime Fans. Enjoy the Mystical Atmosphere That Will Transport You to Another World!
Art & Architecture Travel- 668 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:46
Ueda Castle: A Hot Topic After Being Featured in the Historical Drama "Sanadamaru"! If You Want to Learn More About Yukimura Sanada, a Famous Warlord in the Warring States Period, Don't Miss Out on This Historical Sightseeing Destination in Ueda, Nagano!
Art & Architecture- 123 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 14:51
Koyasan Is a Holy Land for Japanese Buddhism Which Was Founded by Kukai. Come Purify Your Mind and Body at This Mysterious Power Spot in Wakayama Prefecture!
Art & Architecture- 43 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:27
Nagoya Castle - Discover the Secrets of Japan's First National Treasure Symbolized by Golden Shachihoko Ornaments in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture! The Castle, Built on the Site Where the Warring States Period Took a Remarkable Turn, Is Reborn!
Art & Architecture History Travel- 133 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:58
Hill of the Buddha - A New Attraction in Sapporo, Hokkaido Designed by a World-Famous Architect. Come Check Out the Buddha as He Pokes His Head Out From a Hill Surrounded by Lavenders!
Art & Architecture Travel- 281 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:39
Koji Yamami - The #1 Japanese Kaleidoscope Artist. His Beautiful Works, Made With Light and Mirrors, Will Take Your Breath Away!
Art & Architecture- 328 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:06
The Popular Artist Takashi Murakami’s Works Are Impressive Pop-Art Pieces That Captivate the Hearts of People Around the World! Who Is Takashi Murakami? A Look at His Famous Works and Awards!
Art & Architecture Celebrities- 80 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:08
A Look at Asakusa's Sensoji Temple With No Visitors in Sight! Be Whisked Away by the Mystical Aura of the Tokyo Temple at Night!
Art & Architecture- 117 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:32
Kurama-Dera Temple, Standing Quietly in the Midst of Nature in Kyoto. This Mysterious Mountain Protected by Tengu Is Full of Power Spots!
Art & Architecture- 63 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:46
Explore the Beautiful Japanese Atmosphere of Kanchi-in, a Garden at Toji Temple in Kyoto♫ The Temple of Study, Which Has Produced Many Learned Priests, Enshrines the Buddha of Wisdom, "Akasagarbha," One of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas!
Art & Architecture Travel- 29 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:11
Lifelike Goldfish Art That Looks Like It Could Come to Life Any Second! Goldfish Artist "Riusuke Fukahori" Shows Us How He Creates His Beautiful Works of Art!
Art & Architecture- 513 plays
- YouTube
Comment