🗺️ Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle is located near Lake Shinji, standing atop Kamedayama at an elevation of 29 meters, and was designated as a national treasure in 2015. It was built about 400 years ago by the feudal lord Horio Yoshiharu from Izumo and Oki. Due to the upward lines of the gable (eaves) resembling the flapping wings of a thousand birds, it is also known as "Chidori Castle." The castle's tenshu (main keep) has a structure of four stories and five levels, with one basement level. The topmost lookout called "Tengu no Ma" serves as both an observation deck and a command tower, featuring no walls but only railings. From here, one can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Matsue city and Lake Shinji. It is not only one of the 12 existing tenshu in Japan but also the third tallest after Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. On both sides of the stone steps leading to the tenshu, there are solid stone walls made of interlocking stones, and the stones are also famous for their engravings of pentagrams and fan shapes. The castle displays some historical materials about Matsue and Matsue Castle, and the heart-shaped wooden pillars on the first floor are particularly well-known. It is the only castle in Japan that features lightweight paulownia wood for its wooden stairs to accommodate emergency situations. The golden shachihoko (a mythical creature) at the top stands 2 meters tall, making it the largest wooden shachihoko in Japan and a must-see attraction. Additionally, if you make a reservation in advance before your visit, you can participate in a guided tour called "Touring the Castle with a Matsue Era Guide," where guides dressed as samurai lead the way, making it highly recommended for castle enthusiasts.

As one of the five national treasures, it is also one of the 12 existing tenshu in the country. The sturdy stone walls and unique staircases are among the many distinctive features of Matsue Castle. If you make a reservation in advance, you can participate in the interesting program "Touring the Castle with a Matsue Era Guide."