Getting ashore
The port is about 5 km from the city centre, a 10-minute taxi ride. There are three berths, and the Showa South berth is the most likely. Check your ship’s notice.
Watch-outs
Taxis are the easiest way into town, so agree the fare or use the meter. Matsue is quiet in the evening, and some shops close early.
Mizuki Shigeru Road
Sakaiminato is the home of the manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, and the road is lined with bronze statues of the yokai characters from his stories.
Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle is one of the few original castles in Japan, with a black keep and views over the lake.
Lake Shinji and Matsue
Lake Shinji is a large brackish lake with a lakeside promenade and the old samurai district.
Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines, about an hour away by road or train.
Food & shopping
Shimane food includes shijimi clam soup, izumo soba and local sake. Restaurants near the station are the easiest choice.
Money & connectivity
The currency is the yen. Cards are accepted in many places, and convenience-store ATMs accept most foreign cards.
Accessibility & mobility
The port and town are flat. Matsue Castle has steep steps to the keep. Izumo Taisha has long paths and steps. Ask your operator for accessible transport.