Lake Shinji-ko, symbol of Matsue This lake has a circumference of roughly 47 kilometers and stretches east to west. Ocean water from the Sea of Japan flows from the east and stream water from the Hii-gawa River flows from the west, providing the lake with a mixture of fresh water and sea water fish. The pine trees on Yome-ga-shima Island afloat Lake Shinji-ko add to the beautiful scenery of the lake known for its breathtaking view at sunset. 20-min. walk from JR Matsue station.

Shiomi Nawate (historic residences of samurai warriors) displays the lifestyle of the warrior-class The moat on the north side of Matsue Castle is lined with historic samurai residences. This area, called Shiomi Nawate, once was a neighborhood of homes that housed middle-class warrior members. With remnants of the castle town atmosphere intact, this district is protected by the city as a form of remaining traditional art. The residence located in the center of the district belonged to the Shiomi family and is now open to the public. Adults 250 yen / Open 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (closes at 6:00 p.m. April through September) / 0852-22-2243 From JR Matsue station take the Lake Line Bus. Get off at Herun-kyukyo mae (14 min. ride) and walk 1 min.

Matsue Folk Museum: western architecture and whitewashed walls This wooden building located on the Ninomaru Ruins of Matsue Castle was constructed in hopes that the Meiji Emperor would visit the city. The white columns and chic balcony are western, but certain aspects of Japanese architecture can be found in this building. Textbooks from the Yedo period (1603 - 1867) to modern times, locally crafted toys, and 1,500 pieces of reference material related to education are exhibited here. Open 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / 0852-22-3958 From Matsue station take the Lake Line Bus. Get off at Matsue-jo (10 min. ride) and walk 3 min.

Gessho-ji Temple is adorned with 30,000 blooms of hydrangeas Gessho-ji was the family temple of the Matsudaira clan. Within the temple premises filled with trees and bushes are graves of all the Matsudaira feudal lords. A design of grapes is carved on the gate of the seventh generation Fumaikoﾕs tomb. There are interesting stone obelisks such as the one with the hand print of a Yedo period (1603 - 1867) sumo wrestler Raiden and another with a carving of a large turtle Admission 300 yen (with service of powdered tea 350 yen) / Open 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (closes at 5:00 p.m. November - March) / 0852-21-6056 From JR Matsue station take the Lake Line Bus. Get off at Gessho-ji (25 min. ride) and walk 5 min.