A Canadian who moved to Japan to teach ESL in Tokyo.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
What is in Matsue? (Shimane)
I have to go on a business trip to Matsue, in Shimane, on an upcoming weekend. I've never been there before, so I'm looking forward to it. What is there to do in Matsue (Shimane) besides visit the castle? Have any of you ever been there?
Had to read that blog title twice lol Living over the road from Matsue. Shimane Art Museum is pretty decent. You can take a boat trip around the moat and canals in Matsue. Haven't actually done it myself but it's received popular reviews. The castle is generally regarded as one of the better examples still extant and hasn't been turned into a cheesy tourist museum like so many others. There's Lafcadio Hearn's house which has a museum dedicated to his work next door. Matsue Vogel Park is worth a trip too if you enjoy nature and birds.
If you have any time you really should make your way to Izumotaisha and visit the shrine. Hinomisaki Lighthouse is not too far from Taisha Shrine and is highest stone-built shrine in Asia. The coast along there is beautiful.
There's a lot more to see and do in these parts but I'm not sure how much you can get done in one weekend. Do you drive? Getting around can be somewhat problematic if your used to easy big city commutes.
There's a good bit going on in Matsue this weekend but a lot of it is gaijin-centred so you might not be interested. If you are let me know.
Have a good weekend and enjoy your visit to fantastic Shimane!
Start at Matsue Castle, go up to see the view of the city. On your way down through the park, go to the Samurai House (but moreso for the quaint Edo-era buildings along the street). From there, ride the pleasure boat around town (Horikawa Boat) to see the nature and waterways in town. See the local, affordable artist works at Karakoro Art Studio. The coffee shop inside the building with the white picket fence (literally!) has great coffee choices and smoothies.
Then take the Ichibata train from Shinjiko Onsen Station (dip your feet in the free foot onsen before you leave!) to go to Izumo Taisha. Wonder around there and have the local dish (Izumo soba - 3 layered dish, and get someone to show you how to eat it). If you have time before sunset, take the bus from the parking area to Hinomisaki Lighthouse & colorful shrine. (how to @ http://issuu.com/shimane.blacktaxi/docs/black_taxi_-_sept_2009/17?mode=a_p)
For your next day visit the Shimane Art Museum by Lake Shinji - it's great at sunset from the rooftop.
During the day you can pop over to Yasugi city on the JR Train to visit the Adachi Art Museum (#1 garden in Japan). Or, visit Yonago (next stop after Adachi) for their Museum of Art - on display now is Neoteny (info @ http://www.yonagobunka.net/y-moa/art/21tokubetu.html).
Soak away in an onsen in Tamatsukuri Onsen town (2 stops from JR Matsue) at the public Yu-Yu bath (nightly Yasugi-Bushi interactive dance show at 8pm) or a private hotel's bath (1000 yen). Once you get off, I suggest a taxi. Then when you return, walk along the river back to the station.
"Enjoy!" PS bring your foreign ID to get 50% off most tourist places!
Hello Julie...Very nice blog. I'm living in Japan and I found out a lot of information here. Where are you from? I really would like to talk with you to get some extras information, please email me. martinssantana.rodrigo@gmail.com
I have to go on a business trip to Matsue, in Shimane, on an upcoming weekend. I've never been there before, so I'm looking forward to it. What is there to do in Matsue (Shimane) besides visit the castle? Have any of you ever been there?
7 comments:
See the Japan Sea, check out Lafcadio Hearn's house, visit nearby Izumo Shrine (a few towns away but not far), say hello to my ancestors.
Maybe you could ask Ken Tanaka, as he must know Shimane very well! If you check his YouTube channel he says he was adopted to Shimane prefecture...
A meeting with Ken Tanaka would be interesting indeed!
Had to read that blog title twice lol Living over the road from Matsue. Shimane Art Museum is pretty decent. You can take a boat trip around the moat and canals in Matsue. Haven't actually done it myself but it's received popular reviews. The castle is generally regarded as one of the better examples still extant and hasn't been turned into a cheesy tourist museum like so many others. There's Lafcadio Hearn's house which has a museum dedicated to his work next door. Matsue Vogel Park is worth a trip too if you enjoy nature and birds.
If you have any time you really should make your way to Izumotaisha and visit the shrine. Hinomisaki Lighthouse is not too far from Taisha Shrine and is highest stone-built shrine in Asia. The coast along there is beautiful.
There's a lot more to see and do in these parts but I'm not sure how much you can get done in one weekend. Do you drive? Getting around can be somewhat problematic if your used to easy big city commutes.
There's a good bit going on in Matsue this weekend but a lot of it is gaijin-centred so you might not be interested. If you are let me know.
Have a good weekend and enjoy your visit to fantastic Shimane!
I live in Matsue!
Let me know if you want to grab coffee! I'm free on Saturday.
I forgot to tell you what's around town:
Start at Matsue Castle, go up to see the view of the city. On your way down through the park, go to the Samurai House (but moreso for the quaint Edo-era buildings along the street). From there, ride the pleasure boat around town (Horikawa Boat) to see the nature and waterways in town.
See the local, affordable artist works at Karakoro Art Studio. The coffee shop inside the building with the white picket fence (literally!) has great coffee choices and smoothies.
Then take the Ichibata train from Shinjiko Onsen Station (dip your feet in the free foot onsen before you leave!) to go to Izumo Taisha. Wonder around there and have the local dish (Izumo soba - 3 layered dish, and get someone to show you how to eat it).
If you have time before sunset, take the bus from the parking area to Hinomisaki Lighthouse & colorful shrine. (how to @ http://issuu.com/shimane.blacktaxi/docs/black_taxi_-_sept_2009/17?mode=a_p)
For your next day visit the Shimane Art Museum by Lake Shinji - it's great at sunset from the rooftop.
During the day you can pop over to Yasugi city on the JR Train to visit the Adachi Art Museum (#1 garden in Japan). Or, visit Yonago (next stop after Adachi) for their Museum of Art - on display now is Neoteny (info @ http://www.yonagobunka.net/y-moa/art/21tokubetu.html).
Soak away in an onsen in Tamatsukuri Onsen town (2 stops from JR Matsue) at the public Yu-Yu bath (nightly Yasugi-Bushi interactive dance show at 8pm) or a private hotel's bath (1000 yen). Once you get off, I suggest a taxi. Then when you return, walk along the river back to the station.
"Enjoy!"
PS bring your foreign ID to get 50% off most tourist places!
Hello Julie...Very nice blog. I'm living in Japan and I found out a lot of information here. Where are you from?
I really would like to talk with you to get some extras information, please email me.
martinssantana.rodrigo@gmail.com
hello,have a nice day
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