Matsue City

Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, in Southwest Japan. Known as the "City of Water," Matsue stands by the Sea of Japan where Lake Shinji and Nakaumi meet, in the middle of Shimane Peninsula.
A former feudal stronghold, Matsue is a true castle town crossed with many canals and boasts one of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan. Famous for its beautiful sunsets over Lake Shinji, Matsue also prides itself on having been the adopted home of the writer Lafcadio Hearn, who became one of the first Westerners to take Japanese citizenship under the name of Koizumi Yakumo.
As an International City of Culture and Tourism, Matsue offers great sightseeing opportunities and welcomes international tourists with significant discounts. Matsue and its surrounding areas are rich in cultural assets and historical sites, and many of Japan's most ancient legends are set in the area.
For more details, access VISIT MATSUE (Matsue Tourism Association web site).

Sightseeing spot around the venue

Izumo Taisha(planned to visit on Monday excursion)
The ancient shrine of Izumo Taisha enshrines Okuni Nushi no Mikoto, the god of happy marriages, and with its magnificent main hall some 24 metres in height built in the Taisha Grand Shrine style, Izumo Taisha is designated as a National Treasure. In the 10th month of the lunar calendar, when the gods resident throughout Japan are said to congregate in the Izumo region, a festival is held at the shrine welcoming the gods.

Yuushien Japanese Garden (planned to visit on Tuesday banquet)
The traditional Japanese garden, with the peony flower as its predominant symbol, is resplendent year-round with a variety of seasonal blooms. It also incorporates the volcanic rock on witch Daikonshima is formed into the garden's design. And unlike other gardens that are created to be viewed, Yuushien is designed as a walk-through garden. There is also a restaurant and cafe both serving high quality food and beverages.

Matsue Shinji-ko Onsen (Hot springs)
The source of the Matsue Shinji-ko Onsen lies some 1,250 meters below ground, and the temperature of the water at its source exceeds 77 degrees C. The spring water is rich in sulphates and chlorates, and it is thought to relieve neuralgia, rheumatism, and other ailments.

Tamatsukuri Onsen (Hot springs)
This hot spring was mentioned in the Chronicles of Izumo Province (Izumo Fudoki), in which it is written that even the gods enjoyed bathing here. The winter scenery of steam rising in the chilly air and the springtime view of the cherry blossoms flowering along the Tamayu River should not be missed. Many Japanese style inns can be found here, and some bathing-only facilities are also available.

Castle Matsue
Matsue castle was constructed in 1611 by Matsue's first Lord, Yoshiharu Horio, and has become the city's symbol. The elegance of the castle's swooping roofs is often compared to the wings of a plover bird ('chidori'), which has led to the castle's alternative name as the plover castle ('chidori-jo'). Matsue is the sole remaining castle in the Sanin Region, and one of only 12 remaining original castle's nationwide. The castle tower offers a panoramic view of the castle grounds and surroundings year round, with the cherry trees within the castle grounds blooming each spring
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Shimane Art Museum
This museum opened in 1999 and stretches out along the lakeshore, providing the perfect view of the famed Lake Shinji sunset. The museum has exhibited works by an array of artists, from renowned native Japanese artists to European masters, including associated with Shimane Prefecture. It also features a variety of interesting souvenirs in the gift shop.
While the sunset from the lakeshore of the museum is stunning, there is also a sunset viewing spot further down route 9, with parking for 36 cars.

Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
This boat tour circles the castle&s historical inner and outer moats, passing points of interest, which you may not see otherwise. The boat also passes under particularly low-built bridges from time to time, meaning the passengers need to duck down as the roof lowers. The total length of the tour is approx. 40mins, but there are two additionally boarding piers where you can disembark and explore before re-boarding to complete your ride.

Of course, there are also many other exciting and interesting sightseeing spots. For more details, see the map or access Sigtseeing Navigation in Shimane (Shimane Prefectual Tourism Federation web site).