Overview

Enjoy a private tour exploring the highlights of Matsue, Japan’s “Water Capital”. A taxi driver will greet you at Sakaiminato and drive you to Matsue Castle. After joining the guide at the castle, you will walk around all of the local highlights. Matsue is a scenic touristic city that has an inland sea and Lake Shinji in the east and west while the Hori River flows through the prosperous castle town. In this 6 hour tour, you will explore the castle town while floating down the river on a small boat. You will also visit the castle and a tea house that boasts a long history and tradition. This tour is recommended for guests from the Diamond Princess, Caledonian Sky, Costa Neo Romantica, Quantum of the Seas, and Azamara Quest cruise ships who come to Sakaiminato. Enjoy a trip back in time to old Japan in Matsue, a city that has flourished since ancient times.

Horikawa Boat Cruise（10:00〜10:50)
Float through the 400 year old moat that surrounds Matsue Castle in a small boat for about 50 minutes. This sightseeing course is a leisurely tour of the elegant castle town and the medieval Matsue townscape. You can also enjoy the boatman's song, and going under the low bridge with your head down. Take time to relax while enjoying the beautiful, seasonal nature.

Matsue Castle（11:10〜12:20）
Matsue Castle is a 400-year-old castle built in the Edo period. The castle tower was designated as a national treasure in 2015. It features stark contrast between black and white, and a bird spreading its wings on the roof. The castle tower on the top floor offers a panoramic view of Matsue city. There is no doubt that you will be overwhelmed by its elegant and powerful appearance and scale.

Yakumo-an（12:30〜13:20）Lunch
Enjoy delicious soba in a former samurai residence that’s been renovated into a quaint restaurant. Matsue's soba is famous as one of Japan's three major soba noodles, and the popular menu includes Shimane's local cuisine like “Kamo Nanban” and “Izumo Soba noodle”. This famous restaurant was also visited by the tennis player Kei Nishikori, and former Major League Baseball's Ichiro whose wife’s hometown is Shimane. Please enjoy Matsue's local food that has been loved by locals for many years.

Meimei-an（13:30〜14:15）
Meimei-an was built in the Edo period by Daimyo Chajin Matsudaira Amane. It is a tea house that still preserves its traditional of its construction and retains its original appearance. Located in a quiet area, the Meimei An is also a hidden view spot of Matsue Castle. Take a break after all that sightseeing, and savor some Japanese tea and sweets while gazing out onto the garden, and castle scenery.