Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Matsue (松江市, Matsue-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [mä̀.t͡sɨ́.é̞(.ɕì)]) is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, Japan, located in the Chūgoku region of Honshu. As of 31 March 2023, the city had an estimated population of 196,748 in 91287 households and a population density of 340 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 572.99 square kilometres (221.23 sq mi). Matsue is home to the Tokugawa-era Matsue Castle, one of the last surviving feudal castles in Japan.
Within Shimane Prefecture (Chugoku region), Matsue (松江市) serves as a prefectural capital of shimane prefecture. Travelers exploring Shimane often combine a stop in Matsue with regional highlights such as Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano.
| Fact | Details for Matsue (松江市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 松江市 (Matsue) |
| Administrative Status | Prefectural capital of Shimane Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Shimane Prefecture (Capital: Matsue) |
| Region of Japan | Chugoku |
| Population | 195,875 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 530.27 km² · 369 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 1889-04-01 |
| Coordinates | 35.4681°N, 133.0486°E |
Getting to Matsue & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express)): 2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO).
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Shimane Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Matsue with Matsue. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Shimane have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Matsue en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Matsue are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Shimane can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Matsue & Shimane
Matsue shares the culinary traditions of Shimane Prefecture and the wider Chugoku region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes) — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
- Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
- Shimane wagyu — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
- Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Matsue.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens.
Regional highlights across Shimane Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Matsue include: Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano.
Practical Travel Tips for Matsue
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Matsue (or at Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Matsue accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Matsue (松江市) located in Japan?
Matsue (松江市) is a core city located in Shimane Prefecture in the Chugoku region of Japan (coordinates: 35.4681°N, 133.0486°E). It has a population of approximately 195,875 across an area of 530.27 km².
How do I get to Matsue by train?
Most visitors reach Matsue via the main prefectural gateway of Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express). 2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO). From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Matsue. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Matsue and Shimane known for?
In Matsue and across Shimane Prefecture, top local dishes include Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes), Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup, Shimane wagyu, as well as Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Matsue?
October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: