Matsue (松江市) Travel Guide & City Profile

最新審閱完成 · 所列日圓 (¥) 價格僅供規劃參考。October 24, 2026 · 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.

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.

Matsue & Shimane必吃在地美食與特產

Matsue承襲了Shimane縣與Chugoku地方的飲食文化。造訪時千萬別錯過以下在地名物與特產：

• 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.

Matsue旅遊實用貼士與注意事項

• Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express)) or major stations in Shimane Prefecture 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.