Shimane travel
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat · 堀川遊覧船
The Horikawa Sightseeing Boat follows the waterways around Matsue Castle. Enjoy views of Matsue from close to the water as the boat passes beneath low bridges.
Visitor information
Address
島根県松江市（松江堀川ふれあい広場・京店カラコロ広場・大手前広場の各乗船場）
Matsue Horikawa Freai Square, Kyomise Karakoro Square, and Ote-mae Square, Matsue, Shimane, Japan
View on the mapAdmission
Day tickets cost JPY 2,000 for adults, JPY 1,600 for secondary school students, JPY 1,000 for primary school students and JPY 500 for preschool children. One preschool child per adult travels free. Groups of 20 or more pay JPY 1,800 for adults, JPY 1,500 for secondary school students and JPY 900 for primary school students. The ticket allows repeated rides that day; you may need to wait when busy.
Opening hours
The first boat leaves at 09:00. Last departure is 17:00 from March to September and 16:00 from October to February. Boats leave Fureai Plaza about every 20–30 minutes and Otemae Plaza about every 15–20 minutes; a full loop takes about 50 minutes. Reception closes 10 minutes before services end, or 20 minutes before at Karakoro Plaza. There are no regular closing days, but weather, water levels and route changes may suspend services or alter times.
What to see at Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Matsue from the boat
This sightseeing boat explores the castle surroundings from close to the water. Choose it if you want to see Matsue along the waterways.
Passing beneath low bridges
You need to duck beneath some low bridges. Follow the crew's instructions as the boat passes underneath.
How to get to Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Take the Lake Line from JR Matsue Station to the Otemae Horikawa boat boarding point and history museum stop, 大手前堀川遊覧船乗場・歴史館前. Go to reception at the Otemae Plaza boarding point, 大手前広場乗船場, inside Matsue Castle's Otemae car park. This is different from Fureai Plaza. Reserved groups of 10 or more board only at Fureai Plaza. Check local directions for crossings, access and walking time from the stop to reception.
Horikawa boat operator More transport and operating information Operator's boarding-point map Reservations and full-loop boat information City boarding-point location and layout City Otemae reception layout
Before you visit
Check your boarding-point name
Small groups normally travel without reservations. Reserved groups of 10 or more board at Fureai Plaza, which is different from Otemae Plaza. Confirm your boarding point before setting out.
Reservations and full-loop boat information Operator's boarding-point map
Finding Otemae reception
Otemae Plaza reception is inside Matsue Castle's Otemae car park. Follow local directions for crossings and access from the bus stop. Walking time for this section has not been confirmed.
City boarding-point location and layout City Otemae reception layout
Boarding at Karakoro Plaza
Karakoro Plaza has no scheduled departures. Board a passing boat if it has spare seats; reception closes 20 minutes before services end.
Operator's boarding-point map Reservations and full-loop boat information
Questions about Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Do I need to book the Horikawa Sightseeing Boat in advance?
Small groups normally travel without reservations. Reserved groups of 10 or more should board at Fureai Plaza. Check notices for your visit day, as weather and water levels can affect services.
Reservations and full-loop boat information Operator's boarding-point map Horikawa boat operator
Official sources
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- Official sources ·
- Horikawa boat operator ·
- Operator's boarding-point map ·
- Reservations and full-loop boat information ·
- More transport and operating information ·
- City boarding-point location and layout ·
- City Otemae reception layout ·
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