Travel in Shimane
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat · 堀川遊覧船
Matsue’s Horikawa boats follow the waterways around the castle. See the town from close to the water and pass 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
Location on the mapAdmission
Day tickets: adults 2,000 yen; junior-/high-school students 1,600; elementary students 1,000; preschool children 500. One preschool child per adult rides free. Groups of 20 or more: adults 1,800; junior-/high-school students 1,500; elementary students 900. Tickets allow repeat rides that day; queues may occur.
Opening hours
The first departure is at 09:00. The last departure is at 17:00 in March–September and 16:00 in October–February. Fureai Hiroba boats leave about every 20–30 minutes, Otemae Hiroba every 15–20; a circuit takes about 50 minutes. Reception ends ten minutes before services close, or 20 at Karakoro Hiroba. No regular closure days, but weather, water levels or route changes may suspend services or alter hours.
What to see at Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Matsue from the boat
This sightseeing cruise takes you around the castle close to the water. Board for a trip through Matsue’s waterways.
Passing beneath low bridges
Some low bridges require you to duck. Follow the crew’s instructions as the boat passes underneath.
How to get to Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Take Lakeline from JR Matsue to Otemae Horikawa boat boarding/History Museum-mae (大手前堀川遊覧船乗場・歴史館前). Go to Otemae Hiroba boarding reception (大手前広場乗船場) inside Matsue Castle’s Otemae car park. This differs from Fureai Hiroba. Reservations for ten or more board only at Fureai. Confirm crossing/access routes and walking time from the stop to reception on site.
Horikawa operator More transport and operating information Operator pier map Reservations and full-circuit guidance City pier location and layout City Otemae reception layout
Before you visit
Check your boarding pier
Small parties can board without a reservation. Reservations for ten or more use Fureai Hiroba, a different pier from Otemae Hiroba. Check your departure point before travelling.
Finding Otemae reception
Otemae Hiroba reception is inside Matsue Castle’s Otemae car park. Follow on-site directions for crossing and access from the bus stop. Walking time for this section has not been verified.
Boarding at Karakoro Hiroba
Karakoro Hiroba has no scheduled departures. Board a passing boat only when seats are available. Reception ends 20 minutes before services close.
Questions about Horikawa Sightseeing Boat
Do I need to reserve a Horikawa boat?
Small parties can board without reservations. Reservations for ten or more board at Fureai Hiroba. Weather and water levels may affect services; check guidance for your date.
Reservations and full-circuit guidance Operator pier map Horikawa operator
Official sources
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- Horikawa operator ·
- Operator pier map ·
- Reservations and full-circuit guidance ·
- More transport and operating information ·
- City pier location and layout ·
- City Otemae reception layout ·
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