Travel in Shimane
Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle · 松江城
Enter Matsue Castle’s old wooden keep for a close look at its structure. Walk through the surrounding Honmaru grounds to see the castle from outside too.
Sources and dates checked Sources and dates checked Open Matsue Castle’s official guide
Visitor information at a glance
Admission
Keep admission is JPY 1,200 for adults; primary and junior high school pupils enter free. Adult groups of 30 or more pay JPY 960. Honmaru is free. Keep rates changed on 1 July 2026.
Opening hours and closed days
The keep opens from 08:30 to 18:00 in April–September, with reception until 17:30, and from 08:30 to 17:00 in October–March, with reception until 16:30. Honmaru opens from 08:00 to 18:30 in April–September and from 08:00 to 17:30 in October–March. Both open throughout the year; events can change hours.
What can I see at Matsue Castle?
Inside the wooden keep
Climb the internal stairs to examine the wooden building’s structure. Add a keep visit if you want to see the interior of the castle you have viewed from outside.
Open Matsue Castle’s official guide More transport and operating information
Castle views from Honmaru
Walk through Honmaru and look towards the castle. This area is free, so you can explore without entering the keep.
How to get to Matsue Castle
Take the Lake Line from JR Matsue to Kokuho Matsuejo (Otemae), 国宝松江城（大手前）. Follow signs within the castle grounds to the keep. After the visit, use the same stop for the circular Lake Line back to Matsue Station. Ordinary buses towards Kencho-mae require their own fare and timetable check.
Open Matsue Castle’s official guide More transport and operating information More transport and operating information
Before you visit
Before climbing the stairs
Remove shoes inside the keep and expect steep stairs. If climbing is difficult, enjoy views of the castle while walking in Honmaru instead.
Passing the north gate
Access near the north gate can be restricted. Follow the castle’s notices on your visit date.
Open Matsue Castle’s official guide More transport and operating information
Questions about Matsue Castle
Are the stairs inside Matsue Castle steep?
Yes. The keep has steep stairs, and you remove shoes before entering. If climbing is difficult, you can view the castle while walking through free Honmaru grounds.
More transport and operating information Open Matsue Castle’s official guide
Sources and dates checked
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Open Matsue Castle’s official guide ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- More transport and operating information ·
- More transport and operating information ·
Editorial review: