Discover Matsue Castle & Stunning Gardens: Explore Shimane’s Rich Heritage

1. Matsue Castle & Historical Stroll

We will begin our journey at Matsue Castle, which is recognized as a National Treasure, before embarking on a leisurely walk along the historic pathway to Shiomi Nawate. This route was once frequented by the writer Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) during his daily walks. Along our path, we will visit Jozan Inari Shrine, a place that Hearn held in high regard, and recount local ghost tales connected to the castle, including the story of the "Gensuke Pillar." Our tour will wrap up at Meimei-an, a tea house situated on a hillside with views of the castle, where you can take in the traditional garden and savor a bowl of authentic matcha green tea in a peaceful tatami setting.

2. Adachi Museum of Art

Established in 1970 by Zenko Adachi, this museum aims to fulfill his dream of achieving a "harmony between masterful gardens and Japanese paintings." The expansive 50,000-square-foot Japanese garden has received the top ranking in Japan from a specialized U.S. magazine every year since 2003. Within the museum, you can appreciate outstanding works by renowned artists like Yokoyama Taikan, in addition to the Rosanjin Hall (opened in 2020), which features the remarkable ceramics and calligraphy of Kitaoji Rosanjin. The exhibits are updated with the seasons to reflect the changing beauty of the gardens, allowing visitors to deeply engage with the serene elegance of Japanese artistry.

Highlights

• This tour provides an in-depth exploration of two of Shimane’s most significant treasures: the National Treasure Matsue Castle and the world-renowned Adachi Museum of Art.
• We start at Matsue Castle, one of just twelve original "existing castle towers" that has survived for over 400 years without suffering destruction from war or fire. Finished in 1611, its rugged and functional design embodies the essence of the samurai period. Unlike most Japanese castles that were torn down in the 19th century, Matsue Castle was preserved thanks to local residents and former samurai who combined their resources to repurchase it. With an expert guide, you will stroll along the historic Shiomi Nawate street to reach Meimei-an, a tea house established by the esteemed Lord Matsudaira Fumai, who promoted the refined tea culture across the area.
• Following this, we proceed to the Adachi Museum of Art, renowned for its belief that "a garden is also a picture." The founder, Zenko Adachi, designed these exceptional gardens with the intention that the natural beauty would act as a portal to appreciate Japanese art. By first experiencing the seasonal splendor of the landscape, visitors can genuinely connect with the "emotional beauty" present in the masterpieces of renowned painter Yokoyama Taikan. This museum is a brilliant example where the finest Japanese gardens and artworks coexist in perfect unison.
• Discover the genuine history of a fortress safeguarded by its community and the tranquil beauty of a garden designed as living art.

Itinerary

• Departure from the hotel in Matsue City
• Matsue Castle
• A stroll along the walking path(From Matsue castle to" Meimei-an" through "Jozan Inari" shrine)
• "Meimei-an" tea house
• Lunch
• Moving
• Adachi Museum
• Moving
• Arriving hotel and disbandling

Price Details

Included

• Admission fee: Matsue-Castle, Meimei-An, Adachi Museum
• One English-speaking guide
• Transportation from departure to return (chartered taxi )
• Lunch

Important Information

Cancellation Policy

20% of the tour fee if cancelled 7 days or more prior to the tour

50% of the tour fee if cancelled 3 days or more prior to the tour

100% of the tour fee if cancelled on the day of the tour, after the

tour has departed, or in case of no show　

Purchase Notice

Group Size: Maximum of 6 participants

What’s Included

・Transportation: Private chartered taxi (from departure to drop-off)

・Admission Fees: Matsue Castle, Meimei-an Tea House, and Adachi Museum of Art

・Lunch: Japanese cuisine at Mihokan

・Guide: One professional guide throughout the tour

Not accessible for wheelchair users or children under 10 years of age.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 169 or more hour before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 73 and 168 hour before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 25 and 72 hour before the activity date: 50% cancellation fee
• Less than 25 hour before the activity date: 100% cancellation fee