Matsue

Matsue grew round its castle, whose keep is a National Treasure, and the moats still circle the old samurai quarter at Shiomi Nawate. The city sits between Lake Shinji and the Nakaumi lagoon, and Matsue Shinjiko Onsen lies on the lake's northeast shore with its own Ichibata Electric Railway station. The keep opens from 8:30 every day of the year and charges adults ¥1,200 from 1 July 2026, with primary and junior high pupils free.

The Ichibata line carries a bike on any train all day for ¥350 one way, so the north shore of Lake Shinji becomes a ride out to Izumo Taisha with a train back. Takuwa Cycle, beside Matsue English Garden Station, rents road bikes, cross bikes and e-bikes. Visit Matsue lists cheaper city bikes at Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station.

Eat Izumo soba at Yakumo-an on Shiomi Nawate, where the warigo rounds come stacked and duck nanban soba is the house dish. The restaurant and shop at the Matsue Horikawa Local Beer Center were due to close in March 2026, so check before planning a stop there.