Matsue castle is one of the 12 remaining original castles in Japan. Being the farthest west from Tokyo, it was the first on the list for the remaining 4 I hadn’t seen. Over 2018, it had been the mission to see all 12. For all intents and purposes, it takes seven plus hours to get to Matsue castle from where I live. It didn’t disappoint.
What makes it one of the 12?
Original being that they meet requirements that they are in their original form and there is proof of their age. They had that back in the 1930s but lost the marker some how. Mysteriously (at least it seems to me!), they found it again under the south corner of the castle. It’s now located in the Matsue History Museum. A quick walk from the castle grounds.
How does Matsue Castle stand out?
Of the 12, it’s the 2nd largest, 3rd tallest and 5th oldest. Its very deceiving from the outside. The inside is massive.
There are also some finer details the others don’t have. The construction is different due to its size. It’s the only castle with a well INSIDE the castle. It’s located in the basement where they use to keep salt. Originally it was 24 meters deep but they have since backfilled half of it to help make sure it doesn’t collapse.
The toilet on the 4th floor for the Lord is something I don’t remember from the others either. Don’t be standing under that side of the castle…
Don’t forget your stamp for the 100 finest castles of Japan stamp rally!
How much is it?
Don’t use the machines that you will see when you first walk up if you are a foreigner. Talk to the ticket counter and you’ll get in for half price. I really don’t think they see foreigners very often.
Getting here
Matsue is far. Easiest from the most likely entry points is to get to Okayama terminal by shinkansen or other means and then its a liner straight from there to Matsue station. The walk from Matsue to Matsue Castle is a little over a mile and you get a beautiful view of the lakes. Or you can take the loop bus which is only 500 yen for a full day pass.
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