Question 1

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture

Question 2

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes on the Gurutto Matsue Lake Line bus from JR Matsue Station, alighting at Kokuho Matsue-jo (Otemae). About 25 minutes' walk from Matsue Station. The castle stands in the centre of the city.

Question 3

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

April to September 8:30-18:30 (entry until 18:00); October to March 8:30-17:00 (entry until 16:30).

Question 4

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year.

Question 5

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Castle keep: adults 1,200 yen, elementary and junior high school students free (after the price revision of 1 July 2026). Matsue residents pay a separate resident rate.

Question 6

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 7

How much is admission? Is it free for children?

Accepted Answer

From 1 July 2026 the price is 1,200 yen for adults, with elementary and junior high school students free (before 30 June 2025 it was 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children). Groups of 30 or more pay 960 yen for adults. Matsue residents pay a special rate of 600 yen for adults. Holders of a disability or rehabilitation certificate and one carer enter free.

Question 8

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

April to September 8:30-18:30 (entry until 18:00) and October to March 8:30-17:00 (entry until 16:30). The castle is open all year, though times may change for events.

Question 9

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There are several car parks nearby, including the Otemae car park. Please see the official website or check on site for capacity and charges.

Question 10

How long does it take to see the keep?

Accepted Answer

From the main entrance (Otemae) up into the keep and back takes about 40-50 minutes (from the official FAQ). Including a walk in Shiroyama Park, 1 to 2 hours is usual.

Question 11

What can I see from the top floor?

Accepted Answer

From the top floor, the Tengu no Ma, there is a 360-degree panorama over Matsue, Lake Shinji and the distant mountains. The view is exceptional in every season, and the cherry blossom in spring and the snow in winter are particularly fine.

Question 12

When was it designated a National Treasure, and what is distinctive about it?

Accepted Answer

It was designated a National Treasure in 2015. The keep has four roofs over five floors plus a basement and stands about 30 m high. Its black clapboard exterior preserves the character of an early Momoyama-period castle. Practical features such as the gun ports on each level and the well in the basement survive as they were, and the 400-year-old nozurazumi stone walls are another highlight.

Question 13

Can I keep my shoes on inside the keep?

Accepted Answer

You remove your shoes at the entrance to the keep and carry them in a bag. We recommend footwear that is easy to take off and put on.

Question 14

Can I bring a pet?

Accepted Answer

Pets may enter Shiroyama Park (outside the buildings). Inside the keep and other buildings, only guide dogs may accompany you; other pets must be carried in a pet bag. Please be considerate of other visitors.

Question 15

Are there coin lockers?

Accepted Answer

There are coin lockers by the toilets behind the tourist information office (on the lower level of the Ninomaru, to the right as you enter through the Otemon). The tourist office also holds luggage for a charge.

Question 16

Can I pay by card?

Accepted Answer

The Honmaru ticket office accepts credit cards, transport IC cards such as Suica, QUICPay, Rakuten Edy, WAON and nanaco.

Question 17

What sights are there around Matsue Castle?

Accepted Answer

Shiomi Nawate lies to the north of the castle, with the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum and the Lafcadio Hearn Residence within walking distance. The Horikawa moat cruise is also popular, and the Matsue History Museum stands just east of the castle.

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