Shimane.Matsue City

Matsue is the center of the administration and economy of Shimane situated in the eastern part on the Matsue Plain surrounded by the Lake Shinji-ko, Nakaumi Lagoon and Shimane-hanto Peninsula. The Ohashi-gawa River runs through the center of the city, and a network of canals and rivers makes Matsue a city of water. The water network was created for military reasons when the Matsue Castle was constructed in 1611. Today, pleasure boats cruise through the waterway.

The Matsue Castle has the only remaining castle tower in the San-in Region (the Japan Sea Coast). There is a view spot in the castle tower that commands a view of the Lake Shinji-ko and the town. The site where the castle once stood has become a Shiroyama Park offering a relaxing and recreational area to the people of Matsue.