General Information
About Matsue
Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, in Southwest Japan.
Known as the "City of Water", Matsue stands by the Sea of Japan where
Lake Shinji and Nakaumi meet, in the middle of Shimane Peninsula.
A former feudal stronghold, Matsue is a true castle town crossed
with many canals and boasts one of the twelve remaining original castles
in Japan. Famous for its beautiful sunsets over Lake Shinji, Matsue also
prides itself on having been the adopted home of the writer Lafcadio
Hearn, who became one of the first Westerners to take Japanese
citizenship under the name of Koizumi Yakumo.
As an International City of Culture and Tourism, Matsue offers great
sightseeing opportunities and welcomes international tourists with
significant discounts. Matsue and its surrounding areas are rich in
cultural assets and historical sites, and many of Japan's most ancient
legends are set in the area.