Top Matsue Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Make the most of your time in Eastern Shimane with a private day tour of Matsue and the surrounding area. Skip the rigid itineraries of group tours and customizable your tour by choosing 3–4 attractions that appeal most to your interests. Check out Matsue Castle, the Izumo Grand Shrine, Inasa Beach, or other cultural and natural attractions.

Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. An exclusive private tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. Enjoy a hugely romantic getaway in one of the most exciting cities in Japan. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. Why is Izumo Taisha Shrine known as a spot that grants luck and good fortune in love and relationships? What is the most famous historical couple in Japan? What is the famous beautiful love story of princess Inata Hime and Susanoo? This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Why does Matsue attract visitors around the world all year round? Known as the “City of Water”, Matsue is so rich in cultural assets and historical sites that most of Japan's ancient legends have their roots from Matsue. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. How was a man named Gensuke sacrificed during the construction of the Matsue Ohashi Bridge to appease the spirits of the river? Gensuke is now a legend of the Matsue Ohashi Bridge. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Matsue. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

Matsue, a city rich in history and culture, awaits your exploration with the Discover Another Japan Pass (DAJP). This tour provides a 1-day pass that unlocks access to around 120 facilities in the San'in region. With a knowledgeable guide fluent in English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese by your side, you can navigate the city effortlessly and tailor your own itinerary. The pass allows for flexibility in your journey, ensuring you experience the best of Matsue and even includes guidance at locations not covered by the DAJP. - Access to approximately 120 facilities with DAJP - Explore at your own pace and create a personalized itinerary - English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese-speaking guide available - Flexible tour design with guidance for non-DAJP locations

- Explore Shimane with a private car with a comfortable air conditioned. - Places that are hard to reach by public transport are now easily accessible by private car. - You can also visit the sights that are not included in the day trip, Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art and Izumo Taisha Shrine. You can learn the history of Shimane deeper and immerse the culture and tradition with long history Izumo. - You can customize the itinerary based on this default schedule.

Matsue is a peaceful waterfront castle town where lakes, rivers, and bridges create a gentle, dreamlike landscape. Once the sun sets, the streets grow calm, lanterns glow softly on the water, and the town’s long-told stories begin to feel alive. Guided by locals who were born and raised here, you’ll wander through atmospheric alleys, historical shrines, and old bridges—each connected to myths, legends, or ghost tales passed down for generations. For us, folklore has always been part of daily life, and we are excited to share these stories in the places where they were born. This experience is not a staged show or a haunted attraction. It is a slow, intimate walk through the real night scenery of a town untouched by overtourism, guided by people who deeply love their hometown. Join us for a quiet, story-filled walk—where landscape and folklore blend gently into the night.

In the 17th century, Izumo washi was used not only for writing but also to wrap and protect precious tea utensils. Discover how this tradition was revived by Abe Eishiro, a papermaker celebrated by the Mingei folk craft movement and later named a Living National Treasure. Then, guided by his grandson, scoop, shake and decorate your very own sheet of handmade washi to take home. Schedule: 09:00　Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel, briefing on Fumai and washi 09:40　Abe Eishiro Memorial Museum — video and exhibition 10:10　Hands-on washi papermaking with the craftsman 10:40　Visit to Abe Eishiro's former workshop while your washi dries 11:20　Receive your washi (free time in Yakumo if time allows) 12:00　Arrival at Matsue New Urban Hotel

On the volcanic island of Daikonshima, Yuushien garden recreates the mountains, rivers and lakes of the Izumo region in miniature. Stroll through it with one of its gardeners and discover the daily care behind every pine and patch of moss. Then learn how Matsudaira Fumai, lord of Matsue, turned ginseng grown here into a treasure that rescued the domain's finances, and taste it for yourself as tea. Schedule: 09:30　Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel 10:00　Yuushien — garden tour with a gardener 11:00　The story of Fumai and Daikonshima, ginseng tea tasting 11:40　Free time in the garden 12:30　Arrival at Matsue New Urban Hotel