A three day journey through the best spots in Matsue and the Oki islands

Constructed over a period of 5 years from 1607 to 1611 by Yoshiharu Horio, a feudal lord and founder of Matsue. Currently it is one of the only 12 remaining original castles in Japan and the only one in the San’in region. It was designated National Treasure in 2015. The elegance of the castle’s swooping roofs and decor is often compared to the wings of a ‘chidori’ (plover bird) which has led to the castle’s nickname,’Chidori-jo’ (Plover Castle). The castle features an architectural design specifically chosen for battle, but retains a grand majestic appearance.

Leisurely watch the grand sunset over beautiful Lake Shinji and have the magnificent view all to yourself. The boat takes you on a one-hour pleasure tour around Lake Shinji from Ohashi River. Passengers can appreciate the mystic scenery of morning Lake Shinji on the refreshing Socho Fresh Cruising. Sunset Cruise is particularly popular which offers the opportunity to watch a beautiful sunset over Lake Shinji – the sunset is listed as one of the top 100 sunsets in Japan. Why don’t you come and enjoy amazing cruise in the water city of Matsue? Beer, soft drinks and coffee are available on board.

Situated on the north shore of Lake Shinji, this onsen district offers an incredible view of the surrounding area and is an ideal base for sightseeing and shopping in Matsue City. Guests are able to enjoy onsen waters that rise from 1,250m below ground and dine on freshly caught shijimi clams, one of the seven delicacies of Lake Shinji.

This shrine is the main general shrine of the Oki Islands, and was constructed in a unique architectural style called Oki-zukuri. Every year on 5 June an important festival called Gorei-furyū takes place in which eight sacred horses carrying the deities from eight different areas around the island gallop up through the shrine gates. This unique festival draws large crowds of locals as well as visitors from outside the island.

The shrine grounds also contain a wizened Japanese Cedar Tree, called Yao-sugi, which stands at a massive 30m tall and is almost 2000 years old.

To the left and right of a rock cliff that resembles a line of folding screens sit Odaki, a “male” waterfall that is 50m high, and Medaki, a “female” waterfall of 40m. It is also possible to look out from behind Odaki. Dangyo Waterfalls has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 great waterfalls and 100 famous natural water sources. As you draw close to the falls you become enveloped in negative ions, and the mist-like water spray is undoubtedly good for the skin as well. Behind Odaki, there is a cavern where the Kannon(Statue of Goddess) of the waterfalls is enshrined, and Dangyo Shrine also sits between the two waterfalls. The shrine path that leads to the waterfalls is lined with old cedar trees as if concealing it from the heavens, creating a magical scene. There is also a large number of precious Oki Salamanders living in the mountain stream. * At the moment, it is possible to view the waterfalls, but due to the risk of rockslide accidents in the vicinity of Dangyo Shrine, venturing close to the shrine and entering the area behind the waterfalls is currently restricted. Warning signs are in place in the restricted areas (as of July 11, 2018).

Rosoku Island, also known as Candle Island, rises out of the water approximately 500m off the coast of Ojirobana. Seeing the setting sun appear to touch the tip of the island is simply like witnessing nature produce a work of art! That moment, when the setting sun “lights” the tip of the rock, is a precious one that can only be experienced from a sightseeing boat (the departure times vary depending on the season, so advance bookings and confirmation are required). – Shirashima – departs from Akasaki Wharf – Shakunage, Seiko-maru, Shioji-maru, Daigoshioji-maru, Kidai-maru and Hakuyo – depart from Fukuura Wharf

Kuniga Coast is the dynamic beauty spot that represents Oki, which is registered as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Magnificent cliffs and massive, unusually-shaped rocks hewn by the coastal erosion of the Sea of Japan tower over the entire western coast region of Nishinoshima, and the beauty of the natural forms is overwhelming. When all is said and done, the heart of Kuniga Coast is Matengai, a cliff that soars vertically to a height of 257m from the surface of the sea. At the top of the cliff, meanwhile, cows and horses graze on expansive green pastures. Their leisurely mood contrasts nicely with the magnificent scenery. Tsutenkyo, an arch-shaped rock “bridge,” Akekure-no-iwaya, a 200-meter long natural tunnel, and the cliffs and large number of strange rocks displaying rugged basalt rock surfaces are all superb. Sightseeing boats operate that travel around the various picturesque spots, and the scenery that can be seen from the sea is exquisite.