From Tokyo and Osaka to Yonago and Matsue by Air, Rail, and Bus

Discovering Heritage and Folklore in Matsue and Yonago

Introducing tourist attractions centered around Lake Nakaumi, spanning from western Tottori Prefecture to eastern Shimane Prefecture! This region boasts a rich natural environment and unique cultural development. It includes Yonago City, the gateway to the San‘in region; Sakaiminato City, famous for its seafood and as the birthplace of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of “GeGeGe no Kitaro”; Matsue City, a waterfront city surrounded by Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan, featuring the national treasure Matsue Castle and the beauty-enhancing waters of Tamatsukuri Onsen; and more. We bring you the charm of this region, packed with experiences you can't find in the city!

When traveling in this area, we recommend using the “Discover Another Japan Pass.” It allows you to efficiently visit major tourist attractions for a flat fee. Download it to your smartphone beforehand for a convenient and cost-effective travel experience. Many of the spots introduced below were visited using the “Discover Another Japan Pass.” We hope you find this information useful for your travels.

Yonago Waterfowl Park

This is not merely a popular spot for photography; it is the premier “bird paradise” in the San'in region, designated as an “Internationally Important Wetland” under the Ramsar Convention in 2005. Inside the park, multiple telescopes are provided, allowing you to observe the charming daily lives of waterfowl “up close” without being exposed to sunlight or rain. For viewing swans, we recommend visiting in the morning or evening. You can see them foraging for food or landing on the water's surface. If you love nature and small animals, or simply want to feel soothed and relax, we highly recommend visiting.

Yasugi Bushi Performing Arts Hall

Yasugi Bushi Performing Arts Hall is a performance venue themed around the famous Japanese folk song “Yasugi Bushi.” The most representative highlight is the performers vividly performing the “Loach Scooping Dance,” holding bamboo baskets and wearing hoods. Their comical, lively expressions and movements are sure to bring a smile to your face and instantly relax your mind. The hall also serves local specialty dishes. Savoring authentic cuisine while enjoying the performances is sure to satisfy both body and soul!

Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle, whose keep is designated a National Treasure. It is one of only 12 existing castle keeps in Japan and the only one in the San'in region. Its imposing black lacquered exterior has earned it the nickname “Chidori Castle.” Externally four stories tall, internally five stories with one basement level, the top floor offers unobstructed panoramic views of Matsue's cityscape and the sparkling Lake Shinji—a breathtaking vista! Preserving its appearance almost unchanged since the Edo period, Matsue Castle boasts over 400 years of history. Be sure to visit!

Horikawa Sightseeing Boat

The tour lasts 50 minutes. As the boatman guides you through the moat while you gaze upon the old townscape, you'll feel as if you've stepped through time. It's an absolutely essential spot in Matsue for experiencing intellectual relaxation! In winter, they even have kotatsu! Enjoy the natural beauty and castle town scenery that changes with each season.

Matsue History Museum

Matsue History Museum features samurai residence-style architecture, housing exhibits detailing the 400-year rise and fall of Matsue Castle Town. The museum displays a wealth of cultural artifacts and models, clearly illustrating everything from the construction process of the ancient castle to the minutiae of samurai daily life! Additionally, a Japanese-style cafe within the museum allows visitors to enjoy the garden views while immersing themselves in a timeless, tranquil atmosphere. Why not visit this elegant oasis for a refreshing break?

Matsue Horan Enya Tradition Museum

Matsue Horan Enya Tradition Museum preserves the legacy of the “Horan Enya” festival. Horan Enya is one of Japan's three major boat festivals, a grand water ceremony held once every ten years! The museum's most impressive features are the scaled-down models of the festival boats and the overwhelmingly powerful guided video. Vibrant flags and the dancers' splendid costumes speak to the local people's commitment to preserving tradition. Even without being at the festival site, you can experience the solemn atmosphere of the gods' procession and the hundred ships setting sail together.

Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum

Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Museum introduces Lafcadio Hearn, a Greek-born, Irish-raised writer who became one of Japan's most representative foreign novelists of the modern era. Deeply fascinated by the supernatural legends of Shimane Prefecture, he compiled these tales into his masterpiece “Kwaidan” from a unique Western perspective. Located immediately adjacent to his former residence, the memorial hall exudes a traditional Japanese atmosphere. It not only displays exhibits about his life and valuable manuscripts but also features visual representations of classic ghost stories within the exhibition areas, making the displays easy for visitors to understand.

Shinji Lake Sightseeing Boat

The Shinji Lake Sightseeing Boat departs regularly from the foot of the Ohashi River for a roughly one-hour experience. At dusk, you can witness the magnificent sunset, so when making reservations, we highly recommend checking the sunset time for that day in advance! Shinji Lake's sunset is selected as one of “Japan's Top 100 Sunset Views.” We highly recommend boarding the Shinji Lake Sightseeing Boat for the most romantic experience in Shimane.

Mizuki Shigeru Museum

Located in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture, the Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Museum is a facility where visitors can enjoy and learn about the world of Shigeru Mizuki's works. By exploring the museum's mystical Yokai Cave and viewing its extensive collection of exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the turbulent life of Shigeru Mizuki, creator of ‘Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro’, and the world of yokai brought to life by his pen. The adjacent Mizuki Shigeru Road is an approximately 800-meter-long street lined with 178 vivid bronze yokai statues on both sides. Walking along it, you'll be amazed by the intricate details and charming designs of each statue. Look for the Kitaro Train and wrapped buses too—seek out various Kitaro characters throughout the area!

Museum of the Sea and Life

Japan's largest museum of fish specimens, the Museum of the Sea and Life, is housed in a renovated 100-year-old brewery. Inside, it boasts one of Japan's largest collections, with over 4,000 specimens representing 700 species of fish. It is Japan's premier dry-mount aquarium. Upon entering, visitors are overwhelmed by giant fish specimens. From enormous sunfish to mysterious deep-sea creatures, you can not only take photos but also feel the wonder of marine life.

Author: Irene
Freelance writer commuting between Taipei and major cities in Japan.
April 2024–June 2024: Stayed in Tokyo
January 2025–December 2025: Stayed in Osaka
During her time in North America, she observed the lifestyles of North America and Japan, captivated by the fleeting moments of people hidden within gourmet experiences and travel destinations.
She focuses not merely on documentation, but on crafting practical travel insights.
She shares the hidden charms of Japan's regions and the encounters found in accessible destinations, weaving them together from afar.
She will continue to explore Japan's culinary culture and the allure of its cities, etching every travel memory to make Japan's food and people feel closer!