Top 5 Summer Spots in Matsue, Japan

Shimane's capital city, Matsue, has a wealth of things to do and see, and it makes for a perfect summer vacation spot for one key reason - so few crowds to contend with. Shimane Prefecture is one of Japan's least visited, but don't let that deter you from exploring this region of the country -it's the perfect incentive to head there and enjoy the sights before the rest of the world catches on!

Here are five things to check out if you've got Matsue on your summer vacation radar.

Kissa Kiharu Cafe

Cool off with an iced matcha and amazing wagashi

Matsue is a wonderful spot for tea lovers, with a number of dedicated teahouses across the city to enjoy. One place you'll find amazing wagashi to go alongside an ice-cold matcha is the Kissa Kiharu Cafe, which is actually tucked away inside the Matsue History Museum. You can visit the cafe itself without needing to buy an admission ticket for the museum, but if you do have an interest in the region's backstory it's worth checking out.

Added bonus: from the cafe's tatami floored sitting area, you can see out to Matsue Castle itself!

Horikawa Pleasure Boat Cruise

Take to the water and enjoy some terrific views!

Being by the water is often instantly cooling, and Matsue offers a way for visitors to see the sights on the water - by taking a pleasure boat cruise! These cruises take to the moat and canals of the city giving you a comfortable way to explore.

Audio narration available in English for the cruises, so don't be concerned that you'll miss any of the details. In summer, the cruise boat operators even add traditional wind chimes to the boats, which are often regarded as a way to “think yourself cool” courtesy of their relaxing sound.

The adult admission for the Horikawa Pleasure Boat Cruise is 1,500 yen, but if you bring along your international passport or residence card, you can get a foreigner discount which drops the price to 1200 yen.

Adachi Museum of Art

Enjoy Japan's best gardens without actually having to be outdoors

You may think to yourself that visiting a garden in the middle of the summer in Japan is the recipe for a humid, sweaty mess - but the Adachi Museum of Art has you covered. Located in relatively close proximity to Matsue itself, this museum regularly wins awards for having the best gardens in Japan, but you can't actually walk out through them. These gardens are for display purposes only and are enjoyed from the comfort of the indoors.  Adachi Museum of Art has several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal, a drink, or some ice cream with excellent vantage points of the scenery. Genius!

Adult admission to the Adachi Museum of Art is 2,300 yen, but again, bring along your passport or residence card for an international visitor’s discount!

Gesshoji Temple

Plentiful greenery to "think" yourself cool

Gesshoji Temple is busy just before the heat of summer, given that it’s a popular spot for the rainy season’s ajisai, or hydrangeas. Outside that time you’ll often find you’ve got the place to yourself, and the grounds are full of greenery and leafy trees that protect you from the sun’s rays. There’s also a teahouse on-site at Gesshoji Temple if you need a pick-me-up to carry you on through the rest of your travel adventures - and it looks out over some immaculately maintained gardens!

Admission to the temple is 500 yen, but again, bring that passport or residence card for that to be halved to 250 yen.

Matsue Castle

Enjoy the cooling breeze from the top of this historic structure

Any itinerary to Matsue at any time of year wouldn’t really be complete without a visit to Matsue Castle. It's one of the top spots in the city.  The castle here is the original structure, not a reconstruction like many others across Japan which were destroyed as a result of natural disasters or war. Visitors are able to head up to the top floor of the castle which offers some great views across the city - and a refreshing breeze!

Adult admission to Matsue Castle is 560 yen.

Shimane Prefecture's Matsue City is an incredibly visitor-friendly city no matter the time of year that you visit, with many incentives to make travel for international guests (including expats!) more wallet-friendly. Add it to your top summer spots in Japan!