Matsue Castle and Sightseeing Boat Tour
Joined 2016
This is a historic walking and boat tour around Matsue Castle, one of the only 12 original castles existing in Japan.
Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of castle town. I'm sure you feel as if you are time traveling to the old days.
A sightseeing boat tour around the castle at any season will give you special moment. I will tell you about the history of Matsue and how people live here cherishing their local heritage.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Matsue Station or at your hotel in Matsue
Matsue Castle
You can go inside the castle. Enjoy the 360 degree view of Matsue City from the top floor.
I will explain the feature of the castle and how it was built with elaborate architectual techique, and how it has survived to be designated as a national treasure.
Cruise around Matsue
Enjoy different views of Matuse caslte from a boat. Riding a small boat should be a lot of fun. A friendly boat man or woman will entertain you.
Lunch
Have lunch near the castle (choose from local food, Japanese food or others)
Walking along Samurai Street
We vist Samurai Residence, Lafcadio Hearn Memoria Hall & Residence and the tea house, where you experience matcha green tea with a Japanese confectionary made by local artisans.
Our distinctive tea culture is one of the rich inheritances we received from the castle lords. You will be having excellent matcha green tea with original Japanese confectionery at the old tea house designed by a feudal lord of Matsue.
Lafcadio Hearn was a Greece-born journalist, world traveler, great author, and English teacher. He is best known for introducing Japan to the world more than 100 years ago through his excellent works. Matsue is the place he lived for his first year in Japan. He was very inspired by Japanese culture and contributed a lot to what Matsue is today... Let me continue in the tour.
Ending Point
JR Matsue Station or at your hotel in Matsue
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee, guide's transportation fee to/from meeting/ending spots
*Transportation fee (you and guide) from JR Matsue Station or your hotel to Matsue Castle
*Entrance fee (you and guide):
Matsue Castle 470 JPY/person,
Samurai Residence 210 JPY/person
Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Hall 280/person
*Cruise fee (you and guide): about 1200 JPY/person
(All of the above is discounted price with a passport)
*Green tea set : about 1000 JPY/person
Tour Important Information
*You can arrange the schedule according to your interest.
*By customizing your tour, I can arrange a cultural workshop you can participate in. (making Japanese sweets, Japanese calligraphy or others)
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2016
About Tour Guide Ritsuko Y.
Hi, I'm Ritsuko. I started guiding for tourists as a local volunteer guide and has been serving as a national certified guide since 2014.
I really like meeting people from around the world. Nothing is more fun and valuable than listening to them and sharing views and thoughts.
I was born and raised in Shimane. I lived in other cities in Japan and abroad for my career and study. Shimane's abundant natural beauty brought me back here, then I started working as a guide.
In my earlier career, I had served as a speech and communication therapist at hospitals for 11 years. I provided individual rehabilitation programs for patients who has various language problems and needs. I have met a lot of people in different generations. Personality, interest and background are different from people to people. Through my career, I have acquired skills to catch what he or she needs and provided suitable service for them.
My current clients are happy with my smile, attentiveness and easy-to-understand guide. In my tour, you can not only go to spots and learn history and culture, but you have a lot of opportunity to experience such as climbing up a high light house, choosing your favorite Japanese sweets for matcha green tea, meditation in an old temple, etc.
So, ask me if you have a plan to visit Japan.
I will help you enjoy every minute of your stay in Japan.
I hope to see you soon!
Reviews
Terry T.
“Three days of excellence ”
Well thought out plan specifically for our group. Easy to change on the fly. Great props/maps. Timing excellent.
Ritsuko Y.
Thank you for your high praise and I humblly accept it. It was my greatest pleasure to escort you and your family for three days and have such enjoyable conversations. Spending time with your group was truly exciting and insightful.
Mark E.
“Shimane tour”
I enjoyed two and a half days of customized tours with Ritsuko visiting multiple temples, shrines, caves, rivers coastline and waterfalls around the Izumo and Matsue regions. The days were very well organized and more than fulfilled my wishes to visit sacred places in Shimane. I’m grateful to Ritsuko for her easy and informative companionship and for ensuring a very happy few days stay.
Ritsuko Y.
Dear Mark, I'm so happy with your nice review.Thank you so much again for visiting here. You inspired me a lot with profound understanding and respect for different cultures. Each spot was memorable for me too but I will always remember the freshness and coldness of the water you got from the waterfalls. It was a great pleasure to be able to complete the year 2019 with an amazing guest. I hope you keep exploring Japan I'd like to share your views and ideas again. Ritsuko
Alan L.
“A most excellent guide”
I was a Lucky man today in Sakaiminato to have found a nice, informative , and flexible guide. Perfect English. I was shown some of the most beautiful sights. A day to remember. Thank you again Ritsuko and the Big boss man. Most highly recommend.
Ritsuko Y.
Alan, Thank you so much for the great review. We were so glad to have you in Tottori and Shimane area on a day with nice weather. Each spot has become even more impressive for us by accompanying you. I will remember your kindness and smiles you gave us and other people during the tour. I hope your upcoming journey will be wonderful as well. Ritsuko
$341/ per group
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If you want to steep yourself in natural beauty or you have an interest in the history of ancient Japan, Izumo is the place for you. Izumo has been known as home of gods since ancient times. We visit old shrines that enshrines the most important deities in Japan. Enjoy the tranquil and spiritual atmosphere of Izumo. The museum shows you rich ancient culture and people's life in this region. Then enjoy the scenic beauty at Hinomisaki with a soaring lighthouse standing by the blue ocean.