One of Shimane’s biggest drawcards has to be Matsue Castle. There are various beautiful castles scattered all across Japan, but many of those are restorations – the original structures were destroyed by fires or earthquakes, or demolished by the new Meiji government at the close of the feudal era. Matsue Castle dates back to the early 1600s, and is unique in that it still remains in its original form. For a small admission fee, you can climb up to the top level of the castle itself and get some fantastic views across the city – it's worth every yen!

Matsue Castle Town is a historic district that developed around Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, located in Shimane Prefecture. The town preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period, with traditional streets, former samurai residences, and scenic waterways. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the castle town and experience the calm and refined lifestyle of feudal Japan.

Lake Shinji comes in at number 7 on the list of Japan’s largest lakes, and is the perfect spot to take in the sunset over Matsue. If you’d like to get out on the water itself to appreciate all of the natural beauty, there are several different boat companies that take passengers out for evening cruises. If you can't plan a visit to the lake to coincide with sunset, never fear – it's still a stunning sight to see no matter the time of day.

In one of the world’s largest greenhouses, there’s a garden with several thousand types of begonias, and 800 unusual specimens representing approximately 80 species of the world’s birds. There are also programs in which you can see the birds up close and popular bird shows.

Touted as one of the best gardens in Japan is Yushien, which has something to enjoy no matter which season you plan to visit. They’re probably most well known for their beautiful springtime peonies, but the gardens are also revered as a spot to enjoy the changing leaves of autumn, known in Japan as koyo. As well as the beauty of nature to enjoy, the grounds also boast several restaurants where you can appreciate the views over a bite to eat.

The Horikawa Sightseeing Boat Horikawa Sightseeing Boat, which takes passengers around the historic moat surrounding Matsue Castle. This relaxing cruise lasts approximately 50 minutes and offers a unique view of the town from the water. Seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage adds to the charm. When passing under low bridges, the boat’s roof is lowered, creating a memorable experience. ※Please note that the boat ride fee (1,600 JPY/person) is not included in the tour fee