Castle Town Landscape - Horikawa Moat Boat Cruise
Matsue is sometimes called the Water City, or Shimane's Venice, because of its location on Lake Shinji and the city's ample system of moats built for defense and transport. Today, one of the best ways to view the city is to board one of the low, narrow pleasure boats that cruise the largest moat as it meanders around the castle.
As you ply the waters of the moat, you'll see low-hanging willow branches trailing in the water, fish, ducks and turtles who make their homes here, ancient stone steps leading down to the water's edge from the back doors of buildings set along the bank, and of course the looming shape of Matsue Castle and the graceful old homes along Shiomi Nawate street.
The boats pass beneath 16 bridges during the trip, four of which are so low that the awning on the boats is mechanically lowered and passengers must lie back to clear the stonework overhead. A fun and very scenic way to take in the city before or after you take off to explore on foot.
More Info.(Matsue Castle Town):
Matsue Castle Temple
Horikawa Moat Boat
Shiomi Nawate Street
Tea and Sweets in Matsue
As you ply the waters of the moat, you'll see low-hanging willow branches trailing in the water, fish, ducks and turtles who make their homes here, ancient stone steps leading down to the water's edge from the back doors of buildings set along the bank, and of course the looming shape of Matsue Castle and the graceful old homes along Shiomi Nawate street.
The boats pass beneath 16 bridges during the trip, four of which are so low that the awning on the boats is mechanically lowered and passengers must lie back to clear the stonework overhead. A fun and very scenic way to take in the city before or after you take off to explore on foot.
More Info.(Matsue Castle Town):
Matsue Castle Temple
Horikawa Moat Boat
Shiomi Nawate Street
Tea and Sweets in Matsue
Boarding Points:
MATSUE HORIKAWA FUREAI Area (KURODA-CHO)
KARAKORO Area (KYOMISE)
OOTEMAE Area (TONOMACHI)
MATSUE HORIKAWA FUREAI Area (KURODA-CHO)
KARAKORO Area (KYOMISE)
OOTEMAE Area (TONOMACHI)
JR Matsue station===(10 min. by Lake Line Bus)===Matsuejo stop===(15min. walk)===Horikawa Boat Boaring Points
Operation Hours:
March 1st - June 30th 9:00 - 17:00
July 1st - August 31st 9:00 - 18:00
September 1st - October 20th 9:00 - 17:00
October 21st - November 30th 9:00 - 16:00
December 1st - Last day of February 10:00 - 15:00
March 1st - June 30th 9:00 - 17:00
July 1st - August 31st 9:00 - 18:00
September 1st - October 20th 9:00 - 17:00
October 21st - November 30th 9:00 - 16:00
December 1st - Last day of February 10:00 - 15:00
Adult: 1,200yen
Elementary Student: 600yen
Elementary Student: 600yen
Sightseeing in Shimane: http://www.kankou.pref.shimane.jp/index.html
