Excursion Samurai legacy and serene gardens tour at Sakaiminato

Discover Shimane’s rich samurai heritage at Matsue Castle, experience the city’s charming waterways on a Horikawa boat cruise, and find serenity in Yushien Garden, blending history, nature, and local flavors.

Your experience begins at the pier, where you board a comfortable coach for a 50-minute drive through the peaceful countryside of the San’in region toward Matsue.

Matsue Castle

Your first stop is the iconic Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles and a designated National Treasure. Explore its expansive grounds, surrounded by stone walls, ancient moats, and shaded paths. Guests able to climb may ascend the castle’s interior via steep, narrow wooden stairs—about 200 steps—to reach the top floor, where panoramic views overlook Lake Shinji and the castle town. The terrain includes gravel paths, and restrooms are available.

Matsue Horikawa Pleasure Boat Ride

Next, transfer to the nearby boarding point for the Matsue Horikawa Pleasure Boat Ride. This traditional flat-bottomed boat glides through the castle’s moat system for about 60 minutes, passing under low bridges and offering peaceful views of traditional homes, waterways, and quiet backstreets. Guests sit on floor cushions inside the boat; there are no seats and no restroom on board.

Afterward, enjoy a 60-minute Japanese set lunch at a local restaurant, with two included beverages (beer, wine, sake, or soft drinks). This is a perfect moment to relax after the morning’s exploration.

Yushien Garden

Your final stop is the picturesque Yushien Garden, a beautifully maintained Japanese stroll garden famed for its seasonal flowers—particularly its celebrated peonies—and tranquil ponds. Walk its charming paths, admire small bridges and hidden waterfalls, and enjoy its harmonious balance of design and nature. Terrain includes some cobblestones and a few steps.

Conclude your day with a short drive back to the pier, reflecting on the blend of samurai history, waterways, and garden serenity that define the cultural heart of Matsue.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Matsue Castle, Horikawa Pleasure Boat Cruise, and Yushien Garden.

Note

Please Note: This tour includes approximately 1.5 km (0.93 miles) of walking and about 200 steps, especially inside Matsue Castle’s steep stairways. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Guests must remove shoes to enter Matsue Castle and for the Horikawa boat ride, where seating is on floor cushions only. Water is provided on the coach; no onboard restroom is available. Restrooms are available at Matsue Castle, the lunch venue, and Yushien Garden.
Photography is allowed at all locations; flash is permitted unless otherwise indicated. Shopping opportunities for souvenirs and local snacks may be available at Matsue Castle and Yushien Garden, and many shops accept credit cards. Casual clothing, sneakers, and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary slightly based on conditions or crowding. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.