A Perfect Morning and the Road to Matsue
My day kicked off with an absolutely heavenly Japanese breakfast.
The rich miso soup and small side dishes filled with fish and vegetables completely hit the spot, giving me the perfect energy boost for the morning. It’s my first day arriving in Shimane Prefecture, and I made the 20 to 30-minute trip from my base in Unnan directly to Matsue.
Art Beneath Your Feet: Manhole Cover Hunting
I started by strolling around the Matsue Castle area.
One of the quirks of traveling in Japan is hunting for local manhole covers. While you might stumble upon famous Pokémon designs in other parts of the country, you won't find them here in Matsue. Instead, you'll discover intricate, unique art that perfectly captures the local vibe. It’s surprisingly fun to look up from your smartphone and search for these hidden masterpieces right beneath your feet—it's one of the secret joys of exploring Japan.
The Jet-Black Fortress: National Treasure Matsue Castle
Next up was the main event: Matsue Castle. This magnificent structure is one of only five castles in all of Japan designated as a National Treasure.
I've visited quite a few castles, but honestly, this one might be my absolute favorite. The predominantly jet-black exterior is undeniably cool and breathtakingly beautiful.
It features one of Japan's largest wooden "shachihoko" (mythical carp-tiger roof ornaments). Beyond its beauty, the castle was designed for actual siege warfare, known as the "rojo" style. To ensure survival during enemy attacks, they even dug a deep well right inside the main keep to secure drinking water—a fascinating architectural detail that blew my mind.
Matsue Castle
As one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan, Matsue Castle is a National Treasure celebrated for its striking black exterior and authentic 17th-century wooden architecture. Visitors can explore a formidable samurai fortress, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Shinji from the top floor, and experience a unique moat cruise that offers a peaceful, historical perspective of this "Black Castle" and its beautifully preserved grounds.
Contrasts of the Castle Town & Izumo's Vibe
The castle is surrounded by a scenic moat where traditional pleasure boats peacefully float by.
But right near this historic site, I spotted a highly modern, futuristic house that looked straight out of a TV design show, creating a fascinating contrast between the old and the new. Continuing towards the Izumo area, I even came across a 7-Eleven with a grand roof styled just like the famous Izumo Taisha shrine!
It really makes you feel like the whole town embraces that sacred, historical atmosphere.
Wrapping Up with a Wild Boar Feast
On the way back, I picked up some wild boar (inoshishi) meat for dinner.
I absolutely love game meat (gibier), much like how I enjoy eating kangaroo meat back in Australia. Spending the entire day being guided around various spots in Shimane and Tottori by locals has been the ultimate travel experience.
