Matsue is an hour's flight from Tokyo, with two airports nearby, but without the crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto. I help tour operators, clubs and groups include Matsue in their programmes – in German and in English.
Getting there
Izumo Airport: direct flights from Tokyo Haneda. The airport bus takes about 35 minutes to Matsue Station.
Yonago Airport: direct flights from Tokyo Haneda, plus international connections to Seoul and Hong Kong. About 45 minutes by bus to Matsue.
Rail: Matsue is on the JR San'in Line. The Sunrise Izumo night train runs directly from Tokyo to Matsue.
Ideal for round trips: arrive via Izumo or Yonago, depart from Hagi-Iwami Airport in Masuda at the other end of the prefecture – without travelling any section twice.
Programme modules
History: Matsue Castle with its original keep (National Treasure), the Shiomi Nawate samurai quarter, Kumano Taisha and Miho Shrine, plus Izumo Taisha as an excursion.
Culture and literature: in the footsteps of Lafcadio Hearn, tea culture, Iwami Kagura in the region.
Nature: Lakes Shinji and Nakaumi, the volcanic island of Daikonshima with its lava cave, the Kaka no Kukedo sea cave and the north coast in Daisen-Oki National Park. The whole area is a designated geopark.
Fishing: sea, brackish lake and river close together – three types of water in one region.
Onsen: Tamatsukuri Onsen, already mentioned in 733, and hot springs on the lakeshore in the city centre.
Gardens: Yuushien on Daikonshima and the Adachi Museum of Art, whose garden has been ranked Japan's best for years.
Sample itineraries
Matsue compact (2 days): castle, moat boat tour, samurai quarter, sunset at Lake Shinji, overnight in Tamatsukuri Onsen.
Myths and onsen (3–4 days): adding Izumo Taisha, Kumano Taisha, Miho Shrine and the Adachi Museum of Art.
Shimane round trip (5–7 days): Matsue – Izumo – Iwami Ginzan – Hamada with coast and kagura – Masuda with the Sesshu gardens, departing from Hagi-Iwami. All stops are on the same railway line.
All modules can be combined by type of traveller: families, culture lovers, hikers, anglers, photographers. I am happy to put together a programme to your specifications.
What I do for you
Online presentation for your team: I present Matsue in my own conference room with photos, videos and routes, and answer your questions live.
Contact in German and English during European office hours, by phone, chat and e-mail.
On-site visits: if you want to get to know Matsue yourself, I accompany you to accommodation, sights and experiences.
Images: original photos and videos from the region for your catalogues and channels, by arrangement.
Contact for your guests: during the trip and in emergencies.
Request an online presentation
Let me know the date, number of participants and focus of your programme. I will reply within one day.