Matsue: Getting there and around

From/To:

Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama (200 minutes by Nozomi, 240 minutes by Hikari, multiple trains per hour) and transfer to a JR Yakumo limited express train to Matsue (2.5 hours, one train per hour) or Izumo (3 hours, one train per hour). The one way fare is around 21,000 yen. Seat reservations are mandatory on Yakumo limited express trains.

The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the journey if Hikari trains are used between Tokyo and Okayama, but a supplement fee is required on the faster Nozomi trains.

Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

The "Sunrise Izumo" night train operates daily between Tokyo, Matsue and Izumo. One way fares including berth fee, start around 22,000 yen.

Japan Rail Pass holders have to pay around 10,000 yen additionally for using a berth, except when using so called "nobi nobi" compartments, which can be used for free with the pass. Nobi nobi compartments are small spaces of carpeted floor to lie down. They are popular and often book out in advance.

JAL operates multiple flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Izumo Airport (flight time 90 minutes). The regular one way fare is about 39,000 yen, but by using a discount offer, you can usually fly for around 15,000 to 24,000 yen. Izumo Airport is a 30 minute bus ride from Matsue Station (1050 yen) and Izumoshi Station (720 yen).

ANA operates multiple flights per day between Tokyo and Yonago Airport. Flight time is 75 minutes. The regular one way fare is about 37,000 yen; however, discount tickets are usually available for between 15,000 to 24,000 yen. Yonago Airport is a 45 minute bus ride from Matsue Station (1000 yen).

Airfares from Izumo to Haneda over the next 30 days December 22, 2024 - January 20, 2025

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
JAL	15,062 yen	21,471 yen

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Matsue and Izumo are connected with Tokyo by multiple night buses. The one way ride takes around 12 hours and costs between 5,000 and 16,000 yen depending on the company and date of travel. The route is also served by Willer Bus, whose Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3,000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer.

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Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Matsue is served by two railway companies: Japan Railways (JR) and Ichibata Railway. JR Matsue Station is a regional transportation hub, located two kilometers south of Matsue Castle, while Ichibata Railway connects Matsue with neighboring Izumo and Izumo Taisha from its terminal station, Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station, one kilometer west of the castle.

Transportation within the city is provided by city buses and Ichibata Bus. Convenient for tourists is the Lakeline loop bus, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major tourist sights. Buses operate every 20 minutes. A single ride costs 210 yen, while a one-day pass is available for 520 yen.

Good walkers can explore the city's main sights entirely on foot. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from JR Matsue Station to the castle or about 15 minutes from Shinjiko Onsen Station.

The closest airports to Matsue are Izumo Airport (35 minutes, 1050 yen one way by bus from Matsue Station), which is mainly served by JAL, and Yonago Airport (45 minutes, 1000 yen one way from Matsue Station), which is mainly served by ANA.

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

JR West

Official website.

Ichibata Railway

Official website.

- KIAN the guest house
  Budget-friendly
  
  KIAN the guest house, a property with a garden, is set in Matsue, less than 1 km from Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, 4.3 km from Lake Shinji, as well as 25 km from Atagoyama Park. This 2-star guest house offers a concierge service and a housekeeping service. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The guest house is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Mizuki Shigeru Road is 25 km from the guest house, while Hirata Honjin Memorial Museum is 25 km away. Izumo Airport is 25 km from the property.
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- Matsue Guesthouse
  Budget-friendly
  
  Matsue Guesthouse is set in Matsue, 2.5 km from Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, 3.6 km from Lake Shinji, as well as 25 km from Atagoyama Park. Featuring a shared lounge, the 1-star guest house has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and luggage storage space for guests. The units feature bed linen. The guest house is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Mizuki Shigeru Road is 25 km from the guest house, while Hirata Honjin Memorial Museum is 26 km away. Izumo Airport is 24 km from the property.
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- Matsue Forest Park
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located in Matsue, 12 km from Atagoyama Park and 13 km from Hirata Honjin Memorial Museum, Matsue Forest Park provides accommodation with free WiFi and a garden with a terrace and lake views. Some units also have a kitchen equipped with a fridge, an oven, and a microwave. Hiking can be enjoyed nearby. Lake Shinji is 18 km from the lodge, while Hamayama Park is 21 km away. Izumo Airport is 5 km from the property.
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- Onyado Nono Matsue Natural Hot Spring
  Luxury
  
  Set 1.7 km from Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Onyado Nono Matsue Natural Hot Spring offers 4-star accommodation in Matsue and has a spa and wellness centre. Offering a restaurant, the property also has a bar, as well as a sauna and a hot spring bath. Private parking is available on site. All units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. All guest rooms at Onyado Nono Matsue Natural Hot Spring feature air conditioning and a desk. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are ready to help around the clock. Lake Shinji is 3.8 km from Onyado Nono Matsue Natural Hot Spring, while Atagoyama Park is 25 km from the property. Izumo Airport is 24 km away.
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- Fukumakan
  Mid-range
  
  Located in Matsue, 11 km from Mizuki Shigeru Road and 30 km from Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Fukumakan provides a restaurant and sea views. Featuring a lift, this property also provides guests with a picnic area. There is free private parking and a free airport shuttle service. Facilities for disabled guests are also available at the property. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with bathrobes, the units at the ryokan have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms are fitted with a terrace. All units will provide guests with a tatami and a kettle. The area is popular for skiing and snorkelling, and bike hire is available at this 3-star ryokan. After a day of cycling, hiking or walking tours, guests can relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Lake Shinji is 34 km from the ryokan, while Mizuki Shigeru Museum is 11 km away. Yonago Airport is 16 km from the property.
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- Guest house daisho oshiro asobi
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located less than 1 km from Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Guest house daisho oshiro asobi offers 1-star accommodation in Matsue and features a garden, a terrace and a shared lounge. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The guest house has family rooms. The guest house is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Lake Shinji is 4.3 km from the guest house, while Atagoyama Park is 25 km away. Izumo Airport is 25 km from the property.
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- Hotel Ichibata
  Luxury
  
  Situated in Matsue, 1.8 km from Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Hotel Ichibata features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a tour desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a shared bathroom with a bidet. All rooms have a wardrobe. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at Hotel Ichibata. The accommodation offers 4-star accommodation with a sauna, hot tub and hot spring bath. Guests at Hotel Ichibata will be able to enjoy activities in and around Matsue, like fishing. Lake Shinji is 4 km from the hotel, while Atagoyama Park is 23 km from the property. Izumo Airport is 25 km away.
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- Green Rich Hotel Matsue Station Across - Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana
  Mid-range
  
  Situated in Matsue, 2.6 km from Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Green Rich Hotel Matsue Station Across - Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana features accommodation with a restaurant and private parking. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the hotel. Lake Shinji is 3.8 km from Green Rich Hotel Matsue Station Across - Artificial hot spring Futamata Yunohana, while Mizuki Shigeru Road is 25 km from the property. Izumo Airport is 24 km away.
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- Hotel Gyokusen
  Mid-range
  
  5.4 km from Lake Shinji in Matsue, Hotel Gyokusen features accommodation with access to a sauna, hot spring bath and public bath. It is set 10 km from Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum and provides a 24-hour front desk. The ryokan also offers free WiFi, free private parking and facilities for disabled guests. There is a private bathroom with bath in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. At the ryokan, some units are allergy-free. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Guests can also relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Atagoyama Park is 23 km from the ryokan, while Hirata Honjin Memorial Museum is 24 km from the property. Izumo Airport is 19 km away.
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- Onsen Guest House Aobato no Su
  Budget-friendly
  
  Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Onsen Guest House Aobato no Su offers accommodation in Matsue, a few steps from Tamatsukuri Onsen. Free private parking is available on site. All rooms include a flat-screen TV. Every room is fitted with a shared bathroom. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. The ryokan also offers bike hire. Lake Shinji is 4.1 km from Onsen Guest House Aobato no Su, while Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum is 8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Yonago Airport, 22 km from the property.
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