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Tour around Matsue Horikawa

Matsue, JP
91% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (27 reviews)
Self-guided
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Free Cancellation up to before the experience starts (local time)

    Highlights

    • Scenic boat ride around Matsue Castle
    • Experience the historic townscape
    • See seasonal trees and flowers along the route
    • Spot wild birds, fish, and insects
    • Opportunity to see sea creatures in the sea
    • Duration 50 minutes
    • Admission ticket included
    • Available in English and Korean
    • Small group tour
    • On/Off boarding at 3 piers
    • All fees and taxes included

    Experience the beauty and history of Matsue Castle Town on a thrilling tour around Matsue Horikawa. This one-day boarding pass allows you to explore at your own pace, hopping on and off at any of the three piers. As you cruise along the route, you'll be captivated by the sight of seasonal trees, flowers, and wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for wild birds, fish, and even rays in the sea. This tour isn't just about sightseeing; it's an immersive experience that allows you to witness the historic townscape and the daily life of the citizens. The highlight of the tour is a journey around the inner and outer moats of Matsue Castle. Admire the rare excavation and 17 picturesque bridges, some of which require lowering the ship's roof for passage. From young children to the elderly, everyone can find joy in this unforgettable adventure.

    At a Glance

    • Free cancellation
    • 50 minutes
    • Instant Confirmation
    • Available in , English, Korean, Japanese
    • Mobile voucher
    • Small Group tour
    • Guided
    • Family friendly

    Featured Reviews

    Excellent (27 reviews)
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    Viator
    misslinda53
    Oct 23
    Thoroughly enjoyed this little cruise around the canals of Matsue which surround the Matsue Castle. Although I do not speak Japanese and couldn’t understand the guide, it was still quite enjoyable. On the tour you will pass under 17 bridges. Some of these are very low, but the boats are build so that the roof collapses so it can pass under the bridge. If you are unable to sit on the floor, or do not want to lean in when the roof collapses, this might not be for you.
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    Viator
    877jacquif
    Sep 23
    Super little boats buzzing around on the Matsue canals. We joined a boat ride in August 2023 at a cost of 1200 Yen per adult and 600 per child. Most of the other passengers were Japanese and enjoyed the commentary from our fantastic tour guide and skipper. Occasionally, he also played little bits of recorded English commentary for us. It was a shame not to learn more about our skipper’s personal connection to the town and canals, though. He was very funny and made our fellow passengers laugh a lot. At one point, he sang a local song, which we all enjoyed. The canals themselves are beautiful. They are dotted with low bridges. Some are so low that the canopy of the boat has to be lowered, and all passengers must fold themselves close to the floor. An interesting experience! We saw herons, egrets, swallows, millions of dragonflies, and one solitary terrapin.
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    Viator
    Eliza_B
    May 23
    Excellent tour! We use the hop-on hop-off feature and we broke up our exploration of the city on foot with very entertaining boat tours. There is an English speaker system that explains the sites. If you are lucky to have another passenger translate what the guides are explaining it is a very entertaining ride! Thank you!!! The boat’s roof collapses as you go under bridges. Super fun and saw so much wildlife and nature. An excellent way to explore the city and a must for anyone exploring Matsue!! So much fun!
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    Viator
    Eliza B
    May 23
    Excellent experience! Super friendly staff and an entertaining ride experiencing the history and nature of the city. The boat’s lower the roofs for the bridges and it is very fun. An excellent introduction into exploring Matsue. We did the hop-on hop-off and it was so much fun breaking up walking with boat rides. We saw so much wildlife! They very nicely had an English speaker system explaining different spots but we were lucky on a ride and had another passenger willing to translate the guide for us and we learned even more. Thank you!!! Excellent boat ride! Recommend for anyone visiting Matsue!
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    Viator
    Lagirllagirl1220
    Oct 22
    It was a nice little cruise around the Matsue castle with good guidance by boatman. I was walking around one of the commercial district after lunch and accidentally found this boat tour. The fee is JPY1,500 for a day pass that allow you to hop on and off anytime during operation hour 9:00-16:00. There are 3 boat stops along the Matsue castle and runs approximately every 20 minutes so you can use this boat as your transportation. You can buy a ticket at counter and resister your name. When you re-boarding make sure to resister your name again at ticket counter before going to pier because operation vendor tracks passengers information . If you are visiting cool seasons you may want to bring warm jacket as you will feel liver breeze. 初めて松江を訪れ市内散策中に見つけ乗船してみました。¥1,500で１日乗り降り中です。20分おきに出発するのでそれほど待つことなく乗れます。松江城を一周するので、途中で降りてお城の散策をし、帰りはぐるっと回って帰りました。全周50分位の乗船時間です。
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    Tour around Matsue Horikawa

    Explore Matsue's historic castle town on a scenic 50-minute boat tour, witnessing seasonal beauty and vibrant local life.

    Included

    • inclusion
      Other
      All Fees and Taxes

    Meeting Point

    Meeting point

    〒690-0887 Shimane, 松江市殿町１９３ , Japan

    End point

    End Point

    Meeting point

    〒690-0887 Shimane, 松江市殿町１９３ , Japan

    End point

    What to expect

    1

    Meeting Point

    15 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station. If you take the "Gurutto Matsue Lake Line Bus" from the station, there is a stop in front of the boarding area.

    2

    Matsue Castle Town

    Matsue Castle Town

    A pleasure boat that takes you around the inner and outer moats surrounding Matsue Castle, a national treasure, in a small boat for about 50 minutes. The excavation that was built at the time of Matsue Castle's construction and remains today is rare in Japan, and there is only a pleasure boat that can go around the castle here. There are 17 bridges on the course, some low bridges that can only be passed through by lowering the roof of the ship, and popular attractions where you can experience the famous `` roofing '', from small children to elderly people You can enjoy it.

    Admission Admission Included
    3

    End Point

    15 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station. If you take the "Gurutto Matsue Lake Line Bus" from the station, there is a stop in front of the boarding area.

    The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

    Additional Information

    • Additional information
      Cannot be combined with other discounts.
    • Additional information
      Flight information for the day (suspension of service and operation time) will be announced on the official website.We cannot contact you individually.
    • Additional information
      Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Additional information
      Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Additional information
      Service animals allowed
    • Additional information
      Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Additional information
      There is a slope. (Contact open space boarding place)
    Provided by ぐるっと松江堀川めぐり

    What our experts say

    • icon
      Try the local Matsue Soba nearby.
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      Look for seasonal flowers along the route.
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      Visit Matsue Castle after the tour.
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      Check the bus schedule for convenience.
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      Bring a camera for stunning views.

    Why Book with Evendo?

    More About this Experience

    Introduction

    The Matsue Horikawa Tour offers a delightful experience, immersing you in the rich history and scenic beauty of Matsue Castle Town. Step aboard a charming pleasure boat as it navigates the inner and outer moats surrounding Matsue Castle, a national treasure. This unique tour is the only opportunity in Japan to explore the castle via a boat ride, making it a truly exceptional experience.

    What to expect?

    During this 50-minute tour, you can anticipate a captivating journey through Matsue Castle Town. As you glide along the route, you will pass through 17 bridges, some so low that the ship's roof needs to be lowered to pass underneath. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour promises to provide an unparalleled perspective of Matsue Castle's construction and its surroundings.

    Who is this for?

    The Matsue Horikawa Tour is designed for everyone looking to delve into the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Matsue Castle Town. Visitors of all ages, from young children to the elderly, will relish this one-of-a-kind experience. History buffs will appreciate the rare opportunity to witness the excavation from the castle's construction that still stands today. Nature lovers will enjoy the seasonal trees, flowers, and wildlife encountered along the route. This tour welcomes a diverse range of individuals who appreciate history, nature, and the marvels of Japanese culture.

    Why book this?

    Embark on the Matsue Horikawa Tour for an unforgettable adventure where history and nature intertwine. This excursion allows you to discover the charm of Matsue Castle, an architectural masterpiece steeped in history, from a unique and enchanting perspective. By opting for this boat tour, you will have the opportunity to revel in the beauty of seasonal flora, observe captivating wildlife, and immerse yourself in the lives of local residents. The Matsue Horikawa Tour ensures an experience unlike any other, where the splendor of the castle town and the excitement of exploring its waterways captivate your senses.

    Good to know

    When planning your Matsue Horikawa Tour, keep in mind that the total duration of the experience is approximately 50 minutes. The meeting point is just a 15-minute car ride from JR Matsue Station. If you prefer public transportation, you can take the "Gurutto Matsue Lake Line Bus" from the station, which conveniently stops right in front of the boarding area. The tour's end point is also a short 15-minute drive from JR Matsue Station. Prepare yourself for a magical journey through Matsue Castle Town, surrounded by history, nature, and the captivating wonders that await along the way.

    Reviews

    Feedback from previous participants reveals immense satisfaction with the Matsue Horikawa Tour. Travelers praise the unique opportunity to explore Matsue Castle Town via a pleasure boat, marveling at the remarkable excavation and historic sites. Visitors of all ages have found joy in the experience, with many highlighting the captivating seasonal scenery and abundant wildlife encountered throughout the tour. Don't miss your chance to embark on this unforgettable voyage that seamlessly blends history, nature, and culture in the heart of Matsue.

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