Overview

Matsue Castle is a National Treasure on the shores of Lake Shinji, boasting the only surviving castle tower in the San'in region. Horio Yoshiharu built it after receiving the Izumo domain for his role at Sekigahara. The four-story, five-floor tower with one basement level is a masterpiece of the watchtower style, built with practical combat in mind. Known as 'Chidori Castle,' it offers stunning views of Lake Shinji. The city is also famous as the beloved home of Lafcadio Hearn. Designated a National Treasure in 2015, it was a celebrated rediscovery that brought renewed attention to this remarkable castle.

Connection to Swords

Izumo Province has been connected to swords since the age of mythology. The Kojiki recounts how Susanoo slew the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi and obtained the Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Ama-no-Murakumo no Tsurugi), making Izumo a mythological origin point for Japanese swords. The Izumo region has practiced tatara iron smelting since ancient times, supplying tamahagane (jewel steel) as the raw material for Japanese swords. The Wa-Kō Museum in Yasugi, Shimane showcases the history of tatara smelting. Swordsmiths were active in the Matsue domain, and Izumo's sword culture encompasses the complete tradition from smelting to forging. When visiting Matsue Castle, we recommend also exploring the tatara sites in Oku-Izumo.