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Boat Ride in Matsue

Shimane Prefecture　　

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Boat Ride in Matsue

Enjoy the boat ride in a heated kotatsu through Matsue Castle moat

Shimane Prefecture

The clear winter air brings quietness to the beautiful castle town of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture. Navigate the moats around Matsue Castle on the Matsue Horikawa Sightseeing Boat as you learn about its history and culture. The boat ride will take you around Matsue's canal system, letting you admire the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.

The moat system, which remains original since 400 years ago, feeds throughout the city like roots connecting to National Treasure Matsue Castle. The centuries-old route lets you see the local birds and aquatic wildlife as you pass through the many traditional sceneries, including former samurai residences.

During the winter, boatmen burn charcoal briquettes and place them under heated kotatsu tables to keep passengers warm during the 50-minute long tours that take them under 17 different bridges throughout the city. Some of these bridges are very low, so the boats are designed in such a way that they can lower their roofs to pass under them.

While open-air tours are especially popular during the warm summer months, enjoy the beautiful scenery and brisk air of the snowy winter months from the comfort of the beloved heated kotatsu tables.