Matsue Horikawa Moat

The Matsue Horikawa Moat, A Ring Of Canals Around Matsue Castle With A Boat Ride Of About 50 Minutes Under Low Bridges And Past A Samurai Street, And The House Where The Writer Lafcadio Hearn Lived. A Quiet Castle Town On Lake Shinji. · Matsue, Shimane

The Horikawa is the moat that rings Matsue Castle in Shimane, on the Sea of Japan coast, and a boat ride along it is the usual way to see the old castle town. The castle is one of the few in Japan with its original keep - confirm - and the boats loop around it in about 50 minutes, passing the samurai street of Shiomi Nawate, the stone walls and quiet backyards. Several bridges are so low that the boat roof is lowered and passengers are asked to crouch, which most people remember best. In winter some boats carry a kotatsu heated table - confirm. Beside the water you can visit the former residence of Lafcadio Hearn, the writer Koizumi Yakumo, who lived in Matsue in 1890 and 1891 - confirm - and a small museum about him. Matsue is also a tea city, so stop for matcha and a sweet. It suits a calm half day, not a long stay. Lake Shinji and Izumo Taisha are close, so many people pair them. Worth the detour if you are already in Shimane.

Horikawa moat boat departure points, Kitahori-cho, Matsue, Shimane, near Matsue Castle and the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Matsue, Shimane, Japan

The boats run through most of the year in daytime, commonly from about 9:00 until late afternoon, with a later last departure in summer and a shorter day in winter. Rough weather, high water or strong wind can stop sailings, so confirm on the day. A ride takes about 50 minutes and boats leave on a rolling basis from a few piers near the castle - confirm which pier is open. Tickets are sold at the pier and you may queue on weekends. The Hearn house and museum open in daytime and close in the late afternoon, usually with a closed day or New Year break - confirm. From Matsue Station, a loop bus takes about 15 minutes, or walk 25 minutes. Bring some cash for small cafes.

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