One of Shimane’s biggest drawcards has to be Matsue Castle. There are various beautiful castles scattered all across Japan, but many of those are restorations – the original structures were destroyed by fires or earthquakes, or demolished by the new Meiji government at the close of the feudal era. Matsue Castle dates back to the early 1600s, and is unique in that it still remains in its original form. For a small admission fee, you can climb up to the top level of the castle itself and get some fantastic views across the city – it's worth every yen!

If you’re after a significant shrine to visit, you can’t look past Izumo Taisha. Known as one of the oldest and the most important shrines in Japan, it’s a spot that people come to pray for love and good fortune. You’ll hear people clapping four times instead of the usual two when they pray here – it’s for the purpose of clapping once for themselves, and once for their current (or hopeful!) partners. The shrine also sells goshuin, a type of book used to collect stamps from shrines, which makes for a perfect souvenir to carry along throughout your journeys in Japan.

The Adachi Museum of Art features so much more than just displays of pottery, paintings and hanging scrolls – there are some downright incredible gardens here as well. They’re so well regarded that they win prizes year after year for being the best gardens in all of Japan. In addition to the displays of beautiful artwork and breathtaking nature, there are two charming teahouses on site, where you can enjoy some matcha and Japanese sweets while taking in the surrounding views.

Lake Shinji comes in at number 7 on the list of Japan’s largest lakes, and is the perfect spot to take in the sunset over Matsue. If you’d like to get out on the water itself to appreciate all of the natural beauty, there are several different boat companies that take passengers out for evening cruises. If you can't plan a visit to the lake to coincide with sunset, never fear – it's still a stunning sight to see no matter the time of day.

In one of the world’s largest greenhouses, there’s a garden with several thousand types of begonias, and 800 unusual specimens representing approximately 80 species of the world’s birds. There are also programs in which you can see the birds up close and popular bird shows.

Matsue Castle Town is a historic district that developed around Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, located in Shimane Prefecture. The town preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period, with traditional streets, former samurai residences, and scenic waterways. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the castle town and experience the calm and refined lifestyle of feudal Japan.

Touted as one of the best gardens in Japan is Yushien, which has something to enjoy no matter which season you plan to visit. They’re probably most well known for their beautiful springtime peonies, but the gardens are also revered as a spot to enjoy the changing leaves of autumn, known in Japan as koyo. As well as the beauty of nature to enjoy, the grounds also boast several restaurants where you can appreciate the views over a bite to eat.

If you want to visit a beach with one of the most unique and beautiful shrines in Japan, heading to Inasanohama Beach is a must. Just a short distance away from Izumo Taisha Shrine, the beach here has a large rock pillar sitting in the water with a shrine atop it. The shrine here is said to be the home of a female sea deity, who keeps a watchful eye over sailors and ensures their safety.

The Horikawa Sightseeing Boat The Horikawa Sightseeing Boat, which takes passengers around the historic moat surrounding Matsue Castle. This relaxing cruise lasts approximately 50 minutes and offers a unique view of the town from the water. Seasonal scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage adds to the charm. When passing under low bridges, the boat’s roof is lowered, creating a memorable experience. ※Please note that the boat ride fee (1,600 JPY/person) is not included in the tour fee