Often referred to as Little Kyoto, Matsue, Japan, is a wonder of modern attractions and ancient Japanese history. The capital city of Shimane Prefecture also happens to sit along Lake Shinji, offering scenic views, city tours and picturesque rides. If you’re passing through on a family trip or looking for a few days in a city-meets-quaint-town destination to entertain the kids, make a pit stop in Matsue.
Whatever your reason, there are some must-see locales that could easily fill a family-fun day of your trip.

Matsue Castle © Angelique Platas
First and foremost, head to Matsue Castle, or Black Castle as it’s also known. Once the protective fort of an ancient feudal lord, Matsue Castle offers equal parts ancient history, beautiful garden strolls, a few steep steps for active travelers and incredible views of the city for everyone else.
Get your fill of history while in Matsue with an obligatory visit to a Shinto shrine, specifically, Yaegaki Shrine. Once known as the Sakusa Shrine, guests can walk around the property, get a peek inside and visit surrounding smaller shrines with their own meaning and significance. Feel free to stroll around the town with the kids, finding local shops and cafés to pop into between cultural visits.
Lake Shinji
Almost anywhere you go will offer stunning views of Lake Shinji, but few beat vistas from the Shimane Art Museum. Bring the kids in for a visit and check out the exhibits before heading outside for some fresh air and lake-side views. You can even skip the visit altogether if the kids are less interested in art and more on free time on a grassy yard. Time your visit for sunset and head out on the lawn for some great photos.

Lake Shinji from Shimane Art Museum © Angelique Platas
If you have a little extra time between all the sightseeing, shopping and dining around town, Adachi Museum of Art is just outside Matsue proper, but definitely worth a trip. The museum boasts art inside and out with impeccably maintained gardens encasing the property. Even the mountains in the near distance belong to the museum and act as a living backdrop to the natural art of the garden. Visitors can only look, not touch the gardens, as they are treated as paintings themselves, with window panes acting as frames. Enjoy a sweet or two from the art museum gift shop and surrounding bakeries and stores while loading up on souvenirs to take home.

Matsue, Japan. Photo: Angelique Platas
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedSlideshow
Feb 13, 20258 Stained-Glass Windows Around the World to See
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these stained-glass windows around the world with us.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Destinations / Mexico
Feb 12, 2025Discover Riviera Maya’s Newest Archaeological Site
It isn’t often a new archaeological site is unveiled for visitors to learn about the past, but that is the case in Riviera Maya. Well, new may not be the best word — after all, these structures date back thousands of years and have been undergoing excavation by archaeologists since the 1990s. But Ichkabal, a Mayan ruin located in Mexico’s Quintana Roo along the Mexican Riviera, is new for family travelers who are finally able to get a glimpse at this spectacular site.
Hotels
Feb 12, 2025Bring the Family to The Crane Resort Barbados
The Crane Resort Barbados offers endless fun for family travelers.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Dining/Entertainment
Feb 12, 2025Planet Hollywood Returns to New York City
Planet Hollywood New York officially opened its doors Feb. 3, allowing family travelers in New York City the chance to enjoy an evening in this beloved restaurant and entertainment venue. Redefining Hollywood glamor beneath a 360-degree canopy of state-of-the-art, high-definition screens, Planet Hollywood New York boasts more than 692 video tiles for an immersive dining experience.
ShareThis