Experience

Matsue provides many chances to experience traditional Japanese culture!

Matsue has a long history of producing Japanese confectioneries, and is considered one of the wagashi mecca in Japan [See our Culture page]. You can find many wagashi shops all around town, and also enjoy them with matcha (powdered green tea) in places like Gessho-ji Temple, Meimei-an Tea House, or Kangetsu-an Tea House in Fumon-in Temple. Don’t miss the wonderful Kiharu tea room of Matsue History Museum, where you can watch Mr. Tsugio Itami – one of Japan’s best wagashi craftsmen – perform his art in front of you. You can also learn how to make your own wagashi in Karakoro Art Studio.

Place	Fee and Hours
Gessho-ji Temple	Entrance fee with discount: ¥300 Tea and wagashi: ¥450 Apr - Oct, 8:30~17:30 Nov - Mar, 8:30~17:00
Meimei-an Tea House	Entrance fee (no discount): ¥410 Tea and wagashi: ¥410 Apr - Sep, 8:30~18:30 Oct - Mar, 8:30~17:00
Kangetsu-an Tea House (Japanese) (in Fumon-in Temple, near Matsue History Museum)	Entrance fee (no discount): ¥300 Tea and wagashi: ¥900 10:00~16:00 Closed on Tuedays and January~February
Kiharu Tea Room (in Matsue History Museum)	Free entrance. See the menu on Kiharu Tea Room Website (Japanese).

With a little help from the professionals, how about trying your hand at some traditional crafts, like carving Magatama jewels or making Washi (Japanese paper)?

Magatama (comma shaped beads) are thought to hold spiritual powers. The area of Tamatsukuri Onsen, in southern Matsue, is deeply linked to them. There, as well as in Matsue’s city center, you can find shops selling Magatama and workshops where you can make your own. More information in our articles, the land of Magatama and Karakoro Art Studio.

In southern Matsue, you can also try your hands at making Washi, traditional Japanese paper inside the Abe Eishiro Memorial Museum and all kinds of other crafts in the atelier of Izumo Kanbe-no-Sato.

What better way to immerse yourself in tradition and experience the historic castle town of Matsue than renting a kimono for the day?

Reservations can be made (in Japanese) at Kageyama Gofuku-ten at 0852-22-0529 (10:00-18:30). Closed on Wednesdays. Prices start at ¥3,300 (incl. tabi).

If you wish to make a reservation, but do not speak Japanese, please contact the International Tourist Information Centre in front of JR Matsue station, or by phone at 0852-21-4034, or e-mail to .

Another option for kimono rental is at Karakoro Art Studio. Prices start at ¥6,000, and reservation is required (0852-20-7000)

More info on rentals in Japanese here.