City of Tradition

Matsue prides itself on retaining the atmosphere of the Edo era, a time of peace when both samurai and common people filled the bustling streets and enjoyed commerce and entertainment. In addition to preserved historic areas like Matsue Castle and Shiomi Nawate as well as preserved tastes and culture such as tea and wagashi, it is also common to see ladies walking around in kimono, or samurai walking around in armour near the castle. If you are lucky, you might even spot a ninja or two.

The Matsue Wakamusha Troupe of young warriors is happy to pose for pictures, and the Matsue Castle Rifle Troupe has regular performances on the third Sunday of every month at the Matsue History Museum, practicing drills with real Edo period antiques and gunpowder. With the help of rental kimono from Karakoro Art Studio you too can fit in with the castle town setting, and during castle festivals you might also have a chance to dress up in samurai armour.