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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
Matsue is a peaceful waterfront castle town where lakes, rivers, and bridges create a gentle, dreamlike landscape. Once the sun sets, the streets grow calm, lanterns glow softly on the water, and the town’s long-told stories begin to feel alive.
Guided by locals who were born and raised here, you’ll wander through atmospheric alleys, historical shrines, and old bridges—each connected to myths, legends, or ghost tales passed down for generations. For us, folklore has always been part of daily life, and we are excited to share these stories in the places where they were born.
This experience is not a staged show or a haunted attraction. It is a slow, intimate walk through the real night scenery of a town untouched by overtourism, guided by people who deeply love their hometown.
Join us for a quiet, story-filled walk—where landscape and folklore blend gently into the night.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We begin the tour briefing in the community space on the 3rd floor of Hotel SEN. If you are staying at a hotel in the Matsue Castle Town area, we can meet you in your lobby and do the briefing there as well.
We can end the tour at any place you prefer within the Matsue Castle Town area—such as your hotel lobby or a restaurant of your choice.
Itinerary
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1
This shrine is the guardian of Matsue’s castle town and has protected the area since the 8th century, standing at its current location since the 13th century. Situated on the brackish shores of Lake Shinji, it has long been a place of worship for people who gave thanks for the blessings of water and fertile land. The shrine enshrines a deity of purification, and visitors can purchase salt—used in Japan as a symbol of purification—which can also be enjoyed in cooking or as bath salt.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
You can listen to local legends and folktales from your guide while enjoying the beautiful twilight view of the lake, where small myth-shrouded islands float quietly on the water.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Free from overtourism, this town becomes quiet and atmospheric after dusk. As we stroll through the old shopping streets and cross historic bridges, your local guide will share the ghost stories and legends connected to each place.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
You can stop by a beloved local sake shop, enjoy tastings while chatting with the owner, and even pick up some souvenirs. Non-alcoholic options like Amazake are also available, so everyone can enjoy the experience. Please note: any stops at local bars or restaurants at the end of the tour may vary depending on guest preferences and the establishment’s schedule.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Show 2 more
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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