For International Visitors and Residents of Matsue City
MATSUE CITY GUIDE NEWSLETTERIssue No.3 - 2013 July/August/Sept.
Here is the third issue of Matsue City Guide Newsletter! This English guide has information to help you plan how to spend your time in Matsue and make sure you don't miss out on the many events the City of Water has to offer you. Fireworks over Lake Shinji
Glimpses of Matsue
Tamatsukuri Onsen, the baths ofgods Tamatsukuri Onsen is a sulfate and chloride hot spring, long since known as “the baths of the gods” and Japan's first beauty spa. In the Chronicles of Izumo Province (compiled in 733), it was said to be a place where the young and old--all with supple skin--would socialize. This area was also known for producing agate Magatama, comma-shaped beads believed to hold mystical powers. JULY Tamatsukuri Onsen Summer Festival July 16 (Tue.) - September 30 (Mon.) The charming hot spring town of Tamatsukuri is located south of Lake Shinji. Many Japanese style inns (ryokan) can be found here, as well as bathing-only facilities and free foot baths (ashiyu). It is also possible to rent summer kimono (yukata) while you browse the area. The festival, an annual summer event, consists of stage events, illuminations and food stands. The stages will be held daily around Tamayu River, which runs through the area. Stage events: Everyday from 20:15 (July 20 - August 31). Illuminations : Everyday from 18:30 to 22:30 (until Sept. 30). Access: Trains every 30 min or so from Matsue Station (¥190, 10 min). Walk 20 min south of Tamatsukuri Station. Last train back around 22:30. On July 27 (Saturday), the Seven Gods ofFortune will also make an appearance during the Shichi Fukujin Matsuri ! Tenjin-san Summer Festival (Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine) July 24 (Wed.) - 25 (Thur.) Every year, Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine holds the Tenjin-san Summer Festival and the entire area comes alive with processions and stalls. The beautiful shrine is dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, the God of Learning, who is also known as Tenjin. Start: Wednesday, 17:00 Shirakata's sacred mikoshi (portable shrine) will be energetically carried from Matsue Castle to the main shrine. The festivital will continue through the following day, all day long. On Thursday at 18:30, a drum procession will depart from the STIC building and head toward the shrine, accompanied by children parading the mikoshi. Location: Southwest of Matsue Station (10 min walk), by Tenjin River.
Other events in July: Fumon-in Temple Summer Festival Reggata Race (Ohashi River) July 14 (Sun.) - 15 (National Holiday) July 27 (Sat.) - 28 (Sun.) AUGUST Matsue Suigosai, Fireworks and festival by Lake Shinji August 3 (Sat.) - 4 (Sun.) One of the biggest events of the City of Water, Suigosai (“Water-side Festival”) is held over two days by Lake Shinji's shore. Many people wearing yukata and jinbei will enjoy the surface of the lake lit up by thousands of fireworks, while dance events and other performances are held on stage by Matsue City Hall. There are also many food stalls. Also, on August 3, walk across the lake to Yomegashima Island during a special event held from 9:30 to 11:45 !
October 5 - 6 All October October 21 (Sun.) October 26 - 27 10 Things to Know About Matsue, an International City of Culture and Tourism SAVE CRUISE Matsue City offers No trip to the City of significant discounts to Water would be complete foreign residents and visitors without a pleasure boat trip at several sightseeing around the castle and within facilities. See the list below. the city, or on Lake Shinji. ENJOY TASTE RELAX Lake Shinji is one ofthe Matsue is renowned for Blessed with many hot top spots in Japan for the Seven Delicacies of springs, Matsue give the spectacular sunsets. In the Lake Shinji, such as Shijimi visitors the chance to soak in early morning, you can enjoy clams. The city is also proud mineral-rich waters, or relax for the scene ofthe Shijimi boats of its thriving traditional tea free at friendly outdoor and fishers. It’s free! and confectionary culture. footbaths (ashiyu). CREATE CONNECT FEEL Matsue is famous for its The shrines in Matsue Founded in 1611, traditional confectioneries and the surrounding area Matsue still offers an and for Magatama, magical have close connections with the atmosphere reminiscent of comma-shaped jewels. There mythological origins of Japan. Edo era. Don’t be surprised if are many workshops around The region is well-known for you run into samurai, ninja, the city where you can try En-musubi, a divine rickshaws, and people in to create your own. matchmaking force. kimono. LEARN GET AROUND There are a lot of Use the convenient interpreters who can help Lake Line Bus, which runs you learn more about Matsue every 20-30 minutes. Asingle Enmusubi and its history. The History ride is ¥200, a day pass is Perfect Ticket Museum also provides free ¥500. Bikes can also be Use trains and buses as much English audio-guides. rented around the station. as you want for three days! Matsue Goodwill Guide Association (MGG) Adult ¥3000, Children ¥1 500 You can make an appointment with English-speaking For sale at local airports and volunteers to guide you around Matsue Castle. Ichibata Travel. Please apply through the MGG Facebook Page. igh awa S tseeing Discounts for international visitors orik Bo Res T H a sue Ca urai ide ei-an ea H t t s m n im ou a t c e le a e s M S M e HORIKAWA SIGHTSEEING BOAT TICKETS CANBEUSEDALLDAYLONGANDASMANY 5 0 0 TIMES AS YOU WANT.THEREARETHREE 0% OFF ¥15 50% ¥20 OFF BOARDING POINTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY. s Former Re Memorial rn' sid rn Mu a e ea se e n H u H c . m . e L L FUREAIHIROBA OTEMAEHIROBA in northwest by Matsue Castle Matsue 5 0 0% ¥28 5 0 5 0 OFF gel Par 0% OFF ¥15 0% OFF ¥15 ho-ji Tem Vo k shien Gar nji Pleasu ss p u de Shi re e le u n e C G Y k ru a i KARAKORO HIROBA L s e by Kyomise 33%OFF ¥800 3 0 5 0 0% 105 50 00 3 80 0%O ¥25 OFF ¥ lish Gar %OFF ¥3 ne Art Mu0%OFF ¥9 History M a Mem FF ng de ma se ue us eny or E n hi u ts e n- ia m u a l S a m r H M o a
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( S50 0s ) 50 50 0 Fr e! p e%O ¥50o n %O ¥2 50 0 e ci al EFxFh i biti FF %OFF ¥1 Shimane Art Museum is closed every Tuesday. Matsue International Tourist Information Office Matsue History Museum and the Horan-enya Tel: 0852-21-4034/4035 9:00-18:00 Memorial Hall are closed the 3rd Thursday of every Brochures in English/French/Chinese/Korean month or the day after ifit is a national holiday. available in front of Matsue Station. Castle Tower opening hours: 8:30 -18:30 (Apr.-Sept.) Download this Newsletter on www.city.matsue.shimane.jp/micc | Contact: [email protected] Published by Matsue City International Exchange and Tourism Division. Edited by Matsue City Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs): Luc Pomarède, Bernice Dempsey, Brittany Partin Blogs: http://matsuetravelguide.wordpress.com http://madeinmatsue.com http://saninstory.wordpress.com