This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:00 JR Matsue Station, Saiundo, Nakamura Tea Shop
- 10:40 Matsue Castle, Kounkaku, Jozan Inari Shrine
- 12:10 Samurai Residence
- 12:40 Meimei-an
- 13:30 Kenmin Kaikan-mae Bus Stop
- 14:00 JR Matsue Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited JR Matsue Station, Saiundo, Nakamura Tea Shop at 10:00, Matsue Castle, Kounkaku, Jozan Inari Shrine at 10:40, Samurai Residence at 12:10, Meimei-an at 12:40, Kenmin Kaikan-mae Bus Stop at 13:30 and JR Matsue Station at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kenmin Kaikan-mae by bus (170JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 170JPY per person.
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Matsue Castle and Its Castle Town Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The meeting point and time were changed to Matsue Station at 10:00. (The accommodation had also been changed from one Hotel to another Hotel.) On the way from Matsue Station to Matsue Castle, the guests were able to peek into long-established traditional Japanese sweets shops and tea shops and gaze at the castle moat, walking slowly and taking in the atmosphere of the castle town. After the castle and the samurai residences, the guests enjoyed matcha and Japanese sweets at Meimei-an, a historic and venerable tea house associated with the seventh feudal lord, and they said they were glad to have visited a genuine, historic tea house. A light rain began to fall around noon, but the guests happened to be spending time at Meimei-an while the rain was heaviest, and it had stopped by the time they came out, so they were fortunate.
Click here for more details: Matsue Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Kenmin Kaikan-mae / Matsue Municipal Bus～Matsue Station / Matsue Municipal Bus | 170JPY |
| Total | 170JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited JR Matsue Station, Saiundo, Nakamura Tea Shop, Matsue Castle, Kounkaku, Jozan Inari Shrine, Samurai Residence, Meimei-an, Kenmin Kaikan-mae Bus Stop and JR Matsue Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 170JPY per person across 1 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Sakanesan is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Shimane itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
I was born and brought up in Matsue City. I taught English at senior high schools in Shimane Prefecture for more than 30 years. I obtained certification as a national guide and interpreter after I retired. Unfortunately I could hardly work as a guide during the pandemic. Now I am very happy that more and more people have resumed visiting Japan. I like traveling in Japan and abroad. It is my pleasure to show my guests around my hometown and surrounding areas. They are full of historic sites, scenic spots and good places to eat. I am sure you will never regret visiting this region.
Oct 15, 2025
out_of_VA
Excellent English speaking guide for Matsue.
Tripadvisor review: Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sakane-san was a wonderful guide with…
Oct 15, 2025
out_of_VA
Excellent English speaking guide for Matsue.
Tripadvisor review: Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sakane-san was a wonderful guide with excellent English. She listened to us when we said what we wanted to do and she introduced us to the highlights of Matsue. She gave us perfect transportation and restaurant advice as well. We felt very well taken care of and informed in her presence!