Matsue Horikawa Sightseeing Boat

Gurutto Matsue Horikawa Meguri is a sightseeing boat tour that circles the moats around Matsue Castle. A boatman rides on each boat, steering while providing guided commentary about the sights. The roof on the boat lowers when passing under four bridges. Because you remove your shoes to board, it’s recommended to sit next to your companions if possible. In summer there are wind chimes; in winter there’s even a kotatsu inside the boat. In autumn, there are also night operations. The boatmen are known for their lively style—some sing songs and entertain passengers, making each ride unique. The full circuit is fairly large, giving you about a 50-minute trip. Boats depart every 20–30 minutes, but it’s recommended to buy tickets early. A 1-day pass (unlimited rides) is 1,500 yen, while a shorter “Buratto course” (30 minutes) is 1,000 yen; if you plan to ride multiple times, the 1-day pass is recommended. There are three boarding points, making it easy to hop on. Access: from San’in Expressway Matsue-nishi Ramp, take Route 9, cross the Shinji Lake Bridge, and head to any boarding point; Matsue Castle is a convenient landmark.