Kounkaku

Kounkaku is a pseudo-Western-style guesthouse (reception hall) in Matsue City. It was once used as the Matsue Local Museum, but that function moved to the Matsue Local Museum established in 2011. Built by the city as the “Matsue City Crafts Exhibition Hall,” it was completed in 1902. It is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture and as a Matsue City Historic Landscape Formation Building, and because it was intended for use as Emperor Meiji’s temporary residence, many decorative elements and carvings remain. Located within the Matsue Castle grounds, it’s convenient to visit together with the castle. On the first floor is Kamedayama Kissashitsu, a café where you can enjoy an old-fashioned kissaten experience in a nostalgic setting. The large hall on the second floor can be rented (paid) for private use and is used by many groups. The whole building evokes a vivid “time slip” into the Meiji era, making it popular with both domestic and international visitors. Access: take a bus from JR Matsue Station and get off at Matsue Castle “Otemae,” right nearby.