Shiomi Nawate

Shiomi Nawate is a street in Matsue City running along the moat on the north side of Matsue Castle, designated as a traditional scenic preservation district. It refers to about 500 meters from Meimei-an (a tea house) to the Koizumi Yakumo Former Residence. It has also been selected among “Japan’s 100 Best Roads” and “New Japan’s 100 Best Street Trees,” offering a preserved castle-town streetscape. The name comes from its origin as a narrow “nawate-michi” (a thin path), though cars can pass today. The row of large pines dates back to the time of construction and shows careful planning. Along the street are attractions such as the Bukeyashiki (samurai residence), Koizumi Yakumo Former Residence, Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Meimei-an, and the Tanabe Art Museum, and many people visit it together with Matsue Castle. It is popular with both domestic and overseas tourists. As you walk, you may also encounter the sightseeing boat touring the castle moat, and people often wave to each other—an experience unique to tourist areas. Access: about 15 minutes by bus from Matsue Station; from Shiomi Nawate you can walk to Matsue Castle.