Matsue

Matsue is the capital of Shimane Prefecture, in the Chugoku Region of Japan.

This city sits on the edge of Lake Shinji, and is know as the 'water city'. It is home to one of the oldest and most important Shinto Shrines in Japan, Izumo Taisha. Since Matsue was once a castle town, Matsue Castle, or 'black castle' as it is nicknamed, is also an important landmarks. It is one of the few remaining feudal period castles in Japan (most are reconstructions in concrete).

Matsue is also famous for its former resident, writer and scholar Lafcadio Hearn (Japanese name Koizumi Yakumo), who once lived and taught there. There is a museum about his life and time in Japan, and his old house has also been preserved.
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Links:

• Official Website of Matsue in English.