Quest Completed at Matsue Castle
This trip to Matsue completed my personal quest of visiting the 5 National Treasure Castles of Japan! After years of trying to tick off each of the spots, I finally checked ’em all off my bucket list.
The 400-year-old Matsue Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, did not disappoint. Towering above the city like a guardian of the past, it offered a glimpse into a bygone era. Walking up the stone path to the castle grounds, I felt transported back in time. The wooden interiors creaked with history, and the panoramic views from the top were worth every step. From the sparkling waters of Lake Shinji to the autumn leaves-covered rooftops of the city below, the vista was simply breathtaking.
Rewind to earlier, it was 9:30 AM when I finally jolted awake, realizing I had overslept. My plans for an early start were out the window, and I hastily threw together my daypack before rushing to Shin-Osaka Station. A quick stopover to Okayama for some manhole cover hunting and boarded the Limited Express Yakumo, now with the itinerary had been trimmed down to the essentials.
Standing atop the castle’s tower, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and joy—a quest finally fulfilled!
After soaking in the views, I made my way to claim the Matsue manhole card. To my surprise, it wasn’t at a typical tourism office but at a drinking spot with a small souvenir shop tucked inside. Thankfully, it was conveniently located just behind a bus stop, making it easy to find.
Before heading back to the station, I caught a glimpse of the fading light from the bus window. The soft, golden hues reflected off Lake Shinji’s still waters, creating a tranquil scene that felt like a fitting close to my whirlwind trip. By the time I reached Matsue Station, the evening had fully settled in, and it was time to board the train back to Osaka.
