Matsue Overview
Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, Japan, located in the Chūgoku region of Honshu. As of 31 March 2023, the city had an estimated population of 196,748 in 91287 households and a population density of 340 persons per km². The total area of the city is 572.99 square kilometres (221.23 sq mi). Matsue is home to the Tokugawa-era Matsue Castle, one of the last surviving feudal castles in Japan.
Matsue Key Statistics
Population201802
Area530 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés226 / 21 / 55
Practical Essentials for Matsue
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Matsue.
Visit ↗Getting Around Matsue
Matsue Main Station & Rail Lines
松江 (Matsue)
Train Travel to Matsue
Matsue is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Matsue
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Matsue
Cover Your Trip to Matsue
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Matsue
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Matsue downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Matsue.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Matsue Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Matsue.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Matsue.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Matsue
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Matsue
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Matsue
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Matsue
When was Matsue founded?
Matsue was founded on April 1, 1889.
How old is Matsue?
Matsue is roughly 137 years old.
What is the population of Matsue?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 201,802.
What is the land area of Matsue?
Matsue covers roughly 530 km².
What is the main railway station in Matsue?
The primary hub is 松江 (Matsue).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Matsue?
The city has roughly 226 parks, 21 museums and 55 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Matsue expensive to live?
Matsue is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Matsue?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Matsue?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Matsue has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Matsue?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Matsue?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Matsue?
Matsue hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Matsue?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Matsue?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Matsue?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Matsue?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Responses