Tour around Matsue Horikawa
4.5
Tour around Matsue Horikawa
By Matsue Horikawa Pleasure Boat
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About
[One-day boarding pass]
Purchase date is free during business hours and you can get on and off at any of the three piers.
You can see seasonal trees and flowers on the route. Wild birds and fish, insects and boatmen
Not only guide, but also fun to see with the eyes. If you are lucky, rays etc.
海 You can see the sea creatures.
コ ー ス It is a varied course where you can also feel the historic townscape of the castle town and the life of the citizens
I have
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-100, max of 9 per group
Duration: 50m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: Japanese
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Audio guide: Korean, English, Chinese
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- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission - Matsue Castle Town
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1507-1 Kurodachō, Matsue, Shimane 690-0876, Japan15 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station. If you take the "Gurutto Matsue Lake Line Bus" from the station, there is a stop in front of the boarding area.
- Option 2大手前堀川遊覧船乗場, Japan, 690-0887 Shimane, Matsue, Tonomachi, 松江市殿町193
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 236052P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- There is a slope. (Contact open space boarding place)
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 236052P1
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$10.99
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Fearless7723280 contributionsGreat fun!The experience of having to duck down so that the roof can be lowered was fun. We had the additional pleasure of having two volunteer guides from the Matsue Goodwill Guide Group to assist us in translation about the moat, castle, boats, and other information as we cruised around Matsue Castle for 50 minutes. (for contact information for the Matsue Goodwill Guide Group, go to the JNTO website, and search for "volunteer guides"). As it was December, we sat in the small boat around a kotatsu, a low wooden table draped by heavy futon, with a heat source underneath. It was warm and toasty inside the boat. We started off with 6 people in the boast (each boat can fit 10 passengers), which allowed us to stretch our legs under the table. However at a certain point in the ride, the boat took on 4 more people. At that point it was a little cramped, especially for my legs. Overall, an interesting and fun tour!Written January 4, 2020
- RobinaHBH0 contributionsHBH messing about on the canalsSmall narrow boat that tours the canals surrounding the castle. Taking only about 10 people, as you have to lie almost flat when the roof is lowered to enable the boat to pass under the very low bridges. Quite a different experience, but well worth the mild discomfort. Take in the sights of the backwaters as the boat passes municipal buildings, roads and traditional houses as well as the trees and bushes that line the banks. May not be suitable for less able visitors.Written October 17, 2019
- Laura B0 contributionsFun and quirky boats that make you duck!This is a pleasant tour around the castle moat. Guests sit on the floor of a boat, with a roof that cranks down to pass under some of the lowest bridges! You will have to duck! That was actually a really entertaining part of the trip!Written October 14, 2019
- georgematthews0 contributionsChildren will love itWe were part of a group and it was great fun . Families will have great fun. They lower the roof of the boat to get under the lower bridges so you have to be able to hunker down. A great way to spend an hour going around the castle. The actual trip is 50 minutes but you can take a shortened trip of 30 minutes which you have to book in advance. If you show foreign Id the rate is ¥1200 adults and ¥600 children for the full tour.Written October 6, 2019
- olafoomes0 contributionsThis came highly recommendedThe Tourist Information Centre just outside Matsue JR station recommended me to take this boat trip when in the Matsue Castle area. Unfortunately time constraints prevented me from doing this. The regular course took about an hour. Nevertheless during my walk towards Matsue castle I saw many of these pleasure boats passing by with very relaxed and happy people on board. The starting point it in the southeast corner of the castle location (you can hardly miss it when walking from the station). I am absolutely sure I will put this one on my program next time around when in Matsue again.Written August 31, 2019
- Chocolateloverlondon0 contributionsGreat!Providing you're ok to clamber into a low-slung boat and sit on the floor, this is a great experience. The roof of the boat is lowered (and you have to hunker down) to get under the lowest of the bridges. We really enjoyed the whole trip and would thoroughly recommend.Written August 25, 2019
- 719karenj0 contributionsVideo tape the singing boat guide!Show your passport for a foreigner's discount! Take off your shoes. It was a little rainy, so they put a tarp over our shoes. They practiced scrunching down, because they have to briefly lower the roof to get under some of the bridges. If they know that you need English, they play recorded descriptions of what you're seeing. We had lovely hydrangeas (ajisai) blooming along the waterway. Under one of the last and longest (widest?) bridges, the boat guide will sing! I didn't get it on video, so you should! There's a little mascot that's a water drop. It's also awesome for Pokemon Go (with a Gotcha), because there are lots of stops and you're going pretty slow. WOOT!Written July 4, 2019
- DYA7170 contributionsGreat views w/entertainment by the boatmanInteresting ride through the moats of Matsue Castle. You have to take off your shoes and since it was fairly chilly, they had kotatsu blankets to cover your legs and laps while you sat around on the floor around the table. My feet fell asleep and it felt crampy but it was worth it. Narration is mostly in Japanese but the boatman played recorded messages in English as often as possible which helpted. I lucked out as it was peak cherry blossom time so got to see different views around the castle. Visitors, don't forget to show your passport to get a discount!Written April 9, 2019
- yoshihiros8630 contributionsGood boat trip even in winter at Matsue.松江の堀川めぐりは、屋根の下げあるボートで約50分間の楽しみがあります。お濠の周りの景色をガイドさんが紹介してくださり、途中で降りることもできます。冬もこたつがあり、暖かく楽しめます。おすすめです。 In a cold season, the Horikawa boat ride at canal surrounding Matsue castle is still interesting and comfortable fun ride with Kotatsu (Japanese foot warmer). Matsue city keeps the canal system build in Samurai period, about 400 years ago. The boat ride is about 50 minutes to look around the city of Matsue with the roof, which can lower to protect the passengers, with an interesting experience.Written February 14, 2019
- DERtravels0 contributionsHow low can you go?This sightseeing boat ride around Matsue is definitely one of a kind. The boat is only 8 meters long and 2 meters wide. You sit on the bottom of the boat and when going under very low bridges, the roof lowers. And it is low. you are actually laying down until you pass the low bridge. There are three boarding points. Thirteen Sights of interest along the way. The ride takes about 50 minutes. Foreign Tourist rates are 820 Yen per adult, 410 Yen for Child 6-12. Two preschool kids ride for the price of one child. About 10-12 total per boat. To get the foreign rate you have to present a foreign ID. Locals fares are higher at 1230 Yen and 610 Yen respectively. Operating hours are 900 to 1600 with slightly later closing hours Mar 1- Oct 10.Written January 19, 2019
- ErnestChoy0 contributionsA much better than expected cruiseA well justified cruise, much more fun than I imagine before embarkation. We join at the pier adjoining to Matsue Castle. In the first 20 minutes, we cruise around the nice and beautiful greenery, with many traditional Japanese houses; offering you a different perspective to the city. The subsequent voyage, passing through many bridges, requires the lowering down of the cover of the boat, is another interesting and exciting experience. We also enjoy very much the songs sung by the boatman; he is very friendly, tries all the time to engage conversation and introduce the scenery with us.Written November 17, 2018
- loafin20050 contributionsUnique experienceThe boat ride was undoubtedly the best part of my trip. The view from the water is unique and worth riding. It gets somewhat cramped as the boat goes under low bridges which require passengers to bend forward lowering heads to knees just like airplane crash positions. If you get claustrophobic it may be advisable not to tryWritten October 21, 2018
- LMCM1110 contributionsA lot of funEnjoyed this more than expected to. Nice scenery from boat, very peaceful. Hilarious when roof is lowered to go under bridges, had to lie almost flat on bottom of boat!. A good way to see scenery and have a bit of a rest too!Written May 1, 2018
- limreyinfinite0 contributionsVery Kind people as well as nice view.The people were very nice. Since I am from Korea, they turned on the Korean instructions so that I can also fully enjoy the tour. The tour was around 30 mins, and during that time, tourists can enjoy the view of lakes, bridges and mountains, which are so beautiful. In some sense, the view is quite similar to the one of Kyoto, but I think since it has many historical buildings as well as bridges, This view may present more unique experience to the tourists. I do really recommend this spot to the tourists, even though they are not familiar with the Japanese.Written November 17, 2017
- Yawara0 contributionsGreat funAlways good esp When the boat guide is speaking the local Japanese dialect which other Japanese and myself found hard to understand Ha haWritten October 14, 2017
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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氏家良光
Funabashi, Japan1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
It was a Sunday, but it was raining lightly, so my husband and I had the boat to ourselves. There was no problem as the boat had a roof. When we went under a low bridge, the roof folded up and we had to lie down. It felt like we were on an attraction. It was fun! The boatman was a gentle man, and he showed us his impressive singing voice along the way, and showed us the surrounding scenery. In total, we were able to feel the atmosphere of Matsue in just under an hour. It was all over in a flash, and we were having so much fun that we forgot to take pictures. Thank you very much.

Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
博和 今
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
I made a reservation during Golden Week, but it seemed like it would be okay to just show up. (Even with a reservation, there was a 1-hour wait, and I ate the lunch I brought with me while I waited.)
On the way, the boat passed under a low bridge that required the roof of the sun and rain protection sheet to be lowered.
I had a great time listening to the boatman's lively commentary.
On the way, the boat passed under a low bridge that required the roof of the sun and rain protection sheet to be lowered.
I had a great time listening to the boatman's lively commentary.

Written April 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
一久 今
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • Couples
It was good to participate in the event with a view that could only be seen by boat. It was just the worst weather and it was cold, and it rained hail. Conversely, Kotatsu was saved. The boatman's explanation is well amused. She sang especially well in a good voice❗️
Automatically translated
Written December 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lagirllagirl1220
Shinjuku, Japan291 contributions
It was a nice little cruise around the Matsue castle with good guidance by boatman. I was walking around one of the commercial district after lunch and accidentally found this boat tour. The fee is JPY1,500 for a day pass that allow you to hop on and off anytime during operation hour 9:00-16:00. There are 3 boat stops along the Matsue castle and runs approximately every 20 minutes so you can use this boat as your transportation. You can buy a ticket at counter and resister your name. When you re-boarding make sure to resister your name again at ticket counter before going to pier because operation vendor tracks passengers information . If you are visiting cool seasons you may want to bring warm jacket as you will feel liver breeze.
初めて松江を訪れ市内散策中に見つけ乗船してみました。¥1,500で1日乗り降り中です。20分おきに出発するのでそれほど待つことなく乗れます。松江城を一周するので、途中で降りてお城の散策をし、帰りはぐるっと回って帰りました。全周50分位の乗船時間です。
初めて松江を訪れ市内散策中に見つけ乗船してみました。¥1,500で1日乗り降り中です。20分おきに出発するのでそれほど待つことなく乗れます。松江城を一周するので、途中で降りてお城の散策をし、帰りはぐるっと回って帰りました。全周50分位の乗船時間です。
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeterSam
Japan11,680 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
Although it was June, it was a humid day and I hesitated to walk around.
I bought a ticket for the "Horikawa Meguri" tour, which takes you on a boat tour of the moat under Matsue Castle.
There are many boarding points, so it's very convenient.
Because the area is covered by the moat, you may have to make a long detour to get from your starting point to your destination.
I chose to take the boat as a way to avoid that.
Thanks to this, I was able to walk around the city without any stress.
I bought a ticket for the "Horikawa Meguri" tour, which takes you on a boat tour of the moat under Matsue Castle.
There are many boarding points, so it's very convenient.
Because the area is covered by the moat, you may have to make a long detour to get from your starting point to your destination.
I chose to take the boat as a way to avoid that.
Thanks to this, I was able to walk around the city without any stress.

Written May 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
misslinda53
Gerton, NC83 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Thoroughly enjoyed this little cruise around the canals of Matsue which surround the Matsue Castle. Although I do not speak Japanese and couldn’t understand the guide, it was still quite enjoyable. On the tour you will pass under 17 bridges. Some of these are very low, but the boats are build so that the roof collapses so it can pass under the bridge. If you are unable to sit on the floor, or do not want to lean in when the roof collapses, this might not be for you.
Written October 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mamapickels
483 contributions
What fun this was to slowly explore the canals around Matsue castle. We did the 50 minute (4km) tour - spotting birds and turtles, passing historic sights and laying flat on the boat’s tatami under the very low bridges. The recorded narration (in Hearn’s lovely Irish accent) paired with a colourful map, helped locate points of interest and best photography spots along the way. The smiley boatman even sang us a song in one of the acoustically perfect tunnels.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yoko N
Tokyo Prefecture, Japan86 contributions
I was a little tired, so I decided to get on board.
The boatman explained about Matsue Castle, the townscape, and its history while we cruised in the sunken kotatsu. We had to duck down four times on the way to the lowest part of the bridge! That was fun too.
The boatman explained about Matsue Castle, the townscape, and its history while we cruised in the sunken kotatsu. We had to duck down four times on the way to the lowest part of the bridge! That was fun too.

Written April 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqui F
London, UK310 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Super little boats buzzing around on the Matsue canals. We joined a boat ride in August 2023 at a cost of 1200 Yen per adult and 600 per child. Most of the other passengers were Japanese and enjoyed the commentary from our fantastic tour guide and skipper. Occasionally, he also played little bits of recorded English commentary for us. It was a shame not to learn more about our skipper’s personal connection to the town and canals, though. He was very funny and made our fellow passengers laugh a lot. At one point, he sang a local song, which we all enjoyed. The canals themselves are beautiful. They are dotted with low bridges. Some are so low that the canopy of the boat has to be lowered, and all passengers must fold themselves close to the floor. An interesting experience! We saw herons, egrets, swallows, millions of dragonflies, and one solitary terrapin.
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eliza B
8 contributions
Excellent experience! Super friendly staff and an entertaining ride experiencing the history and nature of the city. The boat’s lower the roofs for the bridges and it is very fun. An excellent introduction into exploring Matsue. We did the hop-on hop-off and it was so much fun breaking up walking with boat rides. We saw so much wildlife! They very nicely had an English speaker system explaining different spots but we were lucky on a ride and had another passenger willing to translate the guide for us and we learned even more. Thank you!!! Excellent boat ride! Recommend for anyone visiting Matsue!
Written May 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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