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Blossoms braving the August heat
This year saw an unusually short rainy season, a quick peak in summer temperature, and we can only hope for the best for the rest of what looks like a long sweltering summer. But despite the...
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Fireworks festival build-up…
Summer is in full swing, and has brought with it an array of festivals and lively events. The first weekend of August was set aside for one of Matsue’s most highly anticipated. By noon there were...
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Thirty minutes of sparkling skies
“Originally used to ward off evil spirits, fireworks (花火, Hanabi) have a long history in Japan and are an integral part of Japanese summers. Hundreds of firework shows are held every year across the...
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Fireworks over a watery stage
Sunday (day two of Suigo-sai) fireworks kicked off with an extended succession of shots, filling the previously dark sky, creating a loud thunder and a rain of light. After thunderous start winding...
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Spot the Ninja!
It might be hot out, but if you visit the castle, the old building offers a naturally cool refuge. Whats more, while you might find the heat outside unbearable, you wont be the only one. A reenactment...
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Canteen dining à la japonaise
A canteen in Japanese is called a ‘shokudo-’ (食堂), and is a relatively common style of eating out, compared to countries where eating at a canteen might be associated with school lunches or workplace...
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Preserving rich nature while creating a beautiful city
“Preserving the abundant nature while creating a beautiful city” (“豊かな自然をまもり、美しい都市空間つくり”), this is the first of a list of aims laid out for Matsue City development plans. Every year the city makes a...
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Forest therapy in Iinan
Iinan is a small town located in Shimane Prefecture near the Hiroshima border, approx 1hr30min drive from Matsue City, or 1hr40min drive from Hiroshima. Hii and Kando Rivers begin near the town of...
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How about some shabu-shabu?
A fun and balanced way to dine-out, shabu-shabu (named for its onomatopoeic representation of the sound of meat being swished in boiling water to cook) is yet another way of enjoying eating in Japan!...
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Seeking shade in summer
Japanese shrines and temples can offer a number of attractions. From hints to a different belief system, culture, architecture etc, but also on a practical level, the grounds of temples usually offer...
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A cafe in the midst of fields, in the city!
Fukushima Cafe, a renovated Japanese house turned cafe, located in Oba district of Matsue City is the perfect escape from city life and modern restaurants and cafes. I’ve introduced Fukushima Cafe HERE...
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Vintage used furniture in Matsue
Matsue is mostly known for its traditional Japanese atmosphere, including the preservation of the tea culture, and being the home to one of only twelve remaining original Japanese castles. Which made a...
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Dan dan Summer Dance: Japanese tradition & local pride
If you visit Japan between July and August, you are bound to come across at least one bon odori (盆踊り). This is a traditional Japanese dancing festival, organised throughout the country by individual...
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Official Symbol of Matsue City
Matsue is famous for its authentic castle, which is synonymous with the city, along with the famed view of the setting sun over Lake Shinji. The city’s official emblem, perhaps lesser known, is also...
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Grape picking in Izumo
The first grape culture in Japan dates back to the 12th century, when a wild grapevine bearing good fruit bunches was found in Yamanashi. The vine was apparently not native to the land, suggesting...
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Seasons changing like clockwork
On September 1st, I happened to be out of town for the day, so was driving back to Matsue in the evening, wondering when the rain was going to stop. You see, season’s here in Japan, are like clockwork,...
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Izumo Taisha revisited
Izumo Taisha (also known as Izumo grand shrine), is ranked at the moment as the most popular domestic travel destination for Japanese persons. This is undoubtedly because of the recent Sengu (renewal)...
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A Spice-y feast …for the eyes at least
While I try to make an effort to introduce a variety of cuisine and restaurants here at madeinmatsue.com, sometimes you just can’t stay away from a good thing. And in this case, that good thing is the...
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Western seashore, natural beauty & ancient mythology
Not only is the rugged shoreline to the Sea of Japan breathtaking, it is also home to Japan’s ancient mythology. Not far from Tottori city, about a two to three hour drive from Matsue, there is a small...
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A must try, that never gets old!
For people visiting the Izumo and Matsue region for the first time, I always recommend trying soba, the local specialty. While you can get soba (buckwheat noodles) throughout Japan, in other regions it...
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