I made a hit and run visit to Hagi. Got there Friday night by bus from Shin Yamaguchi and shinkansen from Kyoto. Nice town, worth a day or two. Wasnt able to get a western room so I headed off to Matsue. Saw the ruins of Hagi castle and bought some Hagi-yaki pottery (a vase). Visited part of Kikuya house a wonderful Edo period place with nice artifacts and a lovely garden. But, the train schedule along the San-in coast is not frequent, so I left early to make sure I could visit Matsue.

Am staying at the Ichibata Hotel on the lake in Matsue. It is an onsen hotel with a nice bath and great food. Had a marvelous Japanese dinner last night that included excellent sashimi (seared tuna and the shiny white stuff (squid?).

Visited Izumo Taisha today. Great shrine, big for weddings and saw a wedding party there for pictures.

Matsue-jo is magnificent. It is much like the castle in Matsumoto. An English speaking guide showed me around the castle. Matsue is a place to spend a couple of days as there are a few local attractions worth visiting.

Got to zip down to the Shimane-ken Art Museum for sunset on the lake. Flying home tomorrow- Yonago- Nagoya- SFO- Dulles.

Hi -
I'm looking for a place to stay in late March in Matsue for two nights - do you recommend the Ichibata? Did you stay in a Japanese style room? Was it expensive? Any tips or other suggestions also appreciated re Matsue and Izumo Taisha.
Thanks!

The Ichibata was ok. Initially, I was given a small room with a double bed. I immediately went down to the desk and told them that the room would not do. I asked about the rooms facing the water but they were too expensive. I was given a better room with two double beds and more room at the same price as the little room. The hotel is basically a Japanese tourist hotel in the city. So, it is a bit worn in places, like the crummy carpet in the restaurant where the breakfast buffet was.

Dinner at the Japanese restaurant was quite good. The second night I ate in the beef place, forgot the name, and it was ok but not as good as the Japanese. It was Australian beef.

If I ever go back to Matsue I might stay at Ichibata Hotel again, but would want to get good info on the room types and sizes before committing.

After I started this thread I got a taxi to the art museum. Walked through the museum and down the lakeside to get a nice view of the sunset. This is a popular activity, viewing the Matsue sunset across the water. The museum is a bit remote from other things so I was happy that when I got back to the front of the museum the taxi was waiting there for me.

In the morning you will see fisherman in small boats out to catch shinjimi, tiny clams that are used in soup.

You must visit Matsue castle.

You might get a copy of the book <i>Kokoro</i> by Lafcadio Hearn. His former home in Matsue is on the tourist route.

I will see if I can find more info from my visit to Matsue and post back on this thread over the next couple of weeks.