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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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Hokkaido Sushi, high quality not usually associated with a chain restaurant
Hokkaido Sushi is a chain store serving conveyor belt sushi,(is a fast-food style of serving sushi developed by Yoshiaki Shiraishi in Osaka in the 1950′s). The ever-increasing popularity of sushi...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Cloudless sunset & a quote
Recently, I haven’t been down by the lake for the sunset as often as I like to be. But it’s always refreshing to visit Lake Shinji at this time of evening, especially now that the light breeze brings...
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Pieces of Pizzas for Pisces…
Believe it or not, I didn’t make up the title of this blog post simply to throw a bit of a tongue twister at you readers, that was just a nice coincidence.. and partly for my own entertainment. It’s...
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Castle moat and walls flushed with autumn hues
I think I’m not the only one whose favourite time of year is autumn. There’s so many good things about this season, the pleasant weather, the beautiful changing colours of nature, an abundance of...
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Annual drumming parade, a tradition of joy
So I’ve posted in previous years about the do-gyorestu, a traditional drumming parade which occurs annually here in Matsue. The large dou drums were originally used as part of celebrations to welcome a...
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An autumn’s morning down by the lake
There definitely has been a drop in temperatures lately, but that just means that it’s perfect weather for taking a walk while wrapped up in warm clothing! And what better place to take a walk (and...
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Tera-Marché (寺マルシェ) at Junko-ji Temple
I was taking a walk around Matsue one day last month, snapping some pictures, and came across this interesting event! I picked up a pamphlet on my way in, and learned that it is a community development...
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Snow is falling ….
The first real snowfall of the year has hit Matsue overnight, leaving the place a white wonderland (except for where cars have already driven the built up snow away~~). The […]
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Snowfall in Shiomi-nawate (Edo period st.)
Along the northern moat of Matsue Castle, you will find the 500m long street of Shiomi-nawate (塩見縄手). You can enjoy the old castle town atmosphere here where Nagaya-style gates and […]
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