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Lake Shinji (宍道湖, Shinji-ko) is a lake in the northeast area of the Shimane Prefecture in Japan. The lake is the seventh largest in Japan, with a circumference of 48 kilometres. It is enclosed by the Shimane Peninsula to the north, and the Izumo and Matsue plains to the west and east respectively. [Wikipedia]
2 hr 30 mins from Okayama to Matsue (JR Limited Express Yakumo)
From Matsue Station, the Lakeline Loop Bus can be taken in the direction of Matsue Shinjiko Onsen.
Matsue Castle (松江城, Matsuejō) is the centerpiece of Matsue’s well-preserved castle town. Completed in 1611, Matsue Castle is one of only 12 original castles remaining in Japan—and one of just five officially designated a National Treasure. Built to withstand war and sieges, the castle survived unscathed and remains remarkably well preserved in the modern day. Find that perfect spot and enjoy the scenery or sail around the castle’s moats as if it were still the Edo Period. In a short excursion around the castle, you can see and enter many former samurai residences which play new roles as museums or visit the 200-year-old Meimei-an teahouse and gardens for a truly majestic view of the castle.