This tour offers a profound journey through Shimane’s heritage, combining a visit to the National Treasure Matsue Castle—a robust Plover Castle preserved by the passion of the local people—with a spiritual experience at Ichibata Yakushi, a revered Zen temple famous for its Medicine Buddha of the Eyes and 1,300-step forest approach.
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Private tour for 6 people
The Highlight
This comprehensive tour invites you to explore the profound history and spiritual heritage of Shimane, beginning with National Treasure Matsue Castle, one of only 12 remaining original keeps in Japan, where you will discover its practical and robust design and the moving story of how local citizens pooled their wealth to save it from demolition during the Meiji era, before immersing yourself in the refined tea culture of the castle town; the journey then continues to the ancient Zen temple Ichibata Yakushi, which has sat atop Mount Ichibata for over 1,100 years as the head of a faith dedicated to the "Medicine Buddha of the Eyes" and the protection of children, offering you the chance to ascend its atmospheric 1,300 stone steps, take in mythical views of the Izumo region, and find healing through the tradition of Ochato, a miraculous medicinal herb tea brewed from the temple's own gardens and sacred spring wa
The Experience
・Historical Walk through Matsue Explore Matsue Castle's keep and follow Lafcadio Hearn’s favorite path through Jozan Inari Shrine to the scenic Meimei-an tea house. Along the way, enjoy matcha tea and listen to the castle's chilling ghost stories and local legends.
・Exclusive Guidance at Ichibata Yakushi Experience a private prayer and English-guided tour by the head priest. This exclusive itinerary includes a Zen meditation session in the Dharma Hall and a rare visit to the private garden and tea room once graced by Emperor Showa.
・ Spectacular Panoramic Views Marvel at breathtaking views of Lake Shinji and Mt. Daisen from 200 meters above sea level. Enjoy the newly renovated Kannon Hall’s "sky meditation" area, where large glass windows frame the magnificent landscape of Izumo mythology.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- 09:00Meet your guide at Matsue Station.
- 09:15Matsue castle
- 10:15A stroll along the walking path of the literary giant Lafcadio Hearn
- 11:30Visiting tea ceremony house, "meimeian" and its japanese garden
- 12:00Lunch(Buckwheat noodle restaurant "Yakumoan")
- 13:00Move to Ichibata Yakushi temple by chartered taxi.
- 14:00Visit to the main hall and a guided tour of the temple
- 15:00A 45-minute meditation (Zazen)
- 16:00Move to JR Matsue or Izumoshi station
- 17:00disbandling tour
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Tour Includes ・Chartered taxi fare for a round trip starting and ending at Matsue Station. ・Experience fees: Zen meditation experience fee /Matcha tea served at head priest’s house ・One English-speaking guide Not include the tour ・ Lunch fee
Wheelchair users and children under 10 are not accepted to participate.
Important Booking Information
Cancellation Policy
20% of the tour fee if cancelled 7 days or more prior to the tour
50% of the tour fee if cancelled 3 days or more prior to the tour
100% of the tour fee if cancelled on the day of the tour, after the
tour has departed, or in case of no show
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 169 hour(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 73 ~ 168 hour(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 25 ~ 72 hour(s) of departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel during 0 ~ 24 hour(s) of departure, Non-refundable (0% refund)