Guida
Gurutto Matsue Horikawa Sightseeing Boat is a traditional sightseeing service that cruises through the historic moat surrounding Matsue Castle using small, roofed boats. During the approximately 50-minute cruise, you can enjoy the beautiful waterfront scenery and the charming streets of Mats'ue. A unique highlight of this tour is the mechanism where the boat's roof moves up and down to adjust to the height of the bridges, providing an exhilarating experience as you pass under 17 different bridges.
The Horikawa moat is a historical waterway developed during the construction of Matsue Castle. Navigating this water route allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the historical layout of the former castle town. This is a deeply rooted local tourism experience that allows you to trace traditional Japanese landscapes from the water.
The route features 17 bridges, and at four specific bridges, the boat's roof is lowered to allow passage. This movement adds a sense of realism and excitement to the journey. Additionally, you can observe the harmony between nature and historical structures, as various seasonal flowers and water birds inhabit the riverside areas.
The experience changes beautifully with the seasons. In spring, you can view the stunning cherry blossoms blooming along the moat from the water. In winter, the "Kotatsu Boat" is introduced, featuring a heated table under a blanket to ensure a comfortable and warm ride even in cold weather. Operating hours are until 17:00 from March to September, and until 16:00 from October to February.
From the boat, you can enjoy the view of the Matsue cityscape and its historical landscape. The service operates regularly from three different boarding points: Fureai Hiroba, Otemae Hiroba, and Karakoro Hiroba. Please note that the electric-powered sightseeing boats only operate from the Fureai Hiroba departure point.
There are three convenient boarding locations around Matsue Castle. They are located approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station. You can also access these locations using the 'Gurutto Matsue Lakeline Bus' service.
While the boats have roofs, temperatures can vary significantly depending on the season and weather. We recommend dressing appropriately for the weather (warm clothing for winter and sun protection for summer). Please arrive at the designated waiting room at least 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time. As services may be suspended during severe weather, please check the latest operational status in advance.