Matsue Horikawa Pleasure Boat, Chugoku, Japan
4.5 (319 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in San’in Boat Tours
Relaxing boat trip
We took the boat from Matsue castle till Kyomise Karakoro Square. It was a small boat (even with one of those heated blankets) with a really nice driver, however he spoke only Japanese, so it was rather difficult to understand the historical background of the area which we passed through. But never the less, I actually did not mind this, because I was totally captured by the nature, the surroundings, the houses, the bridges and the silence and this incredible spirit of peace. At one point, the driver had to lower the boat roof in order to pass one of the bridges, because it was really low. So we were almost lying in the boot, which was kind of fun. And as we passed a really wide bridge, the driver stopped underneath it and began to sing this traditional Japanese song and the echo of his voice surrounded us. It was great!
Address
507-1 Kurodacho , Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, Japan, Postal Code: 690-0876.
Mobile
Website
http://www.matsue-horikawameguri.jp/
Current local date and time now
Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 23:54
User Ratings
4.5 based on (319 reviews)
Reviews
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5Fearless 808 5:00 PM Jan 3, 2020
Great fun!
The experience of having to duck down so that the roof can be lowered was fun. We had the additional pleasure of having two volunteer guides from the Matsue Goodwill Guide Group to assist us in translation about the moat, castle, boats, and other information as we cruised around Matsue Castle for 50 minutes. (for contact information for the Matsue Goodwill Guide Group, go to the JNTO website, and search for "volunteer guides"). As it was December, we sat in the small boat around a kotatsu, a low wooden table draped by heavy futon, with a heat source underneath. It was warm and toasty inside the boat. We started off with 6 people in the boast (each boat can fit 10 passengers), which allowed us to stretch our legs under the table. However at a certain point in the ride, the boat took on 4 more people. At that point it was a little cramped, especially for my legs. Overall, an interesting and fun tour!
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5RjessMMM 5:00 PM Jul 27, 2013
Relaxing and interesting
The boat ride is via the moat around Matsue Castle. However the moat now surrounds much of the commercial district as well. It is a low boat. Some of the bridges are very low. The canopy is a permanent fixture above the boat and does drop down when you are under a low clearance bridge. Would not recommend this if you have back issues. You literally will be staring at your feet. It was actually funny to look at everyone hunched over. The view is wonderful and there are many cranes and turtles just going about their business. I remember fondly a little girl at a library waving to us. You can get off at different points and then get back on. We stopped to look at the Samurai district. Many stores around there including one that served a local beer on tap that was wonderful. Would definitely do again.
