Locale > About Matsue
About Matsue
Matsue is the capital city of Shimane Prefecture, in Southwest Japan. Known as the “City of Water”, Matsue stands by the Sea of Japan where Lake Shinji and Nakaumi meet, in the middle of Shimane Peninsula.
A former feudal stronghold, Matsue is a castle town crossed with many canals and boasts one of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan.
Matsue can be easily reached by two nearby airports, Izumo Airport (IZO) and Yonago Airport (YNG). There are regular domestic connections from Osaka Itami (Osaka International), Haneda (Tokyo), Nagoya and Fukuoka Airports. International flights are available from Seoul, South Korea (Incheon International Airport) and Hong Kong.
Matsue Tourism Association
General Information
Passport and Visas
All foreign visitors entering Japan must have a valid passport. Delegates from countries requiring a visa should apply to the Japanese consular office or diplomatic mission in their country prior to departure. For details, participants should contact their local travel agents or consular offices.
Currency Exchange
Only Japanese yen is accepted at regular stores and restaurants. Foreign currency exchange is available at the banks and the hotels on presentation of your passport. Bank business hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Credit Cards and Traveler's Checks
International credit cards (eg. MasterCard, Diners Cluc, Visa, Union Pay and American Express) are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, and restaurants.
Tipping
There is no custom of individual tipping in Japan. Tips are usually included in the bill as a service charge, if needed.
Electrical Current
Japan operates on 100-110 volts for electrical appliances. The frequency is 60 Hz in western Japan, including Matsue.
Insurance
Conference organizers will not accept responsibility for individual, medical, travel or personal insurance, and participants are advised to take out their own insurance policies.
Climate
Matsue has a humid subtropical climate with very warm summers and cool winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year, and is somewhat heavier in June, July and September. The average temperature for September, during the period of the conference, is expected to be ranging between 19℃ to 30℃.
Shopping
Shops and other sales outlets in Japan are generally open on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as well as weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00. Department stores, however, are closed on one weekday, differing by store, and certain specialty shops may not open on Sundays and national holidays.