01 May 2024

Art brought to life – Exploring the gardens of Matsue

As Heritage Adventurer sailed into the port of Sakaiminato there were two exciting options to choose from for our day in Sakaiminato and Matsue, with the first group heading into the countryside. This time to Mount Daisen. We travelled through fog until the skies cleared and the towering mountain was revealed. Once there, we explored the area at our own pace, birdwatching and visiting the ruins of many shrines. Our local guide offered some Japanese hospitality when an unused wedding venue was opened for us to eat our lunch with amazing views and complimentary tea and coffee.

On our return journey, we called into the Adachi Gardens and Museum of Art to experience gardens as art. The Adachi has been voted the most beautiful garden in Japan for 21 years running – with good cause. It was a surreal experience to look at the gardens presented as works of art, and then transfer to the art gallery and enjoy the more traditional artworks.

Those not visiting Mount Daisen went directly to the Adachi Gardens and Museum of Art, then to the Yushien Garden for a full-on explosion of colour during the iconic Golden Week celebration. This area is home to numerous Peony growers who assemble their blooms for display. Rafts or blossoms cover the ponds, with garden beds, walking paths, and display stands all featuring the large, fragrant flowers in every hue known. None of us had ever seen anything like it.

After lunch, we visited Matsue Castle – one of the few original castles remaining in Japan. It was built in the early 1600s and has been faithfully restored. The strong compact form and the displays of defences in the interior make it clear why it survived. The views over the town from the top were worth the climb. The old castle moat is the setting for ‘moat boat’ rides and we cruised along the course ducking as the roof was lowered to skim under the low bridges.

We left port to another delightful farewell – this time from a singing troupe. With another busy day to discuss, many laughs and conversations filled the dining room and lounge.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions