Matsue: Getting there and around

Take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama (200 minutes by Nozomi, 240 minutes by Hikari, multiple trains per hour) and transfer to a JR Yakumo limited express train to Matsue (2.5 hours, one train per hour) or Izumo (3 hours, one train per hour). The one way fare is around 21,000 yen. Seat reservations are mandatory on Yakumo limited express trains.

The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the journey if Hikari trains are used between Tokyo and Okayama, but a supplement fee is required on the faster Nozomi trains.

The "Sunrise Izumo" night train operates daily between Tokyo, Matsue and Izumo. One way fares including berth fee, start around 22,000 yen.

Japan Rail Pass holders have to pay around 10,000 yen additionally for using a berth, except when using so called "nobi nobi" compartments, which can be used for free with the pass. Nobi nobi compartments are small spaces of carpeted floor to lie down. They are popular and often book out in advance.

JAL operates multiple flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Izumo Airport (flight time 90 minutes). The regular one way fare is about 39,000 yen, but by using a discount offer, you can usually fly for around 15,000 to 24,000 yen. Izumo Airport is a 30 minute bus ride from Matsue Station (1050 yen) and Izumoshi Station (720 yen).

ANA operates multiple flights per day between Tokyo and Yonago Airport. Flight time is 75 minutes. The regular one way fare is about 37,000 yen; however, discount tickets are usually available for between 15,000 to 24,000 yen. Yonago Airport is a 45 minute bus ride from Matsue Station (1000 yen).

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
JAL	13,136 yen	23,620 yen

Matsue and Izumo are connected with Tokyo by multiple night buses. The one way ride takes around 12 hours and costs between 5,000 and 16,000 yen depending on the company and date of travel. Online reservations can be made through Willer.