Matsue: Getting there and around

Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama (45 minutes by Nozomi or Mizuho, 50 minutes by Sakura, 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 about 13,000 yen. Seat reservations are mandatory on Yakumo limited express trains.

The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the journey if a Sakura train is used between Osaka and Okayama, but a supplement fee is required if using a slightly faster Nozomi or Mizuho train.

Japan Air Commuter, a member of the JAL Group, operates multiple flights per day between Izumo Airport and Osaka's Itami Airport. Flight time is just under one hour. The regular one way fare is about 26,000 yen, but by using a discount offer, you can usually fly for around 11,000 to 17,000 yen. Izumo Airport is a 25 minute bus ride from Matsue Station (1050 yen) and Izumoshi Station (720 yen).

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
J-Air (JAL)	13,826 yen	13,931 yen

Multiple bus companies operate almost hourly highway buses, including one overnight bus, between Osaka, Matsue and Izumo. The one way journey takes 4.5 hours and costs 4000-6000 yen to Matsue and 5.5 hours and 4500-6500 yen to Izumo depending on the company and date of travel. Online reservations can be made through Willer. Note that international tourists can also profit from a special offer that reduces the price to 2000 yen.