Matsue Castle is the only castle tower that has been preserved in the San'in region. It is one of only 12 castles in Japan with a castle tower built before the Edo period, and one of the few castles made of wood rather than concrete. Exit from the back gate of Matsue Castle and walk for about ten minutes to attractions such as the Samurai Residence, Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence, and Shiomi Nawate.