松江城を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、松江城に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報です。
- 松江城の基本情報
- 現存天守: 日本に12しかない、江戸時代から残るオリジナルの天守の一つ
- 国宝指定: 2015年に国宝に指定
- 別名: 千鳥城（天守の屋根の形が千鳥に似ていることから）
- 松江城の特徴
- 内部の井戸: 天守地下に井戸があり、籠城時の飲料水用に使われた
- 石垣の刻印: 石工たちが残した「刻印」が多く見られ、当時の技術や歴史を物語る
- 木造のしゃちほこ: 火災除けのための木造の大きな装飾が屋根に設置されている
- 松江城周辺の観光スポット
- 武家屋敷: 江戸時代の武士の生活を体感できる
- 塩見縄手: 歴史的な街並みが残る風情ある通り
- 小泉八雲記念館: 日本を愛した作家・小泉八雲の足跡をたどる施設
- 宍道湖: 日本夕陽百選にも選ばれた絶景スポット.遊覧船や散策が楽しめる
- 松江歴史館: 松江城や松江藩の歴史を詳しく学べる博物館
2人が松江城について話しています。
国宝・松江城の歴史、現存する天守や城の中の井戸、石垣の刻印、周辺の観光スポットなどを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been hearing a lot about Matsue Castle lately. Have you ever been there?
Yeah, I went last year! It’s one of the most fascinating castles in Japan. Are you planning to visit?
I’m thinking about it. I read it’s one of those original castles. What makes it so special?
Good question! It’s one of the original castles still standing in Japan, and it’s a National Treasure. Matsue Castle is over 400 years old and has its original main tower, which was built for defense during the war period. That makes it very unique.
Oh, so it’s not just a replica like some other castles. What’s the history behind it?
It was built in 1611 by a samurai named Horio Yoshiharu. After his family, the Matsudaira family ruled the castle during the Edo period. They made it the center of the Matsue Domain.
I see. And what can you see or do there?
First, you can explore the castle tower. Inside, you’ll find old wooden structures, displays, and artifacts. At the top, there’s a panoramic view of Matsue City and Lake Shinji. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
That sounds amazing. I heard there’s a well inside the castle. Is that true?
Yes, there’s a deep well in the basement of the tower. It was used for water during emergencies. Not many castles in Japan have a well inside, so it’s pretty rare.
And the stone walls? I heard they’re special too.
That’s right. The stone walls have marks, or kokuin, left by the workers who built them. These marks are like signatures, and they show the history of the construction.
That’s fascinating. What about those big fish statues on the roof? I’ve seen pictures of them.
Those are shachihoko. They’re wooden statues believed to protect the castle from fire. Matsue Castle’s shachihoko are some of the largest wooden ones still standing in Japan.
Wow, it’s full of unique features. Are there any other attractions nearby?
Definitely! Near the castle, you can visit samurai houses, walk along Shiomi Nawate Street, which has a traditional Edo-period feel, or stop by the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum. He was a writer who loved Japan and lived in Matsue.
That sounds like a lot to explore. What’s the best time to visit?
I’d recommend spring. The castle is surrounded by about 190 cherry trees, and it’s perfect for hanami. Autumn is great too, with all the colorful leaves.
Sounds like it’s worth visiting any time of the year. Is it easy to get there?
Yes, from Matsue Station, you can take a bus and reach the castle in about 10 minutes. If you’re driving, there’s parking nearby too.
Thanks, Key. I’m even more excited to visit now. Anything else I should know?
Oh, don’t miss the moat boat tours! You can ride a small boat around the castle’s moat and learn about its history from the guide.
That sounds like fun. Thanks again for all the tips!
You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes. You’re going to love it.
関連情報 / related information
「松江城」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
松江城
Introduction to Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle is located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It was built in 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu, a samurai lord. The castle is one of the 12 original castles in Japan, meaning its main tower (tenshu) has survived since the Edo period. In 2015, it was designated as a National Treasure. Matsue Castle is also called the “Black Castle” because of its dark wooden exterior.
Unique Features of the Castle
Matsue Castle has many unique features. The castle tower was built for defense, so it has strong walls and a simple but practical design. Inside the tower, there is a deep well that was used during emergencies. This is very rare for Japanese castles. Another interesting feature is the stone walls, which have marks left by the workers who built them. These marks, called kokuin, are like signatures and show the history of its construction. The roof has large wooden shachihoko (fish statues) that were believed to protect the castle from fire.
Beautiful Scenery and Seasonal Attractions
The castle offers stunning views from the top of the tower. You can see Matsue City, Lake Shinji, and the surrounding mountains. Matsue Castle is especially beautiful in spring when about 190 cherry trees bloom around it. In autumn, the colorful leaves create a fantastic view. Even in winter, the castle looks magical covered in snow.
Nearby Attractions
Matsue Castle is surrounded by interesting places to visit. You can explore samurai houses, walk along Shiomi Nawate Street with its Edo-period atmosphere, or visit the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum to learn about this famous writer. The nearby Lake Shinji is also popular for its beautiful sunsets.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「松江城」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Matsue Castle?
Matsue Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. Built in 1611, it is one of the few original castles remaining in Japan.
2: Who built Matsue Castle?
The castle was constructed by Horio Yoshiharu, a feudal lord and samurai, in the early 17th century.
3: Why is Matsue Castle called both the “Black Castle” and the “Chidori Castle”?
Matsue Castle is called the “Black Castle” because of its dark wooden exterior, which makes it look strong and unique. It is also called the “Chidori Castle” because the shape of its roof is said to resemble a flying plover (chidori), a type of bird.
4: What makes Matsue Castle unique among Japanese castles?
Unlike many other castles, Matsue Castle retains its original main tower (tenshu), making it one of only 12 such castles in Japan. In 2015, it was designated a National Treasure.
5: What can visitors see inside the castle?
Inside, visitors can explore wooden structures, historical exhibits, and artifacts. The top floor offers panoramic views of Matsue City and Lake Shinji.
6: Are there any special features within the castle?
Yes, the castle has a deep well in its basement, used during emergencies—a rare feature among Japanese castles. The stone walls also have kokuin marks left by the original builders.
7: What are shachihoko, and what is their significance at Matsue Castle?
Shachihoko are wooden fish-shaped ornaments on the roof, believed to protect the castle from fire. Matsue Castle’s shachihoko are among the largest wooden ones still existing in Japan.
8: What attractions are near Matsue Castle?
Nearby, visitors can explore samurai residences, stroll along Shiomi Nawate Street with its Edo-period atmosphere, and visit the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum.
9: When is the best time to visit Matsue Castle?
Spring is ideal, with about 190 cherry trees in bloom, perfect for hanami. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and winter provides a serene snowy landscape.
10: How can visitors access Matsue Castle?
From Matsue Station, take a bus to the castle, approximately a 10-minute ride. Parking is available nearby for those driving.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been hearing a lot about Matsue Castle lately. Have you ever been there?
ねえ、キー。最近、松江城の話をよく聞くんだ。行ったことある？
Yeah, I went last year! It’s one of the most fascinating castles in Japan. Are you planning to visit?
うん、去年行ったよ！日本でも特に魅力的な城の一つだよ。行くつもりなの？
I’m thinking about it. I read it’s one of those original castles. What makes it so special?
そう考えてるんだ。元の天守が残っているお城の一つだって読んだけど、何がそんなに特別なの？
Good question! It’s one of the original castles still standing in Japan, and it’s a National Treasure. Matsue Castle is over 400 years old and has its original main tower, which was built for defense during the war period. That makes it very unique.
いい質問だね！松江城は今も残る元の城の一つで、国宝に指定されてるんだ。築400年以上経っていて、戦国時代の防御目的で建てられた元の天守があるんだよ。だから、とても特別なんだ。
Oh, so it’s not just a replica like some other castles. What’s the history behind it?
なるほど。他のお城みたいなレプリカじゃないんだね。歴史はどんな感じなの？
It was built in 1611 by a samurai named Horio Yoshiharu. After his family, the Matsudaira family ruled the castle during the Edo period. They made it the center of the Matsue Domain.
1611年に堀尾吉晴という侍が築城したんだ。その後、松平家が江戸時代にこの城を治めて、松江藩の中心にしたんだよ。
I see. And what can you see or do there?
なるほど。それで、そこでは何が見られて、何ができるの？
First, you can explore the castle tower. Inside, you’ll find old wooden structures, displays, and artifacts. At the top, there’s a panoramic view of Matsue City and Lake Shinji. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
まず、天守を探検できるよ。中には古い木造の構造物や展示物、歴史的な品々があるんだ。最上階では松江市内や宍道湖が一望できて、特に夕日が素晴らしいよ。
That sounds amazing. I heard there’s a well inside the castle. Is that true?
それはすごいね。お城の中に井戸があるって聞いたけど、本当？
Yes, there’s a deep well in the basement of the tower. It was used for water during emergencies. Not many castles in Japan have a well inside, so it’s pretty rare.
うん、天守の地下に深い井戸があるんだ。緊急時の水のために使われていたんだよ。日本の城で天守に井戸があるのは珍しいよ。
And the stone walls? I heard they’re special too.
石垣はどうなの？それも特別だって聞いたけど。
That’s right. The stone walls have marks, or kokuin, left by the workers who built them. These marks are like signatures, and they show the history of the construction.
その通り。石垣には作業をした職人たちが残した「刻印」があるんだ。それが職人たちのサインみたいで、築城の歴史を示しているんだよ。
That’s fascinating. What about those big fish statues on the roof? I’ve seen pictures of them.
それは面白いね。屋根の上の大きな魚の像は？写真で見たことがあるよ。
Those are shachihoko. They’re wooden statues believed to protect the castle from fire. Matsue Castle’s shachihoko are some of the largest wooden ones still standing in Japan.
あれは「しゃちほこ」だよ。火災から城を守ると言われている木造の像なんだ。松江城のしゃちほこは、日本でも現存する最大級の木造しゃちほこなんだよ。
Wow, it’s full of unique features. Are there any other attractions nearby?
すごいね。ユニークな特徴がたくさんある。他に近くに観光スポットはある？
Definitely! Near the castle, you can visit samurai houses, walk along Shiomi Nawate Street, which has a traditional Edo-period feel, or stop by the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum. He was a writer who loved Japan and lived in Matsue.
もちろん！お城の近くには武家屋敷があったり、江戸時代の雰囲気が残る塩見縄手を歩けたりするよ。それから、小泉八雲記念館にも寄れるよ。彼は日本を愛した作家で、松江に住んでいたんだ。
That sounds like a lot to explore. What’s the best time to visit?
それは探検することがたくさんありそうだね。一番いい訪問の時期はいつ？
I’d recommend spring. The castle is surrounded by about 190 cherry trees, and it’s perfect for hanami. Autumn is great too, with all the colorful leaves.
春がおすすめだよ。お城の周りには約190本の桜があって、花見には最高だね。秋も紅葉がきれいでいいよ。
Sounds like it’s worth visiting any time of the year. Is it easy to get there?
どの季節でも訪れる価値がありそうだね。行きやすいの？
Yes, from Matsue Station, you can take a bus and reach the castle in about 10 minutes. If you’re driving, there’s parking nearby too.
うん、松江駅からバスに乗れば10分くらいで着くよ。車でも、近くに駐車場があるから便利だよ。
Thanks, Key. I’m even more excited to visit now. Anything else I should know?
ありがとう、キー。ますます行きたくなったよ。他に何か知っておいた方がいいことはある？
Oh, don’t miss the moat boat tours! You can ride a small boat around the castle’s moat and learn about its history from the guide.
ああ、お堀の遊覧船は見逃せないよ！小さな船に乗ってお城のお堀を巡りながら、ガイドさんから歴史を学べるんだ。
That sounds like fun. Thanks again for all the tips!
面白そうだね。いろいろ教えてくれてありがとう！
You’re welcome! Let me know how it goes. You’re going to love it.
どういたしまして！行ったらどうだったか教えてね。きっと気に入るよ。
関連情報 / related information
松江城
Introduction to Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle is located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It was built in 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu, a samurai lord. The castle is one of the 12 original castles in Japan, meaning its main tower (tenshu) has survived since the Edo period. In 2015, it was designated as a National Treasure. Matsue Castle is also called the “Black Castle” because of its dark wooden exterior.
松江城の紹介
松江城は、日本の島根県松江市にあります。1611年に戦国武将の堀尾吉晴によって築かれました。この城は日本に12しかない現存天守の一つで、江戸時代からそのまま残っています。2015年には国宝に指定されました。また、松江城は黒い木造の外観から「黒い城」とも呼ばれています。
Unique Features of the Castle
Matsue Castle has many unique features. The castle tower was built for defense, so it has strong walls and a simple but practical design. Inside the tower, there is a deep well that was used during emergencies. This is very rare for Japanese castles. Another interesting feature is the stone walls, which have marks left by the workers who built them. These marks, called kokuin, are like signatures and show the history of its construction. The roof has large wooden shachihoko (fish statues) that were believed to protect the castle from fire.
城のユニークな特徴
松江城には多くのユニークな特徴があります。天守は防御のために建てられたため、強固な壁と実用的なデザインが特徴です。天守の内部には非常時に使われた深い井戸があり、これは日本の城では非常に珍しいものです。また、石垣には築城に携わった職人が残した「刻印」が見られます。これらは職人たちのサインのようなもので、築城の歴史を示しています。さらに、屋根には火災を防ぐと信じられた木造の大きな「しゃちほこ」があります。
Beautiful Scenery and Seasonal Attractions
The castle offers stunning views from the top of the tower. You can see Matsue City, Lake Shinji, and the surrounding mountains. Matsue Castle is especially beautiful in spring when about 190 cherry trees bloom around it. In autumn, the colorful leaves create a fantastic view. Even in winter, the castle looks magical covered in snow.
美しい景観と季節の魅力
天守の最上階からは素晴らしい景色が楽しめます。松江市内や宍道湖、周辺の山々が一望できます。特に春には約190本の桜が咲き誇り、松江城は一層美しく見えます。秋には紅葉が鮮やかで、見事な風景が広がります。冬には雪に包まれた城が幻想的な雰囲気を作り出します。
Nearby Attractions
Matsue Castle is surrounded by interesting places to visit. You can explore samurai houses, walk along Shiomi Nawate Street with its Edo-period atmosphere, or visit the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum to learn about this famous writer. The nearby Lake Shinji is also popular for its beautiful sunsets.
周辺の観光スポット
松江城の周りには魅力的な観光地がたくさんあります。武家屋敷を訪れたり、江戸時代の雰囲気が残る塩見縄手を歩いたりできます。また、日本を愛した作家・小泉八雲について学べる小泉八雲記念館もおすすめです。近くにある宍道湖は、美しい夕日で人気のスポットです。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Matsue Castle?
松江城とは何ですか？
Matsue Castle is a historic Japanese castle located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. Built in 1611, it is one of the few original castles remaining in Japan.
松江城は島根県松江市にある歴史的な日本の城です。1611年に建てられ、日本に残る数少ない現存天守の一つです。
2: Who built Matsue Castle?
松江城は誰が建てましたか？
The castle was constructed by Horio Yoshiharu, a feudal lord and samurai, in the early 17th century.
松江城は17世紀初頭に戦国武将である堀尾吉晴によって建てられました。
3: Why is Matsue Castle called both the “Black Castle” and the “Chidori Castle”?
松江城はなぜ「黒い城」と「千鳥城」と呼ばれているのですか？
Matsue Castle is called the “Black Castle” because of its dark wooden exterior, which makes it look strong and unique. It is also called the “Chidori Castle” because the shape of its roof is said to resemble a flying plover (chidori), a type of bird.
松江城は、黒い木造の外観が強くユニークに見えることから「黒い城」と呼ばれます。また、屋根の形が千鳥（鳥の一種）が飛ぶ姿に似ていることから「千鳥城」とも呼ばれます。
4: What makes Matsue Castle unique among Japanese castles?
松江城は日本の城の中で何が特別ですか？
Unlike many other castles, Matsue Castle retains its original main tower (tenshu), making it one of only 12 such castles in Japan. In 2015, it was designated a National Treasure.
他の多くの城とは異なり、松江城は元の天守を保持しており、日本に12しかない現存天守の一つです。2015年に国宝に指定されました。
5: What can visitors see inside the castle?
城の中で訪問者は何を見ることができますか？
Inside, visitors can explore wooden structures, historical exhibits, and artifacts. The top floor offers panoramic views of Matsue City and Lake Shinji.
城の中では、木造建築、歴史的展示物、遺物を見ることができます。最上階からは松江市内や宍道湖のパノラマビューを楽しめます。
6: Are there any special features within the castle?
城内には特別な特徴がありますか？
Yes, the castle has a deep well in its basement, used during emergencies—a rare feature among Japanese castles. The stone walls also have kokuin marks left by the original builders.
はい、城内には緊急時に使用された深い井戸が地下にあります。これは日本の城では珍しい特徴です。また、石垣には職人が残した「刻印」もあります。
7: What are shachihoko, and what is their significance at Matsue Castle?
しゃちほことは何ですか？また、それは松江城でどのような意味を持っていますか？
Shachihoko are wooden fish-shaped ornaments on the roof, believed to protect the castle from fire. Matsue Castle’s shachihoko are among the largest wooden ones still existing in Japan.
しゃちほこは屋根の上にある魚の形をした木造の装飾で、火災から城を守ると信じられています。松江城のしゃちほこは日本に現存する最大級の木造しゃちほこの一つです。
8: What attractions are near Matsue Castle?
松江城の近くにはどのような観光スポットがありますか？
Nearby, visitors can explore samurai residences, stroll along Shiomi Nawate Street with its Edo-period atmosphere, and visit the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum.
近くでは、武家屋敷を見学したり、江戸時代の雰囲気が残る塩見縄手を散策したり、小泉八雲記念館を訪れることができます。
9: When is the best time to visit Matsue Castle?
松江城を訪れるのに最適な時期はいつですか？
Spring is ideal, with about 190 cherry trees in bloom, perfect for hanami. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and winter provides a serene snowy landscape.
春は約190本の桜が咲き、花見に最適です。秋には美しい紅葉が楽しめ、冬には静かな雪景色が広がります。
10: How can visitors access Matsue Castle?
訪問者は松江城にどのようにアクセスできますか？
From Matsue Station, take a bus to the castle, approximately a 10-minute ride. Parking is available nearby for those driving.
松江駅からバスで約10分で城に到着します。車で来る人のために近くには駐車場もあります。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
panoramic : 形容詞
意味: 全景の、一望できる。Providing a wide and complete view of a surrounding area.
（松江城の天守から見える全体の景色を表す）
例文：
- The top of the castle offers a panoramic view of the city and lake.
「城の頂上からは街と湖の全景を楽しめます。」 - The photographer captured a panoramic shot of the mountains.
「その写真家は山々の全景写真を撮影しました。」 - We stopped at a viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic scenery.
「私たちは全景を楽しむために展望台に立ち寄りました。」
well : 名詞
意味: 井戸、水を汲むための地中に掘られた穴。A deep hole in the ground used to access water or other resources.
（松江城の天守の地下にある非常用の井戸を指す）
例文：
- The castle has a deep well in the basement for emergencies.
「城には緊急時用の深い井戸があります。」 - Villagers used the well to fetch water every day.
「村人たちは毎日井戸から水を汲んでいました。」 - He dropped a coin into the well and made a wish.
「彼は井戸にコインを投げ入れて願い事をしました。」
basement : 名詞
意味: 地下室、建物の地下部分。The lowest floor of a building, often below ground level.
（松江城の天守地下にある深い井戸がある場所を指す）
例文：
- The well is located in the basement of the castle tower.
「井戸は城の天守の地下室にあります。」 - Our office has a gym in the basement.
「私たちのオフィスには地下にジムがあります。」 - He stores his old books in the basement.
「彼は古い本を地下室に保管しています。」
explore : 動詞
意味: 探索する、詳しく調べる。To travel around or investigate something to learn more about it.
（松江城の天守や展示物を訪問者が探索する行為を表す）
例文：
- Visitors can explore the castle tower and its wooden structures.
「訪問者は天守とその木造構造物を探索できます。」 - The children love to explore the forest behind their house.
「子供たちは家の裏の森を探検するのが大好きです。」 - She plans to explore different cultures during her trip.
「彼女は旅の間にさまざまな文化を探る予定です。」
moat : 名詞
意味: 堀、防御のために城や建物の周囲に掘られた水をたたえた溝。A deep, wide ditch filled with water, built around a castle or fortress for protection.
（松江城の周囲にある堀を指す）
例文：
- The castle is surrounded by a wide moat filled with water.
「城は水で満たされた広い堀に囲まれています。」 - The soldiers crossed the moat using a wooden bridge.
「兵士たちは木の橋を使って堀を渡りました。」 - A family of ducks was swimming in the moat.
「堀の中でカモの家族が泳いでいました。」