Matsue Castle Horse Washing Pond: Reproduction of samurai relics and environmental restoration 🐎💧🌿

#AugustDestinations2025 The "Babashi Pond" within Matsue Castle has existed since the castle's founding, once serving as a place for samurai to wash and cool their horses. As a vital part of castle life, it not only witnessed the daily lives of samurai and their horses but also carries the historical memory of Matsue Castle. However, due to years of lack of maintenance, the pond gradually fell into neglect. Starting in 2018, citizens, experts, and relevant groups collaborated to initiate a restoration effort. During an investigation in May of that year, approximately 80 people drained the pond and discovered that while resident species such as Japanese rock turtles, carp, and shrimp were already inhabiting the pond, invasive species such as German carp, red-eared sliders, American crayfish, and bullfrogs had already taken over, with the silt reaching depths of up to 80 centimeters. To protect the environment, only the resident species were returned to the pond, and environmental improvements were underway. Today, the Babashi Pond is not only a rare relic of samurai life within Matsue Castle but also a hidden gem that blends history and nature. Here, you can imagine the sight of military horses resting by the pond in the past, while also feeling the refreshing atmosphere brought about by the ongoing restoration efforts. 📍 1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture (inside Matsue Castle) 🚶 Access: Take the Reikurain bus from JR Matsue Station to the Matsue Castle Otemae stop, then walk for about 5 minutes. #MatsueCastle #HistoricRelics #EnvironmentalRestoration #ShimaneTravel #SamuraiCulture