IEEE International Conference on Microelectronic Test Structures
ICMTS 2026 Travel, Accomodations
Mar 23-26, 2026 at Kunibiki-Messe Convention Center in Matsue, Japan
- About Matsue, Japan
Known as the “City of Water,” historic Matsue City is nestled between the sea and two lakes—Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi—in southwestern Japan. This picturesque city is the capital of Shimane Prefecture, and is famed for Matsue Castle, one of the few castles in Japan to have endured since ancient times. Also known as “Plover Castle” due to the swooping shape of its roofs, the castle is surrounded by moats that can be accessed by sightseeing boat. Matsue is also famous for having been the home of writer Lafcadio Hearn, one of the earliest authors to introduce Japan to the Western world. Hearn’s samurai residence has been preserved and is open to visitors as an extension of the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum. Matsue is also known for its tea culture, and exquisite matcha tea and handmade wagashi can be enjoyed at many locations around the city.
Check out the NHK broadcast of The Ghost Writer’s Wife, a drama based on Koizumi Setsu, the wife of author Lafcadio Hearn, which was filmed in Matsue.
- Getting There
Yonago Airport and Izumo Airport are located near Matsue City. Shuttle buses operate between each airport and Matsue Station.
- Matsue’s Convention & Visitors Bureau
has a great diagram showing connections by plane, train, and bus - Kunibiki Messe has a page on how to access the venue
- Matsue City Official Travel Guide
- Matsue’s Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Hotels
ICMTS Preferred Hotel: Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu
https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/en/matsue-e/index.html
You may reserve this hotel through the ICMTS registration site.There are other fine options nearby as well:
- Dormy Inn EXPRESS Matsue (15 minutes, 1.1 km from venue)
- Green Rich Hotels Matsue (14 minutes, 990 m from venue)
- Hotel Route-Inn Matsue (12 minutes, 790 m from venue)
- Toyoko Inn Matsue Ekimae (14 minutes, 990 m from venue)
- Dormy Inn EXPRESS Matsue
- Conference Venue
Kunibiki Messe Convention Center
https://www.kunibikimesse.jp/en/
Address: 1-2-1 Gakuenminami, Matsue-shi, Shimane-ken 690-0826, Japan
The Tutorials and Technical Sessions will be held in the International Conference Hall on the 3rd floor.
The equipment exhibition, coffee breaks, and the Tea Ceremony ☕️🫖 will be held in the Small Hall on the 1st floor. - Wednesday Banquet
The banquet will be held on Yuushien.
https://www.yuushien.com/language/en.html- Departure from Kunibiki Messe Convention Center at 17:30 by shuttle bus.
- Arrival at Yushien Garden on Daikon Island at 18:00.
- Garden stroll from 18:00 - 18:30
- Dinner at Japanese Style restaurant “Shobu (iris)” from 18:30 - 20:30, featuring “Yasugi-bushi” song and dance.
- Drop-off at Matsue Station 21:00.
- Thursday Excursion
Private tour of Izumo oyashiro shrine. Izumo Oyashiro is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan. The origins of the shrine remain a mystery, and the current structure was built in 1744. It is designated as a National Treasure.
https://izumooyashiro.or.jp/en/- Shuttle bus will depart at 12:20 and bento box lunches will be served on the bus.
- Izumo Oyashiro private guided tour: 13:20 - 15:00.
- Shimane Winery visit (souvenir shopping and free wine tasting): 15:10 - 15:50.
- Drop off at Izumo Airport at 16:30 and Matsue Station at 17:00.
You may add the excursion when registering for ICMTS. The cost is 8,000 JPY.
- Weather
According to WeatherSpark.com, for the week of ICMTS the average high temperature in Matsue is 12 °C/54 °F and the average low temperature is 8 °C/46 °F. Historically, it has rained about only 33% of the time. Total rainfall in March is 97 mm (3.8 in).
- Helpful Tourism Websites
