Shimane Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan, boasts refreshing and pleasant air.
In this relaxed atmosphere, you can encounter ancient shrines that have been cherished since antiquity, as well as hot springs known for their skin-beautifying properties.
And there's a wide variety of seafood, lake delicacies, and mountain produce.
Take your time, relax, and enjoy a leisurely trip away from your everyday routine.
When visiting Shimane Prefecture, one place you absolutely must go is Izumo Taisha Shrine. It enshrines Okuninushi-no-Okami, the god of matchmaking who appears in Izumo mythology. In the Izumo region alone, the tenth month of the lunar calendar is called "Kamiarizuki" (the month when the gods are present), and every year gods from all over Japan gather there. Let's have a wonderful match made at this "sacred place of matchmaking."
Along the approximately 700-meter-long Kamimon Street, you'll find a variety of restaurants, including sweet shops and soba noodle shops, as well as souvenir shops, where you can enjoy traditional flavors such as Izumo soba and Izumo zenzai.
The Adachi Museum of Art, which attracts many visitors from both Japan and abroad, boasts a beautiful garden that is a must-see at least once in a lifetime.
The gardens, spanning approximately 50,000 tsubo (about 165,000 square meters), include a dry landscape garden and a white sand and pine garden, showcasing a diverse array of Japanese gardens whose natural beauty is like a painting. They display captivating expressions in each season. Masterpieces of modern and contemporary Japanese painting, including works by Yokoyama Taikan, and ceramics by Kitaoji Rosanjin are also noteworthy.
Shimane Wagyu, the best quality beef in Japan.
"Shimane Wagyu" refers to Japanese Black cattle produced in Shimane Prefecture. In 2022, it won first place in two major national competitions showcasing the quality of branded beef from across Japan, earning its seal of approval as truly top-quality. Enjoy its tender texture, rich flavor, and the delicious taste that unfolds with every bite at Shimane's renowned restaurants.
Enjoy a crab feast in Sakaiminato
Sakaiminato boasts two major markets: the Sakaiminato Seafood Direct Sales Center and the Tairyo Market Nakura. From autumn onwards, when crab fishing is permitted, you can find an abundance of fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, including exceptionally fresh red snow crab and Matsuba crab. Enjoy freshly caught seafood bowls at reasonable prices only a local can offer.
Along the approximately 800-meter stretch of road, you'll find bronze statues of yokai (Japanese supernatural creatures). There are also numerous shops and facilities themed around yokai, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this otherworldly atmosphere.
Matsue Castle is one of the 12 remaining original castle keeps in Japan and is designated a National Treasure. Its appearance, more than 400 years after its construction, is truly impressive. In addition to being able to tour the keep, which has four stories, five floors, and one basement floor, it is also worth taking a sightseeing boat that circles the moat surrounding the castle for about 50 minutes. Experience the breath of history that has remained unchanged since ancient times.
Lake Shinji, one of Japan's 100 most scenic spots.
A hot spring resort town just a short distance from the castle town. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Shinji, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Sunset Spots, from your accommodation.
Lake Shinji is a place where saltwater and freshwater mix, so a variety of fish and shellfish can be caught there. Among them, clams are particularly famous as a specialty of Lake Shinji.
Take a sightseeing boat tour around Lake Shinji, which takes about an hour. We recommend the sunset cruise, where you can enjoy the beautiful evening scenery.
Refresh yourself at Tamatsukuri Onsen.
Tamatsukuri Onsen, known as a hot spring for beautiful skin, also has many spots that will give you energy!
The area is full of photogenic spots, such as the Tamatsukuri-yu Shrine, famous for its wishing stone, the Magatama Bridge with its giant magatama (comma-shaped bead), and the Yuyakushi Plaza where you can take home some of the hot spring water known for its skin-beautifying properties. After enjoying the hot spring town, you can relax in the therapeutic hot springs.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a World Heritage Site
Iwami Ginzan is a town with a nostalgic atmosphere where nature and the town coexist. It is said that much of the Japanese silver that once circulated in the world came from Iwami. The silver mine area, rich in nature, has many historical sites remaining, such as the remains of mine shafts and smelters, making it a valuable area that conveys the atmosphere of the time and historical cultural assets to the present day.
The Omori district, once the political and economic center, still retains merchant houses and samurai residences. Be sure to check out the atmospheric souvenir shops and cafes as well.
Izumo soba is a must-try!
Izumo soba has a long history and is considered one of Japan's three great soba varieties, alongside Wanko soba and Togakushi soba. There are two ways to enjoy it in Izumo: cold Wariko soba and hot Kamaage soba. In both styles, the broth is poured over the soba noodles, allowing you to fully savor the deliciousness of the broth and the fragrant aroma of the soba.
The Ichibata Electric Railway, a local private railway connecting Izumo Taisha Shrine and Matsue, is affectionately known as "Bataden" and travels along the tranquil shores of Lake Shinji. Disembarking at stops along the way, such as Matsue Vogel Park, to admire the flowers is highly recommended. A train journey to fully enjoy the local atmosphere is also a great option!
