Shimane Trip Tips

History & culture

Shimane Prefecture is known as the center of Japanese mythology, and Izumo Taisha in particular is an important place that appears in the mythology of the handing over of the kingdom. It flourished as the center of the ancient Izumo Kingdom and developed its own unique culture. Traditional crafts are also flourishing, and many beautiful crafts are produced here, such as Ishu washi paper and Tsuwano lacquerware.

Izumo Taisha

One of the largest shrines in Japan, it is dedicated to the deity Okuninushi, known as the god of marriage.

The most attractive feature of Izumo-taisha Shrine is its magnificent architecture. The vermilion-lacquered Otorii (Grand Gate) and the massive Honden (main hall) are overwhelming to behold. There are also numerous auxiliary and subordinate shrines within the shrine grounds, allowing visitors to experience the mythical world of Izumo-taisha.

Izumo-taisha Shrine Official Website  

Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle, located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is a national treasure and one of the 12 remaining castle towers. Also known as “Chidori Castle,” it is characterized by its beautiful appearance that resembles an egret spreading its wings.

Inside the castle, there is the Matsue Castle History Museum, which exhibits armory and furnishings, and a beautiful garden, the Hori Teien. At night, the castle is illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere that differs from that of the daytime.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Iwami Ginzan is a silver mine that flourished from the 16th to 19th centuries. At its peak, the Iwami Ginzan produced one-third of Japan’s total silver output, and is registered as a World Heritage site.

During a tour of the tunnels, visitors can see puppets and videos that recreate the mining process in those days. Also on display are tools and ore used in the silver mines.

Oki Islands

The Oki Islands consist of four inhabited islands and more than 180 uninhabited islands in the Sea of Japan. Known as the “first landing place of the gods” in mythology, the islands have long been revered as sacred.

Main Sightseeing Spots

• Kuniga Coast: This scenic spot, with its sheer cliffs and oddly shaped rocks, has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 scenic spots.
• Oki UNESCO World Geopark: A valuable place to experience the history of the earth.
• Mizuwakasu Shrine: This shrine is dedicated to the deities of Izumo-taisha, one of the 40,000 shrines in Japan.

Taimeshi

Taimeshi (sea bream rice), popular in Shimane Prefecture since the Edo period, is characterized by its elegant flavor of fresh sea bream meat, eggs, and condiments mixed with freshly cooked rice and served with dashi (Japanese soup stock). The rice soaked with the flavor of the sea bream is exquisite.

There are many restaurants in Matsue City that specialize in taimeshi or offer various types of taimeshi.

Shijimi clam soup

Shijimi clam soup is a well-known local dish of Shimane Prefecture. Sand-removed shijimi clams are stewed in water and sake, then seasoned with miso. The flavor of the shijimi is concentrated in the soup, and it is delicious and warms the body from the inside out.

Izumo soba

Shimane Prefecture is famous for Izumo soba (buckwheat noodles), one of the three most popular types of soba in Japan. It is thicker and more satisfying than most soba noodles. Izumo soba is made with only 20% wheat flour as a binder, making it aromatic and flavorful, allowing the true taste of soba to be enjoyed.

When you visit Shimane Prefecture, be sure to try Izumo soba.

Iwami Shochu

Iwami Shochu, a barley shochu traditionally produced in the Iwami region of western Shimane Prefecture, is said to have an exquisite taste created by the richness of nature and the skills of artisans. Enjoy the mellow, deep flavor produced by traditional distillation in wooden barrels.

Red Seal Tour at Izumo-taisha Shrine

Izumo-taisha Shrine is a shrine associated with the myth of the handing over of the land in Japanese mythology. It is a sacred place where gods from all over Japan gather, and is also famous for its blessings for marriage. There are many vermilion stamp shops on the grounds of the shrine, and visitors can enjoy a red seal pilgrimage.

Tunnel exploration at Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, registered as a World Heritage Site, once flourished as the largest silver mine in Japan. The tunnels are cool and cool, and visitors can experience firsthand what it was like in those days. Visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the silver mine by joining a guided tour.

Cycling in the Oki Islands

The Oki Islands are islands with a rich natural environment. Renting a bicycle and touring the islands will allow you to enjoy the spectacular views of the coastline and mountains. Interaction with the islanders is also an enjoyable experience.

Garden viewing at Adachi Museum of Art

Adachi Museum of Art, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, has a beautiful garden that changes with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy a variety of uniquely Japanese landscapes, including a garden of white sand and green pines, a moss garden, and a karesansui (dry landscape garden). The museum also exhibits works by Yokoyama Taikan and Kishida Ryusei.

Spring

• Cherry blossom viewing around Matsue Castle: The area around Matsue Castle in Shimane Prefecture is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Around 600 cherry trees, mainly in Matsue Castle Park, are in full bloom, adding vivid colors to the spring season.
• Lake Shinji clam fishing experience: Lake Shinji, located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is famous as the largest producer of freshwater clam in Japan. Visitors can experience shijimi clam fishing with fishermen and taste freshly caught shijimi clams.

Summer

• Sea bathing at Tamatsukuri Onsen: Tamatsukuri Onsen in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is a hot spring resort famous for its “beautiful skin,” but there is also a bathing beach in the area where you can enjoy sea bathing.
• Matsue Suigo Festival Fireworks Display on the Lake: The approximately 10,000 fireworks displayed over Lake Shinji is one of the largest in Japan. The fantastic beauty of the fireworks reflected on the surface of the lake attracts spectators.

Autumn

• Foliage viewing in Sandankyo: Sandankyo is famous for its autumn foliage. The best season is from mid to late November. During this period, the area is lit up and visitors can enjoy a fantastic view that is different from that during the daytime.

Winter

• Enjoy winter sports in Daisen: Daisen in Shimane Prefecture is the highest mountain in the Chugoku region, and winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are available in winter.
• Warm your body in hot springs: Shimane Prefecture has a variety of hot springs with different qualities, including Tamatsukuri Onsen, famous for its beautiful skin, Iwami Ginzan Onsen, and Misasa Onsen.

Festival

• Kamizai Matsuri at Izumo-taisha Shrine: In October of the lunar calendar (late October to early December of the modern calendar), when the nation’s eight million gods are said to gather at Izumo-taisha to worship the great deity Okuninushi, festivals of traditional Japanese culture are held to welcome the gods, celebrate their presence, and celebrate their departure.
• Ishimi Kagura: Iwami Kagura, a traditional Japanese dance performance to pray for a good harvest, is held in various places in Japan. The dances performed by kagura performers in gorgeous costumes are mesmerizing to watch.

Traditional crafts

• Ishu Washi: This Japanese paper is made on the Shimane Peninsula and has a history of 1,300 years. It is made from kozo (paper mulberry) and is characterized by its long fibers and strong paper quality.
• Tsuwano lacquerware: This lacquerware has been produced since the early Edo period and is characterized by its vivid colors and delicate maki-e.

Airplane

Shimane Prefecture can be reached from Tokyo in about 1 hour and 30 minutes by air.

Shinkansen

Shimane Prefecture can be reached from Tokyo in about 3 hours and 30 minutes by Shinkansen bullet train.

Railway

Access from Tokyo to Shimane Prefecture by train is approximately 7 hours by limited express Yakumo from Tokyo Station.

Express Bus

Access from Tokyo to Shimane Prefecture by highway bus takes about 10 hours and 30 to 11 hours.