Shimane

Izumo, Matsue

Shimane is a land of myths, history, and serenity. Visit the sacred Izumo Taisha Shrine, explore the elegant Matsue Castle, and watch the sunset over Lake Shinji. Known as the birthplace of Japanese legends, Shimane also offers relaxing hot springs and fresh seafood. Its gentle atmosphere invites you to experience Japan’s spiritual side.

From Tokyo: 1h 25m

From Osaka: 1h 15m

Explore by City

Discover hidden charms in each city and town through our visual map.

Shimane

Gotsu City

Located where the Gōno River, the largest in the Chugoku region, flows into the Sea of Japan, this city has developed since ancient times through the blessings of water. The streetscape of "Iraka Street," lined with specialized red Sekishu tiles, conveys a powerful color beauty unique to the San'in region. Recently, it has gained attention as a city where highly sensitive people gather, focusing on "slow life" utilizing rich nature and creative activities in old buildings. With plenty of healing spots like the 1300-year-old "Arifuku Onsen" and panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, it is a must-visit for those...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Oda City

A city of history and nature located in central Shimane, home to the World Heritage site "Iwami Ginzan." Cultural heritage like mine shafts (mabu) and the retro hot spring town of "Yunotsu," once a silver shipping port, still live on. In the "Mt. Sanbe" national park, you can enjoy hiking and camping in dynamic nature and see the wonder of the "Buried Forest" with giant ancient trees sleeping underground. World Heritage, ancient springs, and famous peaks—there is no other city that condenses such diverse Japanese charms. An area worth exploring for active travelers wanting to experience both historical depths and...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Unnan City

Located in the inland of Shimane, this is a rural city where the "Hii River," the setting for the myth of "Yamata-no-Orochi," flows. In spring, the "Hii River Embankment Cherry Blossoms" stretching for several kilometers offer breathtaking beauty, allowing you to enjoy quintessential Japanese spring scenery. Additionally, the history of traditional "Tatara Ironmaking" still lives here, with shrines deifying the god of iron and streetscapes of old storehouses. Mystical water landscapes like the massive "Ryuzu-ga-taki" and "Yae-taki" waterfalls are also abundant. The rich nature as an original landscape of Japan, mythological stories, and warm daily life of the people will...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Izumo City

A sacred city home to Izumo Taisha, the symbol of the "Land of Mythology" where myriad gods gather. Beyond shrines, it features dynamic spots like "Hinomisaki Lighthouse" and "Inasa-no-hama Beach," where gods are said to have landed. The local "Izumo Soba" is famous for its powerful flavor. Walking through this city where myth and modern life melt together allows you to touch the roots of Japanese spiritual culture that values invisible "En" (fates).

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Tsuwano Town

Called the "Little Kyoto of San'in," this is a beautiful castle town in the mountains. Colorful koi fish swim in the moats lining the streets, and white-walled storehouses create a healing atmosphere. It condenses historical sights like the former clan school "Yorokan" and the red torii gates of "Taikodani Inari Shrine." With its poignant history at "Otome-toge" and a living Zen spirit, it’s a refined, nostalgic town where you can immerse yourself in silence while enjoying tea.

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Hamada City

Located in western Shimane, this city possesses a beautiful sea and a lively fishing port. It is filled with markets and restaurants where you can taste fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan, especially high-end fish like "Nodoguro," attracting gourmets. In summer, many people gather at "Iwami Tatamigaura" and "Kokufu Beach," which are beautiful white sand beaches, to enjoy activities in the highly transparent sea. Also, the national traditional performing art "Iwami Kagura" is very active, and the opportunity to watch powerful dances and luxurious costumes up close is a great attraction. It is an energetic port town where...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Yasugi City

A vibrant city famous as the home of the traditional performing art "Yasugi-bushi" (Dojou-sukui). It is also known for the "Adachi Museum of Art," which boasts a world-class reputation, attracting travelers from all over the world seeking the ultimate Japanese garden. On the other hand, it has a long history of flourishing in the iron industry as a "Tatara town," and you can learn about the deep history of Japanese ironmaking at the Wako Museum. Historical heritage such as the ruins of "Gassan Toda Castle," a famous impregnable castle of the Warring States period, is also abundant. It is an...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Matsue City

The prefectural capital of Shimane, known as the "City of Water." Centered around the National Treasure Matsue Castle, the atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town remains strong today. The "Horikawa Sightseeing Boat," which tours the moats flowing like a net through the city in a small boat, is the highlight of Matsue tourism. It is also famous as the city loved by Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), where you can rediscover the beauty of Japan from a Western perspective. The beauty of Lake Shinji dyed by the sunset is beyond words, and the refined atmosphere with its living culture of Japanese...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Masuda City

Located in western Shimane, Masuda City is a beautiful city rich in nature through which the Takatsu River, called Japan's clearest stream, flows. There are many historical highlights, including two beautiful gardens (Ikō-ji and Manpuku-ji) designed by the medieval painter Sesshū, where you can enjoy the ultimate landscaping beauty that evokes the spirit of Zen. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of sunsets on the coastline and fresh seafood, while the clear waters of the Takatsu River are popular for ayu fishing and canoeing for active travelers. Since it is not overly commercialized for tourism, it is a perfect place...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Okuizumo Town

Located in the inland part of Shimane, this town is where the Japanese craftsman spirit breathes, once flourishing with "Tatara Ironmaking" for Japanese sword materials. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, you can enjoy landscapes of terraced rice fields, the archetypal scenery of Japan. Known as the setting for the "Yamata no Orochi" myth, spiritual legends remain throughout the town. Local "Okuizumo Soba" and rice grown in fertile soil are exquisite, satisfying even gourmets. Unlike modern tourist spots, it is an area that travelers seeking authentic Japanese traditions, history, and simple natural wealth should definitely visit.

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Chibu Village

Located on Chiburijima Island, the smallest island of the Oki chain with untouched nature. The main highlight is the "Sekiheki" (Red Cliff), where a vertical red cliff over 100 meters high stretches for 1 kilometer. From the island's highest peak, "Mt. Akahage," you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Sea of Japan and the Oki Islands. There are more cows and horses than people, and the peaceful pasture scenery looks like another world. It is a hidden place where you can enjoy the simple kindness of the islanders and quiet "island time."

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Nishinoshima Town

Located on Nishinoshima Island, this town attracts visitors with its dynamic coastal beauty and idyllic landscapes. It features the "Kuniga Coast," one of Japan's top scenic spots, with the 257-meter vertical cliff "Maten-gai" and the natural arch "Tsuten-kyo" created by sea erosion. On the meadows above the cliffs, cattle and horses graze freely, showing a unique scenery where rugged nature and peaceful animals coexist. Trekking, sightseeing boats, and sea kayaking allow you to feel the Earth's strength. It is an ideal destination for travelers who want to leave the city and immerse themselves in an overwhelming sense of openness.

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shimane

Shimane Prefecture

Located in western Japan, Shimane Prefecture is truly a "mystical land" where deep history from the age of mythology coexists with superb views created by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan. You can experience multi-layered Japanese culture at Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines; the World Heritage site Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine; and the beautiful castle town of Matsue, the "City of Water." For travelers who want to touch the roots of Japanese spirituality and rich nature away from the bustle of the city, it is a special place that should be visited at least once in...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

View All