Spots in Shimane Area

  • Matsue Castle
    rating-image
    4.5
    1523 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 1-5
    A flatland mountain castle located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture which was completed in 1611, the castle tower, a designated National Treasure, is said to be the only orthodox-style original castle tower still standing in Japan. Covered with black-painted siding on most of its walls, the castle is designed as a watchtower and the top floor offers a sweeping view of the city of Matsue. Relatively simple in design, a characteristic of castles built in the early Momoyama period, the castle is also known as “Chidori Castle.” The area surrounding the castle has been turned into the Matsue Jozan Park; a famous cherry blossom-viewing destination, in spring some 200 cherry trees come into bloom on the park’s grounds. The park has even been selected as one of the 100 best places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.

    Matsue Castle is gorgeous - inside and out. Such beautiful views of it from outside and its definitely worth going inside (shoes off) to climb up the five flights to the top. There are various...

  • Adachi Museum of Art
    rating-image
    4.5
    1076 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Furukawachou 320
    An art museum located in Furukawa Town, Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture which focuses on displaying modern Japanese paintings. The museum’s collection includes master Japanese painter Yokoyama Taikan’s masterpieces “Koyo” and “Ame hareru,” in addition to works by other modern Japanese painters such as Takeuchi Seiho and Hashimoto Kansetsu, in addition to ceramics by renowned artist Kitaouji Rosanjin. The museum’s exhibit is changed four times a year in line with the seasons. The museum is also famous for Japanese gardens such as the Karesansui-tei rock garden and Hakusaseisho-tei sand and pine garden, totaling some 50 thousand square meters in all. The museum’s gardens are revered around the world and they have long ranked in at number one on the American Japanese gardening magazine “Journal of Japanese Gardening’s” list of top gardens.

    The museum requires a train ride and then a short (free) trip on a tram to the museum. The art in the museum is mediocre, not world class. The gardens are overdone and the fake waterfall adds a...

  • Izumo Oyashiro(Izumo Taisha)
    rating-image
    3.5
    4 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukidukihigashi 195
    This is a shrine in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, enshrining the great Okuninushi, known as a god of marriage. It is also known by its official name Izumo Oyashiro. There are several legends about the foundation of the shrine including one that says it was built as a condition for Okuninushi transferring over the land of Japan. The main shrine is designated as a national treasure, and features Japan’s oldest shrine architectural style. It is rebuilt about every 60 years. The kagura hall is famous for the largest shimenawa (sacred rope) in Japan. The magnificent row of pine trees called “Pine Baba” is designated as one of Japan’s top 100 pine spots.

    出雲大社にお越しされた天皇の勅使をお迎えする施設で、昭和8年に竣工した歴史ある建物です。正面に張り出した唐破風が堂々として風格があります。

  • Yaegaki Jinja Shrine
    rating-image
    4.5
    448 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Sakusachou 227
    This shrine in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture is famous for marriage and enshrines the gods Susano-no-mikoto and Inatahime-no-mikoto. The three-paneled Itae Chakushoku Shinzo pictures (wall painting in the honden) in the treasure storage room has been designated as an important cultural property. On the grounds are many popular spots for women, including the Meoto-sugi (coupled cryptomeria trees), Meoto-tsubaki (coupled camellia) and Kagami-no-ike (mirror pond), where the appearance of a suitable marriage partner is predicted by the speed of which a piece of Japanese paper sinks after a coin is placed on top.

    Famous for relationships (marriage) and its Japanese legends background. A beautiful holy place. There’re penis statue.

  • Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
    rating-image
    4.5
    415 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Izumo-shi Taishacho Hinomisaki 1478
    The white lighthouse stands at the westernmost tip of the Shimane Peninsula, 63.3 meters above sea level, making it the tallest lighthouse in Japan. 480,000 candela of light illuminates 40 km offshore. The site is located at the tip of a promontory that extends out into the Sea of Japan, making it a beautiful spot for viewing the sunset.

    The lighthouse area and coastline here is absolutely beautiful! The lighthouse itself is pretty, reminded me of some of the ones in New England. I came later in the day, I did not go inside the...

  • Yuushien Garden
    rating-image
    4.5
    282 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Yatsukachouhanyu 1260-2
    The largest Japanese garden surrounding a pond in the San’in region, which opened in 1975, is located on Daikonshima Island in a lake called Nakaumi (Middle Sea) in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. It is an idyllic garden of a simple and subdued refinement with its black pine, a waterfall, and Yukimi (snow viewing) lanterns in the center of the pond. It is famous for its peony and other seasonal flowers. In addition to the interior garden Peony Hall, where you can appreciate peony throughout the year, a Spring Peony Festival is held from late April to mid-May when about 20,000 trees of 250 species of peony color the garden. There are also places to eat and shops available. Goods using the special product Ginseng are popular.

    Just outside Matsue, is Yuushien Garden. I drove here, there is a large parking lot across the street. You enter an interesting building with a shop, café, and ginseng displays. There is a fee to...

  • Shimane Art Museum
    rating-image
    4.5
    285 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Sodeshichou 1-5
    An art museum which first opened in 1999. Located in Sodeshi Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, the Shimane Art Museum is one of the largest in the San’in region. A modern structure standing on the bank of Lake Shinji, the museum’s theme is an “art museum which harmonizes with water.” The museum’s collection consists of outstanding works of art in every genre, including paintings, sculptures, crafts, and photographs; the museum also displays numerous artworks which make use of water. The museum’s entrance lobby has giant windows facing Lake Shinji, and the view of the setting sun from here is spectacular (visitors may enter the entrance lobby free of charge).

    First the architecture of the museum in front of the lac is amazing. Inside permanent exhibition has very important western and japanese master piece as an enormous sculpture Victor Hugo by Rodin...

  • Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
    rating-image
    4.5
    367 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukidukihigashi 99-4
    This is a history museum located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. It exhibits materials highlighting the history of Izumo around the Izumo Taisha shrine, and the Iwami silver mine. This museum houses the 358 bronze swords, a national treasure, as well as bronze spearheads, and dotaku (a bell-shaped bronze vessel supposed to have been put to some ceremonial use) from the Kojindani ruins and 39 dotaku from the Kamoiwakura Ruins. The Uzu pillar groupings, thought to be from the Izumotaisha inner shrine dating back to mid-13th century and many other treasures are displayed. A miniature replica model of Izumotaisha inner shrine during the Heian period can be seen too. The museum also houses the Shinwa mythology theater, a cafe, and shop.

    This museum is packed with artifact and info about the area. You should probably visit this before heading to the shrine. The audio guide was really nice and I enjoyed this museum a lot! Theres a...

  • Miho-jinja Shrine
    rating-image
    4.5
    223 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Mihonosekichoumihonoseki 608
    An ancient Shinto shrine located in mentioned in the “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki,” a book documenting local customs and culture. The shrine is the head shrine of all shrines dedicated to Kotoshironushi (Ebisu). The main shrine building, a designated National Treasure, is built in the Miho-zukuri (hiyoku taisha-zukuri) style and consists of two halls joined together. The one on the left facing the building is dedicated to Kotoshironushi, while the one on the right is dedicated to his mother, Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto. The shrine is believed to grant worshippers a variety of benefits, including not only prosperity in business but also large harvests, maritime safety, and luck in public performance. The shrine’s Aofushigaki Shinji ritual, held on April 7, and Morotebune Shinji ritual, held on December 3, are connected with the “kuni-yuzuri,” a legend relating the transfer of the rulership of Japan to the gods of Heaven, and during these times great numbers of people from around the country come to witness the events.

    Authentic Japanese style shrine with interesting Japanese wooden architecture work. Ambience similar sacred. Very good Japnese snacks around the shrine. And very nice peer view too.

  • Former Taisha Station
    rating-image
    4.5
    342 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukitaraki 441-3
    The Former Taisha Station is the retired terminal station of the now-defunct JR Taisha Line which opened in 1912 and served until 1990. The existing building was rebuilt in 1924 and has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It is a traditional Japanese-style wooden building magnificent in stature and characterized by its white plaster walls and black tiled roof. The interior of the building is a blending of Japanese and Western styles where Japanese chandeliers, the ticket office, station room, and VIP room can still be seen. The nearest station is Izumotaisha-mae Station.

    Visiting this old station feels like going back in time. You can still see the schedules, mannequins wearing the original uniform, the railtracks and the train. The best part is it is free and near...

  • Horikawa Pleasure Boat
    rating-image
    4.5
    320 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kurodachou 507-1
    A pleasure cruise which goes on a 50 minute tour of the moat surrounding the National Treasure-designated Matsue Castle in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The cruise’s coarse is dotted with famous and elegant castle town sights such as Shiomi Nawate-dori Street and the Former Samurai District. The water birds, flowering plants growing by the water, and other highly seasonal scenery is also a must-see. The cruise boat itself is eight meters long, two meters wide, and covered with a small roof; a toasty kotatsu (table with a blanket and heater underneath) is provided in winter. The Hori River the boat travels is spanned by 17 bridges, and when the boat travels under particularly low bridges, the roof must be lowered to pass.

    The experience of having to duck down so that the roof can be lowered was fun. We had the additional pleasure of having two volunteer guides from the Matsue Goodwill Guide Group to assist us in...

  • Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center
    rating-image
    4.0
    118 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Odashi Omorichou A) 1597-3
    This is a museum located in Omori Town, Ota City, Shimane Prefecture, introducing the history and mining technology of Iwami Silver Mine, a World Heritage site. The exhibition content is arranged in a way that is easy for both adults and children to understand, focused mainly on models, images and replicas. The permanent exhibit also features a diorama of the entire silver mine and actual silver ore that can be held. A limited guided walking tour of the mine’s largest tunnel “Okubomabu” is also popular.

    Expect for unexpected Omori -cho a town of 400 people wa given a world heritage status by Unesco for its still remaining abundant nature together with its history the most active silver mines in the...

  • Taikodani Inari Jinja Shrine
    rating-image
    4.5
    193 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Kanoashiguntsuwanochou Ushiroda 409
    This is one of Japan’s five great Inari shrines to the harvest god, known as “Tsuwano Oinarisan.” It is also written as “Inari” incorporating the meanings of having one’s desires fulfilled and great ambitions achieved. In 1773 the lord of the Tsuwano domain Norisada Kamei invited the deity’s spirit from Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto and built the shrine. The front shrine and main shrine rebuilt in 1969 can be seen after passing through the vermillion-lacquered torii gate corridor offered by believers. Fried tofu and candles for making an offering can be bought at the shop.

    I visited the Taikodani Inari Shrine after going to the castle ruins. There is a nice trail from the ruins directly to the shrine. There is a large parking lot in front of the shrine. The complex is...

  • Tamatsukuriyu-jinja Shrine
    rating-image
    4.0
    227 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tamayuchoutamatsukuri 508
    An ancient Shinto shrine located on the outskirts of the Tamatsukuri Onsen hot spring district in Matsue, Shimane mentioned in the texts of the “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki” and “Engi-shiki.” The shrine is dedicated to three gods—Kushiakarutama-no-mikoto, who makes Tamatsukuribe; Onamochi-no-mikoto, who makes nations; and Sukunabikona-no-mikoto, god of hot spring medicine and protecting hot springs. The shrine’s treasure house stores jewels unearthed at the ruins of Tamatsukuri designated Important Cultural Properties. There is also a wishing stone on the grounds that grants wishes to those who touch it and pray, and in recent years the shrine has become a popular mystical “power spot.”

    Its not a huge shrine but its right in Tamatsukuri Onsen so it was nice to go down and have a look at it. Very peaceful there.

  • Susa Jinja shrine
    rating-image
    4.5
    166 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Sadachoususa 730
    An ancient Shinto shrine located in Izumo City, Tottori Prefecture which is even mentioned in the ancient “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki,” a book describing the culture and customs of the region. The shrine is primarily dedicated to the god Susanoo-no-mikoto, who, according to Japanese legend, slew the fearsome eight-headed dragon Yamata-no-orochi. It is said that this area was the last place Susanoo-no-mikoto pioneered, after which he gave it his own name and passed away. In addition to a towering Japanese cedar tree over 1,300 years old, the shrine’s grounds are dotted with spots deemed the “Seven Wonders of Susa.” The shrine is famous for the three rituals conducted during the annual festival held on April 19 as well as the Kiriaki Shinji, a ritual called the Nenbutsu Odori (“Buddhist Prayer Dance”) conducted on August 15. In recent years, the shrine has also become popular as a mystical “power spot.”

    This place is acclaimed as one of the most spiritual places in Japan. The vibe in the air was very sacred. The 1,300 year old cedar tree was magnificent and felt like it was cleansing the air. There...

  • Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    178 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Okudanichou 322
    This is a memorial museum for Lafcadio Hearn, adopting the Japanese name, Yakumo Koizumi, known for his works of Hoichi the Earless, and the Yukionna (Snow Fairy) introduced in the storybook, Kaidan (Japanese ghost stories). This museum opened in 1934 is housed in the Japanese architectural structure adjoining the former residence of Yakumo Koizumi. It was renovated in 2016. This museum introduces the Greek born Irishman, Hearn, who arrived in Japan, via stays in England and the United States, and was then naturalized. The multifaceted aspects of Yakumo as an author, instructor, and journalist can be seen through the displayed mementos, manuscripts and writings revealing a portrait of his person.

    Very modern and complet museum about Hearn life, irish writer who became japanese. Interresting if you want to know the details of the life of the author of Kwaidan.

  • Former Residence of Koizumi Yakumo
    rating-image
    4.0
    174 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou 315
    Known as the author of “Mimi nashi hoichi” and “Yuki Onna”, Koizumi Yakumo whose original name was in fact Lafcadio Hearn is also known for having taught Japanese culture and customs to the West. The former Koizumi Yakumo residence in Matsue is a mansion which Yakumo lived in for about five months from May 1891. A feature of viewing the former residence is that the “garden” is what people come to see when they visit. I definitely want you to see the garden which is the setting of one of the works, “The Unknown Japanese Shadow” by Yakumo. This building which is preserved as it was at the time when Yakumo lived there is now the only former residence of Koizumi Yakumo in existence.

    Interesting display of how this foreigner grew up and eventually established a relationship with Japan and came to settle there. Its also quiet and peaceful there.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    52 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Kiyomizuchou 528
    Located in Kiyomizu Town, Yasugi City, Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple devoted to the worship of Kannon that, according to tradition, was founded by the renowned Buddhist monk Sonryu in 587. Since ancient times, it has been famous as a temple where people go to pray for protection against misfortune, and many people continue to visit the temple for this purpose today. Within the temple grounds, visitors can see the Konpon Hall, which has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property; there are also many precious statues of the Buddha, including a wooden statute of Kannon with eleven faces standing upright.

    Wow! Im glad that Im in not-bad shape, because the road was pretty steep going in from where we were dropped off by the a and n oni. I kind of wish wed gone through the many torii gates...

  • Kumano Taisha shrine
    rating-image
    4.5
    93 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Yakumochoukumano 2451
    A Shinto shrine standing amidst the mountains of Yakumo Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the god Kaburogi-kumano-okami Kushi-mike-no-mikoto, which is viewed as another name for the god Susanoo-no-mikoto. Together with the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, the Kumano Taisha has been viewed as one of the holiest shrines in the local Izumo area, and the shrine is famous as being the origin of fire in Japan. Some of the shrine’s many highlights include the taisha-zukuri style main shrine building, and the Sanka-den hall, which is built in a unique style—in addition to a thatched roof, the hall’s four walls are covered with hinoki cypress bark. During the Sanka Festival on October 15, the chief priest of the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine visits the Kumano Taisha and performs the Kamedayu Shinji, a ritual wherein the priest receives a wooden hand drill and board for lighting a sacred fire.

    山あいにある「出雲国一之宮 熊野大社」です。自分的にはかなりお気に入りです。 島根県松江市にある「熊野大社」は「出雲大社」と共に「出雲国一宮」として古くから信仰を集めている神社だそうです。「出雲国神仏霊場、第十五番 熊野大社...

  • Matsue History Museum
    rating-image
    4.0
    127 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 279
    This is a history museum in the east of Matsue Castle, and is a facility to introduce the history and culture of the Matsue castle town. The building is deeply influenced by the samurai residence style, and houses the national treasures “Matsue Castle Tower Prayer Notes.” The standard exhibit features original items and video materials connected to the Matsue domain and the lives and livelihoods in the castle town. At the building’s high-grade Japanese fresh confections teahouse “Kissa Kiharu,” on top of enjoying tea while looking out over the castle tower and gardens, one can watch the work of artisan Tsugio Itami. Alight at JR Matsue Station and take the municipal bus to Shiomi Nawate.

    Interesting display of History of Matsue. Go and request for the audio guide so you would be able to understand fully what the display shows

Shimane Areas

around-area-map

What Shimane prefecture lacks in size and population, it makes up for in scenery and ancient mythology. Izumo-taisha, in the middle of the prefecture, is said to be Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine, where stories that delve into the creation of the Japanese race have been passed down over centuries. The 180 Oki Islands, a 40-minute ferry ride north of Sakaiminato, offer an undiscovered paradise well off the beaten track.

Shimane Photo Album

Browse Interests