Leisure / Hobbies Spots in Shimane Area

  • Adachi Museum of Art
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    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...

  • Shimane Art Museum
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    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
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    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...

  • Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center
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    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...

  • Matsue History Museum
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    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

  • Nima Sand Museum
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    3.5
    56 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Odashi Nimachouamagouchi 975
    "This is a museum that displays the largest hourglass in the world. There is also a replica of a sand calendar, art works of sand objects as well as a science corner where there is a singing sand map of the world and sand samples from around the world. Many events are held and visitors can also experience glass craft. Many people visit on the 31st of December for the ""Time Festival"". "

    世界最大らしい砂時計、砂暦「「一年計砂時計」がありますよ。それだけかなぁー。 「鳴り砂」で知られる「琴ヶ浜」の近くということで、作られたらしい「仁摩サンドミュージアム」。「砂」に関する展示の数々、体験コーナーなどもあります。家族連れには良いかもです。 一つだけ言いたいことは、「仁摩サンドミュージアム」全体の建物の作りですね。「駐車場」から「施設」へ離れすぎているかな。なんとかしてもらいたいな。

  • Shinjiko Nature Museum Gobius
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    4.0
    34 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Sonochou 1659-5
    Shinjiko Nature Museum Gobius is an experiential-learning type aquarium that showcases the plants and animals that live in Lake Shinji, Nakaumi Lagoon and Shimane Prefecture’s rivers. In all, there are around 10,000 organisms belonging to approximately 200 different species. There is plenty for visitors to see, with diorama tanks that recreate the habitat of the rivers that flow into Lake Shinji and Nakaumi Lagoon, touch pools where visitors can interact with living creatures, etc. There are regular special events, including feeding sessions where museum staff members provide an educational commentary as they feed the exhibits. Shinjiko Nature Museum Gobius attracts large numbers of visitors (particularly families) throughout the year.

    5月5日に行きました。ナマズやオオサンショウウオ、鯉などが好きなので大興奮! 小さい水族館で、タッチプールなど子どもが喜ぶコーナーもありましたが、大人にも見ごたえある内容の展示でした。これでたったの500円! 外に出ると芝生の広場、ちょっと歩くと宍道湖です。 ちなみに、広島から高速バスで出雲市駅へ、そこから一畑電車で湖遊館新駅で降りて徒歩数分です。GWだけど混雑もなくのんびりできました。おすすめ穴...

  • Anno Art Museum
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    4.5
    44 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Kanoashiguntsuwanochou Ushiroda A) 60-1
    This art museum features exhibits dedicated to famous Tsuwano-born illustrator Mitsumasa Anno, recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Award and recognized as a Person of Cultural Merit. The exhibit building has an impressive design, with white plaster walls and a red-tiled roof. Works such as “Tsuwano, Washibara” and “The Picture Book of Geocentric Theory” are rotated on a three-month basis. There’s also a planetarium on-site as well as a space with a recreation of Anno’s home and atelier. A separate building contains a library and other facilities. The nearest station is Tsuwano Station.

    Just across from Tsuwano Station, this large museum ( entry ¥800) contains works by Mitsumasa Anno. It was well worth a visit although unfortunately I didn’t have time to see the other attractions...

  • Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum
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    4.5
    20 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Nitagunokuizumochou Yokota 1380-1
    The Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum has exhibitions on the history of the Tatara (traditional Japanese steelmaking method) in recent centuries and on the Nittoho Tattara (a Tatara steel-making furnace which was established in 1977 to ensure a reliable supply of the type of steel needed for making traditional Japanese swords), along with displays of swords made using traditional Tamahagane steel. Videos and replicas are used to explain the steelmaking process in an easy-to-understand way, making this a good museum to bring the kids to. Mr. Kobayashi, a sword-smith based in Okuizumo, gives demonstrations of traditional Japanese steel-forging and sword-making techniques twice a month, which are well worth seeing.

    I was fortunate to experience the sword making by myself. It was so amazing experience for me, Making katana by Tatara process is an art, I highly recommend people to witness it.

  • Wakou Museum
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    4.0
    29 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Yasugi-shi Yasugicho 1058
    This museum presents the achievements and life of metallurgy pioneer Professor Kuniichi Tawara through exhibits discussing his research and results and displays containing writings, lecture notes, and other items used by the man. The professor achieved many things in life, including being the first person to do on-site studies of tatara foot-operated smelting furnaces, a time-honored Japanese technique which had long been kept a closely-guarded secret; and revealing the mysteries behind the beauty of Japanese swords.

    安来駅から徒歩20分ほど。 入館料310円。館名の「和鋼」とはたたらで生産される鋼という意味。かつて中国山地は「たたら製鉄」が盛んで、安来はその積出港として繁栄した。そのような歴史があり、現在も特殊鋼を製造するプロテリアル(旧日立金属)の工場があることからこの博物館が造られた。館内には、天秤ふいごなどのたたら製鉄用具、製鉄や安来の歴史資料、製鉄工程の模型などが展示されている。ある種マニアックな博物...

  • Shimane Prefectural IWAMI ART MUSEUM
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    4.0
    28 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Masuda-shi Ariakecho 5-15
    An art museum that's part of the Shimane Arts Center's Grand Toit, a facility for culture and the arts in the Iwami area. The venue holds high-quality thematic exhibits from its permanent collection, as well as a range of special exhibitions covering a variety of fields, workshops, and lectures to deepen understanding of the arts. Made with 280,000 tough and durable locally produced Sekishu-gawara roofing tiles, it's a landmark that harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment. It's next to the Iwami Art Theater, built for the appreciation and creation of the arts. The courtyard connects the museum and the theater and is a nice break spot for visitors.

    実家が近く年に1度訪れています。 様々な企画展や催しも良いものが多いですが、建物だけでも一見の価値あり。 益田観光の際にはぜひ。

  • Yasugi-bushi Entertainment Hall
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    4.0
    26 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Furukawachou 534
    The Yasugi-bushi Entertainment Hall is an exhibition hall for Yasugi-bushi, a folk song adored all across the country, as well as an arts theater for live performance in the hall with gallery seats. There is also a souvenir shop with notable Yasugi products and a restaurant that offers loach cuisine, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy this location. Approximately 15 minutes by car via the Yasugi Interchange on the San-in Expressway.

    島根観光1日目。足立美術館が目的だけど、昼食に名物のを食べようと、どじょう屋さんに行こうとしたら美術館の隣でした。レストランに向かう前にすぐに公演が始まるからと呼び込まれて入りました。ステージはなかなか立派でつづみと三味線、太鼓による演奏と歌い手による民謡。躍りもどじょうすくいだけでなく何種もあり、素人さんではない演芸をしっかり楽しみました...

  • The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art
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    4.5
    19 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Hikawachoufukudomi 330
    Located in the middle of the Izumo Plain, The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art is Japan's only museum dedicated to the art of quilting. The exhibits are displayed in a traditional Izumo-style farmhouse building that was constructed 200 years ago. The four exhibition zones, the exhibits in which are changed every season, provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy viewing works by Ms. Mutsuko Yawatagaki (one of the most renowned artists of Japanese style quilting), as well as Ikebana (flower arrangements), Shitsurai (seasonal and ritual decorations), etc. The Museum also has a tea-house, café, and museum shop.

    This museum is well kept and staffed with very friendly people. The art is excellent though not enough on display. The setup is perfect to show off the quilts. However it is a long way from...

  • The Shimane Nature Museum of Mt Sanbe - Sahimel
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    4.0
    17 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Odashi Sambechou Tane 1121-8
    At this well-equipped facility visitors can view planned exhibitions and a planetarium. The astronomical observatory has a 60 cm reflex telescope and Coude type 20 centimeters refraction telescope, and astronomical observation sessions are held every Saturday night. Reservations are unnecessary and reception starts 30 minutes prior.

    手作り感のある「三瓶自然館サヒメル」でした。こちらにも「三瓶小豆原埋没林」が展示されてあります。 家族連れには良い感じの、分かりやすい説明の「三瓶自然館サヒメル」だと思います。私は「三瓶小豆原埋没林」目的で訪れましたが、「三瓶小豆原埋没林」だけでなく、「自然系の博物館」として面白く観覧することが出来ました。お勧めです。

  • Shimane Aquas Aquarium
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Hamadashi Kushirochou 1117-2
    One of the largest aquariums in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, Aquas is the only aquarium in western Japan where you can see belugas. The aquarium has exhibits some 10 thousand creatures spanning around 400 species, including a penguin exhibit housing four species of penguins, a giant aquarium exhibit focusing on the sharks which appear in the myths of Shimane, an exhibit featuring the flying fish which are the official fish of Shimane Prefecture, and more. The aquarium’s earless seal and sea lion shows are also popular.
  • The Tanabe Museum of Art
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    3.5
    17 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou 310-5
    This museum is located in Shiominawate in the traditional Bikan-chiku (beautiful site area) of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. It was opened in 1979 by Tanabe Choemon (Tomoyuki), who was the Land and Forest minister for Okuizumo Town and also served as governor of Shimane Prefecture. The collection and exhibits focus on items related to the 23 generations of the Tanabe family. There are also several items associated with the seventh leader of the Matsue clan, Matsudaira Fumai, who was a famous tea master. The collection includes Rakuzan-yaki ware, Fujina-yaki ware, and other tea ceremony-related items. Visitors can enjoy some matcha tea and Japanese sweets in the tea room.

    松江城北側の塩見縄手にある美術館。入館料は700円だが、松江城の3館共通券を提示すると団体料金に割引となる。 受付のある長屋門は歴史ある建築物だが、その先にあるのは現代的で美術館らしい建物。入口を入ったところは解放感のある吹き抜けとなっており、1階と2階はスロープで結ばれている。設計は奇抜な江戸東京博物館をデザインした菊竹清訓。 展示品は多くなく、陶器が中心であとは茶道具と日本画が少し。古い町並み...

  • Historical Museum of Iron
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    4.0
    14 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Unnan-shi Yoshidacho Yoshida 2533
    "A museum where you can learn about Japan's unique tatara iron making tradition and its techniques. It's roughly divided into two parts, ""Tatara Iron and its Techniques"" and ""Iron Mining and Blacksmiths."" It showcases the tradition in an accessible way with numerous exhibits. The influence of the acquisition of iron making technologies on the communities that had until then relied on tools made of stone and wood was enormous. You'll learn how it gradually became an indispensable part of their lives."

    Last weekend I visited to to Iron History Museum with great, friendly local guides Shino san and Yuki san. I learned so many things about Iron-making techniques and livelihoods, culture around the...

  • Matsue Vogel Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Ogakichou 52
    A theme park dedicated to flowers and birds built in a hilly area overlooking Lake Shinji in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The park’s spacious grounds are dotted with four exhibition greenhouses, scenic overlooks, and other facilities; in addition, everything is connected via roofed galleries, ensuring visitors can enjoy themselves no matter the weather. Colorful flowers blossom in the flower greenhouse, such as Fuchsia and begonias, which remain in full bloom year round. Visitors can also see over 90 varieties of birds here, including owls, falcons, and penguins, and enjoy bird shows and bird feeding.
  • Archeological Museum of Kojindani
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    3.5
    7 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Hikawachoukamba 873-8
    The Archeological Museum of Kojindani is located adjacent to the Kojindani archeological site; the museum was completed in 2005 to serve as the site museum. The Museum has replicas of the bronze swords, bronze bells and bronze spearheads that were excavated at the Kojindani site, along with explanatory panels, and videos showing documentary footage of the excavations, etc. Besides the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts lectures and special thematic exhibitions, as well as other special events such as opportunities to experience planting and harvesting ancient rice strains, etc. The museum shop sells a range of souvenir gifts etc. with designs based on the ancient rice strains, lotus seeds and bronze artifacts discovered at Kojindani; there is an impressive range of gift items that cannot be purchased anywhere else.

    博物館はあまり発見がありませんでした。 荒神谷遺跡のことを深く知りたければ、古代出雲歴史博物館に行かれることをおすすめします。 遺跡から発掘された銅鐸や銅剣、銅矛はそちらに展示されています。

  • Kabeya Shuseikan
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    4.0
    12 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Shimane Nita-gun Okuizumocho Kamiai 1655
    This history museum contains cultural properties which belonged to the Okuizumo Sakurai, a clan which traced its lineage to Warring States period general Ban Naoyuki. The museum displays folk cultural properties as well as tools used by the Sakurai clan, who served as the head blacksmiths of Matsue Matsudaira Domain, to engage in tatara ironmaking. The museum also displays pieces by Nanga painter Tanomura Chokunyu, who stayed here in the Meiji period; other paintings and works of art; and tea ceremony porcelain, and visitors can experience the culture of the Okuizumo area, which revolves around the history of tatara ironmaking.

    たたら製鉄で栄えた家の一つです。 ゆっくり見てまわれます。 山の中というか、森の中というか、自然あふれる場所にあります。 紅葉の時期のポスターを見せていただきました。 穴場の紅葉スポットと思われます。

Shimane Areas

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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

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