Leisure / Outdoors Spots in Shimane Area

Area

Shimane
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
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  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Leisure / Outdoors

Adachi Museum of Art

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

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

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

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

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

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"". "

We bumped to this museum when passing by. It has kind of high entrance fee (700 yen / person). It is devoted to singing send and sendglasses which might be kind of interesting but there is no...
Shinjiko Nature Museum Gobius

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.

Very nice nature center. Well kept building and grounds. Does a nice job of teaching about area wildlife. Has interactive stations. Everyone in our family enjoyed it.
Anno Art Museum

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...
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 Shimane Nature Museum of Mt Sanbe - Sahimel

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。
Wakou Museum

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

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。
Kabeya Shuseikan

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。
Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum

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.
Hamada Children's Museum of Art

4.5

9 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Hamada Nobara Cho 859-1

"An art museum designed with an image of ""a ship of creation and beauty floating on the Sea of Japan"" in mind. In addition to various feature exhibits devised to facilitate both ""seeing and creating,"" the Museum School helps them enjoy watching and creating all day long. The museum is located at the Umi no Mieru Culture Park overlooking Hamada Port and was established in 1996 for the children who will become the leaders of the next generation. They seek to cultivate creativity and artistic sensibilities by having children interact with art from an early age."

海外の様々な子どもたちの作品が見れます。企画展もいろいろ、開催されています。子ども連れのご家族で、賑わっていました。
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.
The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art

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...
Kitaura Beach

4.0

8 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Mihonosekichoukitaura

This is a beautiful beach located in a small inlet among many beaches in Mihonoseki. Visitors can not only swim in the ocean at the beach, but also enjoy fishing and beachcombing. It is a popular beach for families as it has a wide and shallow shoreline. The guest houses in the surrounding areas provide showers and light meals.

初めて行きましたが海水浴場が右と左？ふたつあります。知らずに後でトイレ利用時に反対側も海水浴場なのがわかりました。波もあまりなく穏やかで小さい子供も安心して遊べると思います。少し沖の方にいくと岩場の方でシュノーケリングも出来て透明度の高い海を楽しめました。温水シャワーなどの設備もすぐ近くにあり便利です。駐車料金は1,000円でした。
The Tanabe Museum of Art

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.

Tanabe seems a rather neglected museum - even though it is set on the best street in Matsue, next door to Lafcadio Hearn’s house & Buke Yashiki, a middle-ranking Samurai residence. It’s right...
Historical Museum of Iron

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...

Shimane

Matsue Around Izumo Oyashiro Okuizumo Around Iwami Ginzan Gotsu / Hamada Tsuwano / Masuda Oki

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Amusement Park / Theme Park Pool Beach Park / Green Space Aquarium Museum / Science Museum Zoo Orchard Art Museum Art Gallery / Gallery Botanical Garden Event Complex Facility / Commercial Facility Camping / Auto Camping Hiking / Walking Boat Pier Fishing / Fishing Pond / Managed Fishing Ground Fishing Equipment / Fishing Bait Shop Other Leisure Facility / Other Outdoors Facility

Shimane Areas

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.