Travel / Tourism Spots in Shimane Area

  • Tsuwano Catholic Church
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    4.0
    103 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Kanoashiguntsuwanochou Ushiroda B 66 - 7
    Tsuwano Catholic Church, with its eye-catching Western Gothic style exterior, was built by a German priest in 1931. The inside of the church is a mix of both Western and Japanese influences with tatami flooring and impressive stained glass windows. Many Japanese Christians were persecuted and tortured for their religious beliefs at the Otome Pass in Tsuwano by the government during the Edo and Meiji periods from 1868 to 1872. Next to the Tsuwano Catholic Church is the Otome Pass Exhibition Room with exhibits on the persecution. The nearest station is Tsuwano Station.

    I did not expect to find a catholic church in the middle of Tsuwano. I walked by it once and it was crowded so I made a note to go again later to see if I could see the inside. I did come back later...

  • 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

  • Matsue Jozan Park
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    4.0
    88 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 1-5
    Matsue Castle which was built in the early Edo period is also called by the nick name, “Plover Castle”. The castle tower has been designated as a National Treasure and the castle ruins as a National Historic Site. The vast castle ruins which are maintained as an inner citadel and an outer citadel are known as “Matsue Castle Jozan Park”. You will be able to enjoy the cherry blossoms and the castle at the same time as it has also been chosen as one of the “100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan”. The appearance of the various cherry trees such as the Yoshino cherry trees, the drooping cherry trees and the mountain cherry trees blooming in profusion is breathtakingly beautiful. You can enjoy the magical scenery with the keep being illuminated until 10 pm.

    The walk through Jozan Park afterwards to Shiomi Nawate street was lovely, peaceful and well sign-posted. The mossy tree roots on some of the trees were beautiful.

  • Buke Yashiki Samurai Residence
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    3.5
    124 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou Shiomi Nawate 305
    This samurai residence was the dwelling of many successive samurai, of both mid and high-ranks, of the Matsue Domain from the early Edo period through to the end. The construction of the main house is such that the front and the back are made of completely different material and style. This reflects the public face and the private world of the samurai life. Even the garden is frugally adorned with an austere and manly sensibility. Although current structure is a replica of the original, which was burned in 1733, it preserves the architecture of that period, and is a cultural property of Matsue City.

    If visiting the castle in Matsue, might as well get more out of the experience and see one of the traditional Samurai houses. The house is located near the castle on a beautiful street opposite side...

  • Roadside Station Yuhi Park Hamada
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    4.0
    56 Reviews
    Transportation
    Shimane Pref. Hamadashi Haraichou 1203-1
    Visitors can eat and shop here overlooking the majestic view of the Sea of ??Japan. There is a very popular restaurant on the second floor offering fresh seafood from the Sea of ??Japan as well as the regional specialty, Iwami pork. At the market on the first floor you can buy Hamada brand items including many fish and processed goods. Various kinds of experience classes are also held.

    バイパス沿いにあり、利用後もバイパスに戻れる便利な場所。 駐車場も広く、車中泊と思しき車がたくさんいた。 ゆうひパークの名の通り夕日が綺麗らしいが、訪問が夜だったので夕日どころか海が見えるのかすら確認できなかった。 新しいようで、設備も綺麗。

  • Roadside Station Ara Essa
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    4.0
    44 Reviews
    Transportation
    Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Nakaumichou 118-1
    "This roadside station is located at the eastern entrance to Shimane Prefecture, home to mythology. It is a multipurpose facility open 24 hours proving information and holding various events, as well as a market selling seafood and marine produce from off the Sanin coast and farm produce directly to the customer. In the renovated Meiji era house moved here as a Japanese restaurant, ""Nakaumi-no-Sato"", visitors can enjoy Yasugi cuisine in a relaxing space."

    安来節の町らしいネーミングとキャラクターが秀逸ですね。軽快なBGMが流れていて「あらえっさっさぁ-」と声が出てしまいそうです。農産物等直売所と海産物等販売所では、商品の種類や品ぞろえも豊富で買い物が楽しくなります。安来はどじょうが特産ということで、レストランでは柳川鍋も提供されていました。

  • Ichibata Temple (Ichibata Yakushi Temple)
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    4.0
    60 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Kozakaichou 803
    The Ichibata Temple is a Rinzai Buddhist temple located in Kozakai Town, Izumo City. It is the chief temple of the Ichibata Yakushi school of Rinzai Buddhism. Praying at the Temple is said to help people recover from eye ailments, and the “Yakushi-sama of the Eyes” has attracted large numbers of worshippers for many centuries. The Ichibata Temple is also famous for its 1,300-step stone entrance stairway.

    一畑薬師として有名な寺だが、山中にあるため、車が無ければアクセスが悪い。その代わり、豊かな自然の中で季節の花々や宍道湖の遠望が楽しめる。古いお寺だが、新しい堂宇が結構多く、少し商業的な感じがするのは残念。

  • 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。

  • 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...

  • Gohyakurakan Rakan-ji Temple
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    3.5
    68 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Odashi Omorichou A) 804
    A Koyasan Shingon Buddhist temple located in Omori Town, Ohda City, Shimane Prefecture which enshrines a total of 500 statues of arhats split evenly between two caves. The figures were created over a 20-some year period starting in the Genbun period (1736-1740) and are said to memorialize ancestors and people who died in the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. The temple is registered as part of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also designated a National Historic Site.

    A World Heritage Site which is clearly indicated by a (too) huge sign in front of it. You have to pay (500 Yen) to enter which has to be done across the street at the entrance of the Rakanji...

  • Rosoku-jima (Candle Island)
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    4.5
    41 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Okinoshimacho Shiro

    The island was located 20 meters from the cliff, and people should access to the island by boats if you want to see the island with sunset. When weather is fine, people can see the island which looks...

  • Okuizumo Orochi Loop
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    4.0
    34 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Nita-gun Okuizumocho Yakawa 2500-294
    "Japan's largest double-loop road is 105-meter difference of elevation and has of 11 bridges of various sizes and three tunnels. It was built to resemble Yamata-no-orochi, an eight-headed, eight-tailed serpent from Japanese mythology that forms a double-coiled spiral. The eye-catching red of the Miino Bridge is a take on the flames used to make tatara steel, as well as the fire blown by Yamata-no-orochi. Lots of tourists stop for a break from driving and to purchase souvenirs at ""Oku-Izumo Orochi Loop"" Roadside Station and the Okuizumo Steel Sculpture Museum on National Route 314 that connects Hiroshima Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture. The loop has also received the Human Road Forum Awards' highest prize, with a theme of ""Making Roads that Harmonize with People and Vehicles."""

    Okuizumo Orochi Loop Michi-no-Eki was a pleasant place for tourists to visit. We felt the peace and quiet around us. We were lucky to see a rare orange train going the hillside.

  • Roadside Station Tataraba Ichiban-chi
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    4.0
    32 Reviews
    Transportation
    Shimane Pref. Unnanshi Yoshidachouyoshida 4378-31
    "This roadside station offers an extensive menu of safe agricultural products as well as providing information about Unnan City and Shimane Prefecture. Unnan City is also the hometown of the character ""Yoshida-kun"" in the animation ""Eagle Talon"" and the Unnan version of Yoshida-kun welcomes visitors at the entrance of the center. "

    奥出雲方面に出かけた際に休憩で立ち寄りました。レストランなども併設されているため利用しやすい道の駅です。

  • Meimei-an
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    4.0
    53 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitahorichou 278
    Meimei-an is a teahouse built in the main residence of the Arisawa family to the liking of the seventh lord of the Matsue Domain, Matsudaira Fumai, who was well known as being a master in the tea ceremony. After having been moved a number of times, it was relocated to its current location, Shiomi Nawate, in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, in 1966. The modest building without any central pillars has a gabled, hipped roof of thick thatch and its unusual style, much loved by Fumai, is apparent. In the separate building, Hyakusotei, matcha green tea and sweets can be enjoyed while looking out over the garden.

    Like other Japanese teahouses, visitors can enjoy matcha and confectionaries along with looking at a beautiful Japanese garden. But visitors can also see a very old wooden little teahouse which is...

  • Mononobe-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    28 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Odashi Kawaichou Kawai 1545
    This shrine, a prefecture designated cultural asset, is the largest built nationally using the Kasukabe-zukuri method. The enshrined deity is Umashimaji-no-Mikoto the first god of priesthood, fortune telling, charms and prayers. In the precincts is the main hall constructed with the Kasukabe method, tombstones, Kachi-ishi stones, Kusabi-ishi wedge shaped stones, Higashi Gosha (seven generations of gods), Sugami-jinja Shrine, and Otomi-jinja Shrine etc. There is plenty to see and do.

    日曜日の午後に車で向かう。 駐車場はそれなりに広い。 ポツポツと参拝者もいる。 ご由緒は「鶴に乗って〜」と良くわからないが、一の宮だけあって境内はキレイに整備されている。 本殿の千木を見ると、なんと縦削ぎ。 物部を冠する神社なのに。 神社の元になったであろう古墳も境内裏にあった。 他にパーソロン号の銅像、夜泣き椨や聖天さんなどの御神木、柿本神社があり見所も多い。 また大きな神社だが、ちゃんと自分の...

  • Shussaigama Pottery Co., Ltd
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    4.5
    31 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Hikawachoushussai 3368
    This is a pottery kiln established in 1947 by five young local men in Hikawa Town, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. All the processes from preparing the clay to the firing stage are carried out on the premises, and there is a huge climbing kiln and raw material storage installed at the workshop. Like rustic and beautiful wild-flowers, there are many easy and simple to use every day items are produced. There are always thousands of works in the exhibition hall and shop. There are a variety of works, including bowls in a calm blue color, called “Shussai Deep Blue”, are available for sale. Visitors can also see the inside of the workshop.

    我が家の食器で、沖縄の読谷村のやちむん、出西のお皿いっぱい普段から使っています。どれもいい感じですね。いろいろ見ていると楽しいです。出西はシールの張ってあるものがありますが(ちょっとだけむらがあったりするもの)家使いには問題ないのでよく購入しています。沖縄も出西も青色がいい感じです。

  • Roadside Station Yunokawa
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    3.5
    36 Reviews
    Transportation
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Hikawachougakutou 825-2
    This roadside station is located in Yunokawa Onsen, known as one of the three most beautiful hot springs in Japan along with Ryujin Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture and Kawanaka Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. In addition to a footbath using hot spring water from Yunokawa Onsen, there is a store selling local specialties and souvenirs, and a restaurant serving dishes using local ingredients such as shijimi (dried shijimi clam) and desai ginger.

    出雲大社から松江市への移動の際に、一息入れようと立寄りました。たまたま目に入った干し柿(西条柿)を購入しました。上品な甘さがあって、とても美味しかった。

  • Sada-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    32 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kashimachousadamiyauchi 73
    This is a shrine located in Sadamiyauchi, Kashimacho, Matsue City. It is a historical shrine that gathered faith as one of the Izumo Grand Shrines, and in the Izumonokuni Fudoki (a book of regional culture) is described as Sada Grand Shrine and Sada Mikonoyashiro. The Sada Shin Noh dance performed on 24th and 25th September at the Gozagaesai (a ritual of changing the straw mats) is also registered in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    古くは出雲国三大社の内の一つとして「佐陀大社」とも呼ばれた由緒ある古社。 大社造りの本殿が3つ並ぶ、三殿並立という全国的にも珍しい形式の社殿です。 主祭神は佐太大神(さだのおおかみ)で、『出雲国風土記』には出雲国内四大神の一つと書かれています。別名猿田彦大神とも呼ばれ、開運・招福の神として親しまれています。 境外摂社の田中神社は、「縁結び」と「縁切り」の社が背中合わせになった、全国的にも大変珍しい...

  • Matengai Cliff
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    4.5
    38 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Okigunnishinoshimachou Uragou
    This sheer 250-meter cliff is part of the Kuniga Coast in the national park on Nishinoshima Island, part of the Oki Islands. The whole area, including the Matengai Cliff, has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The precipitous faces of these rough basalt coastal cliffs worn down by the movement of the sea look as though they were cut with a knife. The area has been chosen as one of Japan's top 100 sunset viewing spots. About two kilometers of boardwalk connect the Matengai Cliff and Kuniga Beach. It's not so far, but as there is also a 250-meter difference in elevation, getting there and back takes from 60 to 90 minutes.

    Definitely need a car to access this incredible spot, or hiking for a day. But the surreal view is worth it, with the shining sea and gust of air. I felt out of Japan, out of Earth!

  • Gakuen-ji Temple
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    3.5
    48 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Besshochou 148
    According to tradition, the Gakuen-ji Temple was founded by the monk Chishun Shonin in 594. There are many legends about the famous warrior-monk Benkei associated with the Temple; Benkei is said to have studied at the Temple for three years starting from the age of 18, and to have sought refuge there after the Battle of Dan-no-Ura in 1185. During this later stay at the Gakuen-ji, Benkei is said to have carried the temple bell of the Daizen-ji Temple to the Gakuen-ji in the space of one night (covering a distance of around 100 kilometers); this bell has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

    If you get there, you will fall in love with Fall (the season). The tree leaves, the passage into the temple are extremely great, I loved it so much. Be prepared for a long interesting walk. The are...

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.

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