History / Culture / Tour Spots in Shimane Area

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Shimane
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Category

Travel / Tourism

History / Culture / Tour

Izumo Science Center

4.0

11 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Imaichichou 1900-2

This interactive science center is located in Izumo city, Shimane prefecture. You can enjoy learning science from a variety of perspectives thanks to the extensively diverse facilities—science hall with large screens, infrared cameras and digital stereo microscope, digital planetarium, and an interactive display plaza where you can touch the mysteries of science directly. Events like open experiments and interactive classes are held periodically.

出雲市駅から歩いてすぐな場所に位置している君と笑顔の化学反応が発生している博物館です。小学校などなら研修にもおすすめです。
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。
Fumonin Temple

3.5

11 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Kitatamachi 27

Located in Kitata Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Fumonin Temple was a shrine founded at the time the first lord of the Matsue Domain, Horio Yoshiharu, built Matsue Castle. In 1689, the third lord, Matsudaira Tsunachika, moved the temple to its current place at the site of Matsue Castle’s northeast gate, or demon’s gate. Highlight of the temple is the Sansai Hosokowa-style teahouse, Kangetsuan, often visited by the seventh lord, Matsudaira Fumai (Harusato), and also where the Meiji period Japanese researcher, Koizumi Yakumo (Lafcadio Hearn) first studied the tea ceremony. There is a large window on the eastern side where visitors can see the moon and the garden. Also famous is the Adzukitogi Bridge which appears in Koizumi Yakumo’s book, Kwaidan.

庭園と茶室が見どころの、閑静なお寺です。松江城や武家屋敷から少し東に行った所にあります。近いので一緒に見学がおすすめです。
Oki Nature Museum

4.0

9 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Oki-gun Okinoshimacho Nakamachi Oki Port Plaza 2F

A nature museum located across from Saigo Port, the gateway to Oki Island. On the second floor of Oki Port Plaza, visitors learn about the ecosystem and natural characteristics of Daisen-Oki National Park. The exhibits include animals, plants, insects, birds, and other fauna native to Oki, making it easy to get in touch with the nature of the island. Located in the Sea of Japan, the island was connected to the San'in mainland until about 20,000 years ago. Over time that transition created a unique ecosystem and geological features that have led to its designation as part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Original Nature Museum merchandise from their first floor gift shop makes ideal Oki souvenirs.

隠岐の動植物、鳥、魚、虫、花、石などの展示が豊富です。空いていればスタッフの方がつきっきりで説明してくれます。観光に出る前に立ち寄って理解を深めましょう。入館料は300円。
Tsuwano Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Kanoashiguntsuwanochou Ushiroda

Tsuwano Castle is also known by another name, “Sanbonmatsu-jo.” During the Mongol invasions of Japan the defense of western provinces was ordered, and Yoshimi Yoriyuki, who was appointed as the feudal lord of the western Iwami Yoshika area, began construction of the fortifications in 1295, and the fortress was completed after 30 years. The castle is a representative mountain castle made by removing soil from the mountain top and creating artificial trenches around the mountain peak, and is one of only a very few castles in which the Middle Age and Modern Age construction specifications are unified. The castle ruins were designated as a National Historic Site in 1942. Visitors can use a sightseeing chair lift to access the honmaru and demaru. The site offers a sweeping view of the town of Tsuwano and the gently flowing Tsuwano River.
Izumo Folk Crafts Museum

4.5

6 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Chimiyachou 628

The Izumo Folk Craft Museum, opened in 1974, is housed within a renovated part of the traditional farmhouse of the Yamamoto family who are known to have been the wealthiest farmers in Izumo. The museum has on display a collection of pieces from all over the country with a particular focus on Shimane Prefecture which includes ceramics and lacquer ware used in people’s everyday lives, wooden items, textiles, dyed objects and metal works, etc. The Nagayamon Gate, built in the Edo period, was erected by the same master builder who constructed the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. The main building is currently used as a residence and the rice granary and timber store, now display rooms, are of high historical value. The nearest station is Nishi-Izumo Station.

河井寛次郎好きな方にはお勧めですが、私はまだ染物の方が興味を惹かれました。これという目玉がありません。おじいさんが一人でチケット販売と土産販売をしていました。
Archeological Museum of Kojindani

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。
Sesshu Memorial Museum

3.5

7 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Masudashi Otoyoshichou A) 1149

"Located around 50 minutes' drive from the Hamada Interchange of the Chugoku Expressway, Sesshu Memorial Museum has on display works by the famous Muromachi period (1336-1573) painter and Buddhist monk Sesshu, as well as photographs and folding screens depicting places associated with Sesshu, and displays on the history of Masuda City, where Sesshu is said to have died. The museum is adjacent to Daikian Temple, where Sesshu is said to be buried. From the museum lobby, which is modeled on Tiantong Temple in China, visitors can look out over a garden designed as a Karesansui (traditional Japanese rock garden), based on an image created by Sesshu in his ""Kachozu Byobu"" (""Painting of Flowers and Birds on a Folding Screen""), and enjoy the seasonal vistas created by pines trees, bamboo and cherry trees. The vicinity of the museum has been arranged to resemble one of Sesshu's own landscape paintings, creating a place where visitors can relax while pondering on Sesshu's artistic achievements."

雪舟のゆかりの地域の写真や屏風絵を多く展示しています。また、ウォーキングコースもあります。自然に囲まれています。
Gassan Toda Castle Ruins

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Yasugishi Hirosechoumachichou 752 (Yasugi City History Museum)

The historic castle of the Amago clan, considered impregnable due to its size, was said to be one of the strongholds of the Warring States Period. In 2006 is was selected as one of the top 100 Castles in Japan. It is also famous as the castle where warlord Yamanaka Shikanosuke came from. There are also statues of Amago Tsunehisa and Shikanosuke in the grounds and it is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
Yasugi City KANO MUSEUM OF ART

4.0

6 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Yasugi-shi Hirosecho Fube 345-27

A 30-minute drive from Yasugi Station, this art museum is located on a pristine river with beautiful flowers and lovely scenery. It was established in 1996 by the late Kano Hiroki for the advancement of his hometown, to help it become a base for lifelong learning and cultural activities. It showcases the Bizen ware pottery of five Living National Treasures. . Baked without glaze, the simple pottery style fuses fire and earth. It's said to be the oldest style from among the country's Six Ancient Kilns (Seto, Tokoname, Tanba, Echizen, Shigaraki, Bizen). There are also displays of Bizen ware which have been designated National Prefectural Important Intangible Cultural Properties as well as paintings by recipients of The Order of Culture.

通りすがり、看板に書かれた「日本一の備前焼コレクション」にひかれて寄りました。ところが、ほぼほぼ加納・・という地元の画家の絵が展示されているだけでした。備前焼きは一部屋で加納さんの絵画は三部屋で展示されていました。
Emperor Gotoba Museum

3.5

7 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Oki-gun Amacho Ama

A museum opposite Oki-jinja Shrine, which honors Emperor Gotoba. In a modern Japanese-Western-style building near old pine trees, it mainly has displays related to him. Emperor Gotoba is said to have lived in Ama Town after being exiled to Oki. The museum, the shrine, and the Emperor's burial site are all close together, so many people visit all three. Texts said to have been written when he was afflicted by disease and a long sword that's been designated a prefectural Cultural Property are on display.

隠岐神社の鳥居前にある資料館。隠岐神社まで行ったなら手軽に立ち寄れるが、それ以外であればわざわざ行く価値があるかどうかはかなり微妙。内部は思った程広くなく、正直値段を考えればコスパはギリギリに近いところ。
Monument & Museum Kimachi Stone

4.0

6 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Matsue-shi Shinjicho Higashikimachi 1574-1

"This museum makes use of the former site of a quarry for the precious tuffaceous sandstone ""Kimachi stone,"" which is produced only in the area around the Kimachi area of Shinji-cho. It introduces the history and culture of Kimachi stones, the raw material of the traditional craft ""Izumo stone lanterns."" After passing through a 65-meter-long tunnel made of Kimachi stone, the quarry is where stone was actually excavated by hand. High quality stone was historically used for the stone coffins of the Kofun period (250-538), and in the Edo period (1603-1868), it is said to have been considered so important that it was forbidden to take it outside the domain without permission. It holds a variety of events, including demonstrations by the Kimachi Stone Lantern Cooperative and hands-on experiences making Kimachi stone carvings, making it possible for Kimachi stone is become more familiar to visitors."

JRの来待駅からは少し歩きます。来待石の総合案内所及び来待石の博物館と言ったしせつです。焼き物体験ができました。
Unshu Soroban Abacus Traditional Manufacturing Gallery

4.0

5 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Nita-gun Okuizumocho Yokota 992-2

The Yokota District of Okuizumo is considered the birthplace of the Japanese abacus, or soroban. Called Unshu Soroban, their production was designated a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) in 1987. This facility, located next to JR Izumo-Yokota Station, introduces the history, traditional techniques, tools and processes of their manufacture. There are displays of famous examples from ancient days to modern times, as well as soroban made all over Japan, so that anyone who wants can come and experience this important history and traditional themselves. The building exterior has a unique design based on a soroban bead, as well.

出雲横田駅のすぐ横です。松本清張の「砂の器」にも出てくる雲集そろばんの歴史を語ってくれる施設・。そろばんを製作する工程や工具、さらに世界のそろばんのコレクションなど内容豊富です。電卓パソコン全盛の現代ですが、ここへ来るとそろばんも風情があっていいなと思いました。
Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun

4.0

5 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Matsue-shi Yamashirocho 470-1

"Measuring 94 meters long, it is the largest rectangular-shaped kofun ancient tomb in the prefecture. Part of it was removed when a former Army infantry was set up, but it is now been restored. It is famous for being the first tomb to be called a ""rectangular-shaped kofun"" in Japan in 1925. The two-level tomb is surrounded by a moat and dike. There is an observation room in the rear where you can see the real embankment, and you can see that a high level of skill was used to make the tomb. It is thought that the burial chief of the eastern part of Izumo is buried in the tomb because cylindrical haniwa clay images and Sue pottery were excavated from the foot of the mound and the surrounding moat."

山代二子塚古墳のガイダンス施設ですので、見学をする観光地としても人気があります。石室の実物大模型があったり、古墳に関する解説パネルが設置されてますので、学校などの子供の教育の観光地としても有名です。入場料が無料となってますし、大型のバスが止められる駐車場もあります。古代の見物を実際に見ることが出来るので、とても勉強になります。
Tezen Museum

4.0

5 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukidukinishi 2450-1

The Tezen Museum is an art museum located in a converted rice storehouse (dating from the Edo period) and sake storehouse. The Museum has displays of Rakuzan-ware ceramics and Fujina-ware ceramics associated with Matsudaira Harusato, the seventh lord of the Matsue domain and commonly called Fumaiko, as well as lacquer ware featuring the work of several generations of the Kojima family of lacquer-painters, several hundred examples of Izumo region handicrafts, Edo period hanging scrolls and folding screens, and other precious historical materials such as ancient documents, etc.

こちらは2022年から手錢美術館と改称されています。静かな通りに、かつての酒造家のきれいな蔵造りの建物が美しい。中には、不昧公によって育てられた、楽山焼、布志名焼、歴代小島漆壺斎、小林如泥、そして難読で作品数も少ない伝説的な勝軍木庵（ぬるであん）。質の高いコレクションですし、人は少なくゆっくり拝見できます。参道の賑わいに疲れたら、こちらもお勧めしたいです。
Morijuku Art Museum

3.5

5 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Kanoashiguntsuwanochou Morimura A) 542

This is an art museum located a 15-minute walk from JR Yamaguchi Line's Tsuwano Station, impressive for its building reconstructed and remodeled from a residence of the Tsuwano domain's principal village headman. The thick beams and central pillar of the interior remind one of a traditional Japanese house, with the masterworks of Tsuwano-born western-style artist Sho Nakao and his wife Maya Yoshiura on display. In addition, Spanish court painter Goya's valuable copperplate engravings from his “matador” series are also on display. On the second floor one can see “pinhole photography” at work, the image of the garden appearing to be reversed when viewed through a hole in a sliding storm shutter.

庄屋屋敷を修復した美術館です。絵画の他に刺繍なども展示してました。とにかく庄屋屋敷というだけあって、庭園も含めて外観が素晴らしい。すぐ隣に庄屋屋敷もあります。白壁が美しいので、これも見て下さい。
Takatsu Kakinomoto Shrine

4.5

4 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Masudashi Takatsuchou I 2612-1

"A Shinto shrine a 10-minute drive from Masuda Station on the JR San-in Main Line. Dedicated to Kakinomoto-no-Hitomaro, a poet whose works appear in the ancient ""Manyoshu"" poetry anthology, this shrine is seen as the head shrine of all Kakinomoto shrines nationwide. Believed to grant worshippers safe childbirth and aid in scholarly endeavors, it is said many people also come here to pray for fulfillment in love due to the many love poems Kakinomoto-no-Hitomaro wrote. Beyond the shrine's stone steps, visitors are greeted by the neat and tidy main shrine building, which is built in a modified version of the traditional Kasuga-zukuri style. The main shrine building is built facing Tsuwano to make it easier to pray to the shrine when coming from that town. During the annual Hassaku Festival held on September 1st, the grounds bustle with people come to watch the horseback archery event."

実は人麻呂さんは奈良の人と勝手に思っていたのでびっくりしました。立派な社殿が有り奥まったところに檜皮葺の屋根が見えたのですが近くに行く事が出来ない様になっていました。残念でした。
Meteor Plaza

3.5

5 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Matsue-shi Mihonosekicho

This complex is located on Shimane prefecture's Shichirui port. It includes the Oki Kisen Ferry Terminal, an event hall, a restaurant and a day use bathing facility. The near-future design was based on the Mihonoseki meteor, which fell to earth in 1992. The Meteor Museum on the 4th floor displays the meteor itself, which is an estimated 4.6 billion years old. There are picture panels and models of the meteor strike site, and actual damaged roof panels and carpet from the event are on display as well, to offer an up-close taste of the impact itself. It's a popular destination for visitors from all over the country as a key spot in Mihonoseki town.

隠岐へ渡航するフェリーや客船の乗り場、松江からは車で45分程度掛かりました。新しくて綺麗な施設です、ユニークな外観が目を引きます。
Unjuji Temple

3.5

5 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Yasugi-shi Kiyoicho 281

A Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple that is counted among of the oldest Zen temples in the Izumo region. It was founded in 1322 by the priest Koho Kakumyo who had earned the trust of Emperor Godaigo and Emperor Gomurakami. The precious large shikyakumon four-pillared gate at the end of the pine tree lined approach dates from the 1300s and escaped fires, helping it survive to the present day. The precincts are also home to one of the prefecture's few Korean bells. The temple is also a popular spot for viewing azaleas; the site of hundreds of them blooming together is superb.

清水寺に行く途中で立ち寄りました。駐車場がやや貧弱でしたが、手書きの案内に従って進むと素晴らしい楼門や庭園がありました。本堂も予想以上に立派でした。中国観音霊場なので観音様の像もありました。社務所で御朱印をいただくことができました。
Hanzake Nature Museum of Mizuho

3.5

4 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Shimane Pref. Ochigunonanchou Kamikamedani 475

"This Japanese giant salamander museum is located an approximately 20-minute drive from the Oasa Interchange on the Hamada Expressway. It is also called ""hanzake"" in Shimane Prefecture and more commonly ""living fossils,"" the museum has a Japanese giant salamander breeding exhibit. Besides the large water tank where they are bred that is about five meters wide and reproduces the river in Onan-cho, there is a corner there you can learn about the behavior of the giant salamander by experiencing their smell and other things. In addition, it is also a facility where you can learn about the rich nature of Onan-cho. In addition, they also sell cute souvenirs of Japanese giant salamander figurines."

島根県ではオオサンショウウオのことを「ハンザケ」と呼んでいるそうです。今年9月に生まれたばかりの赤ちゃんから、30年前に動物園から譲り受けたお父さんまで、「3千万年前の化石と今の姿がほとんど変わっていない世界最大の両生類」を見ることができました。

Shimane

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

Travel / Tourism History / Culture / Tour

Reference/Local/Exhibition/Literature Museum Shrine Castle / Ruins of Castle Historical Monument Temple Church Ruin / Grave / Ancient Tomb Memorial Hall Cultural Property Event Hall / Public Hall Art Museum Museum / Science Museum Other Historic Site/Building

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.