History / Culture / Tour Spots in Shimane Area
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Shimane
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Shimane
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- Burial Site of Emperor Gotoba
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Oki-gun Amacho Ama
- "The final resting place of Emperor Gotoba, who was exiled to Oki after the Jokyu Rebellion. A torii shrine gate stands at the cremation mound in a lush green grove. After his death in 1240 some of the remains were brought to an official mausoleum in Kyoto, but the rest of the ashes were buried at this site. It's about 50 meters from the entrance to the torii gate, but you can't get close as the area is fenced off. Locals still call it ""Gotoban-san"" and it is treated as a sacred place."
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- Ruins of Kuroki Palace
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Oki-gun Nishinoshima Cho Beppu
- The site of the temporary Imperial lodging at the top of Mt. Tenno overlooking Beppu Port. It is said Emperor Godaigo spent more than a year there after being exiled in 1333 before escaping. At the trailhead for Mt. Tenno, Hekifu-kan is a museum with items related to the Emperor and documents and pictures pertaining to the site. It's most often visited along with the site of the Imperial Palace. It's about five minutes by car from Beppu Port. A small hill has a stele recalling the Emperor's dark days.
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- Hekifu-kan Museum
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Oki-gun Nishinoshima Cho Beppu 275
- A museum located about a five-minute drive from Beppu Port. At the entrance of Kuroki Imperial Palace where Emperor Godaigo stayed after being exiled to Oki, it exhibits documents and paintings related to the Emperor. It is most often visited before heading to the Imperial Palace, and the caretaker will carefully explain the background of Emperor Godaigo and the Ruins of Kuroki Imperial Palace. It'll help you picture the life he lived in the year-plus he spent there, as well as the tension he must have felt when escaping.
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- Kodai Tetsu Kayokan
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Unnan-shi Daitocho Nakayuishi 84
- A cultural facility located a ten-minute drive from Izumo Daito Station. It has a theater holding performances like kagura ritual song and dance and mythological re-enactments, as well as a museum with exhibits related to these performing arts. The second-floor exhibition area with about 100 different kagura masks is remarkable. The facility showcases the changing culture of iron production and mythology of the region cultivated throughout history and immortalized in song. In recent years, it has also acted as a base for local cultural activities, hosting private exhibits and the work of various cultural clubs.
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- Taikian
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Masuda-shi Otoyoshicho I1149
- A cottage about ten minutes by car from Masuda Station. It's at the site of Tokoji Temple, where Sesshu, a Muromachi period ink painter, spent his later years. His grave is at the site, too. It is said that the location was chosen because the Masuda region was relatively peaceful and because the view looking out across the Yoshida Plain to the Sea of Japan resembled parts of China. A spring on the grounds is said to be the same one he used for his inkstone and making tea. This refined and dignified man is still beloved by many to this day.
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- Yasaka-jinja Shrine
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Kanoashi-gun Tsuwanocho Ushiroda 67
- A shrine that is famous for holding the Heron Dance, an ancient ritual and performing art that's a hallmark of the prefecture. Originally the shrine was on top of Mt. Taikodani under the name of Takimoto Gionsha, but it was moved to its current location in 1428 to help protect the castle from evil influences. The Heron Dance is held annually on July 20th and July 27th. It is said that its roots lie in the Heron Dance of the Kyoto Gion Festival held in 1542 to protect against the plague. The lyrics sung during the ceremony are comedic and involve a tea peddler; extremely important for understanding changes in the performing arts, it's been designated a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
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- Tago Karo Gate
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Kanoashi-gun Tsuwano
- Residencial gates on Tsuwano Tonomachi-dori Street, where the Tsuwano domain's chief retainer's residences once stood. There are three chief retainers' gates on the street, belonging to the Maki family, the Ooka family, and the Tago family who served the Kamei clan, Tsuwano feudal lords for 11 generations. The dignified appearance gives an idea of the prosperity of the past. Four meters wide and 26 meters deep, they are flanked by watch structures and checkpoints. It's a symbolic Tsuwano spot where you can see the namako walls surrounded the area and carp swimming in the nearby waterways.
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- Tsuwano Kyodo-kan Museum
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Kanoashi-gun Tsuwanocho Mori Mura Ro 127
- A cultural facility established in 1921 at a time when it was the only local history museum in the prefecture. It houses and exhibits a wealth of historical materials ranging from the ancient Jomon period to the present. Originally it was in the Hanko Yorokan's book storehouse but moved to its current location in 1940 as part of a project marking the legendary founding of Japan. The museum houses the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region, including items related to Tsuwano Castle, which was occupied in turn by the Yoshimi, Sakazaki, and Kamei clans. It has displays lots of items worth seeing like materials on Hanko Yorokan, the Tsuwano domain school responsible for training, and a 400-year-old breech-loading swivel cannon, one of only nine remaining in Japan.
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- Takasago Sake Brewery Museum, Zaima Sakaba
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Kanoashi-gun Tsuwanocho Nakaza Ro 34
- A museum adjacent to the Zaima Sakaba brewery founded in 1791. Located in Tsuwano, also known as San'in's Little Kyoto, it displays sake making tools and equipment dating from the Edo to the early Showa periods. These include a cauldron for steaming sake rice and a stone trough for pressing the sake from its mash. With its water ways stretching throughout the town, Tsuwano has had abundant pure water resources since the days of old. The museum presents a sake flavor and tradition that has been kept alive for more than 200 years to the present day. It's about eight minutes by car from Tsuwano Station. Look for the large ball of cedar twigs hanging from the eaves.
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- Stars and Forest Science Museum
- Leisure / Hobbies
- Shimane Kanoashi-gun Tsuwanocho Makurase 806-1
- A science museum located at Mt. Makurase, and one of Japan's best spots for watching the night sky. On the same site as the Nichihara Astronomical Observatory, it has displays on space and the Earth's environment. Completed in 1994, the facility disseminates information about the global environment, with a focus on forests and astronomy. Easily understandable commentary is provided through videos and three-dimensional exhibits. The Nichihara Astronomical Observatory is adjacent; it has one of the largest apertures among astronomical telescopes open to the public in Japan. Tsuwano residents can use it free of charge.
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- Imaichi Dainenji Kofun
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Izumo-shi Imaichicho Taka no Sawa 1696
- Built approximately 1,500 years ago, this is the largest keyhole-shaped mound in the prefecture. It's about 92 meters long; judging from the artifacts unearthed when the stone chamber was discovered, it was the tomb of a powerful western Izumo ruler. Many royal tombs are concentrated in this area between Hii and Kando rivers. In the rear circular portion of the mound is a 12.8-meter long and 3.3-meter high stone tunnel grave. It has two house-shaped sarcophagi, one large and one small. At an estimated weight of 10 tons, the sarcophagus to the rear is among the largest in Japan.
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- Izumo Okuni no Haka
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Izumo-shi Taishacho Kizukikita 2529
- A graveyard on the way from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine to Inasa Beach. At the top of the stone stairs from the parking lot on National Route 431, you'll find the tomb of a shrine maiden named Okuni; associated with Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, she is said to be the originator of today's Kabuki performance art. The simple stone grave is a reminder of Okuni's later years which were spent as a Buddhist nun chanting scripture and reciting poetry. It is said that the dance that was performed throughout the nation to support the repair of Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine during the Azuchi-Momoyama period became the basis of today's Kabuki. Still today performers and others with ties to the art visit to pray for successful performances.
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- Nishidani Burial Mound Park, Izumo Yayoinomori Museum
- Leisure / Hobbies
- Shimane Izumo-shi Otsucho 2760
- A group of tombs about ten minutes by car from JR Izumoshi Station. Created between the Yayoi and Kofun periods, the Nishidani Burial Mounds are now administered as a park. There is a great concentration of tombs in the area between Hii and Kando rivers. The rectangular burial mounds with four outward protruding corners are said to be the largest in Japan and are known nationally for being the tombs of ancient Izumo's elite. The slopes of all six mounds are covered with stones and they are surrounded by stone paving and rows of rocks. The inside of the No. 2 Tomb where glass bracelets and funerary pottery have been unearthed can be viewed anytime except during the New Year's holiday.
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- Izumo Tamatsukuri Museum
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Matsue-shi Tamayucho Tamatsukuri 99-3
- This is the central facility of Izumo Tamatsukuri Historic Park, where many workshops for making magatama and tube beads have been excavated throughout a vast site of about 2.8 hectares. It is the only museum in Japan that introduces the art and history of ancient bead-making. There is a permanent exhibition on ancient Izumo bead-making, displays on modern Izumo agate work, as well as of tools and products with agate work that was done until the Taisho (1912-1926) and Showa (1926-1989) periods. There is also an exhibition of Fujina ware, which has been popular in this area since the middle of the Edo period, and you can see the warm yellow glaze of the works.
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- Tawayama Ruins Park
- Leisure / Hobbies
- Shimane Matsue-shi Noshiracho 32-3
- "This historic landmark park is adjacent to Matsue City Hospital. The wide-open space houses recreated dugout shelters and pit-dwellings. Archaeologists discovered the remains of over 20 shelters in this area, called ""Matsue's Navel."" A triple-trench goes around the peak of the hill, and in the center, there are raised-floor houses with nine pillars. The other buildings lined up around the outside of the dried moat have a very unusual design, and create a unique sight for Japan. Experts believe they date back to the early- to middle late-Yayoi period. There are well-maintained trails along the ruins, and you can easily climb to the peak for a view of Lake Shinji and Matsue city."
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- Karakoro Daikoku
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Matsue-shi Suetsuguhonmachi
- This statue of Karakoro Daikoku is found on Matsue's Kyomise shopping street. This Daikokuten, standing on the south side of Karakoro Plaza, is believed to be blended on the divinity Okuninushi no Kami, who is enshrined at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. This Daikokuten, with his gentle smile, is the guardian of the shopping area. Locals speak that if they pray after clapping before this statue, it can bring cheer. It's also known as a symbol of strong bonds, and many couples choose to have their wedding ceremonies here. There are love and luck fortune stands set up in front of Lord Daikoku, the Koimikuji for love, and Kaiunmikuji for good luck.
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- Tatsunogozen-jinja Shrine
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Oda-shi Yunotsucho Yunotsu Ro 156
- This shrine looks down on the onsen town from the rocky mountain. Stories say it was transferred to this area some 400 years in the past, during the reign of Emperor Gonara. Yunotsu was once a prosperous outport town where silver was mined from Iwami Ginzan silver mine. This shrine gathered those revering the guardian deities who watched over the Kitamaebune cargo ships that docked at Yunotsu port. Behind the shrine is a massive boulder that resembles the open jaws of a great dragon. Long ago, the boulder itself was believed to be the incarnation of a descended deity, making this place sacred. The Yokagura sacred dance, which is believed to be the original ritual kagura that became Iwami Kagura, is a solemn and majestic traditional performing art of the Iwami area.
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- Shogen-ji Temple
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Oda-shi Omoricho I430-1
- This is a Jodo-shu sect temple that's head temple is Chion-in Temple in Kyoto. After climbing the stone stairs, you'll find a Sanmon main gate in the Romon tower gate architectural style, the graves of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine magistrates, and a Buddhist mortuary tablet for the Tokugawa clan. This temple is said to date back to 1601, and was built by the first magistrate of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, Okubo Nagayasu, and second magistrate Takemura Michikiyo as principal supporters. Later, the Toshogu Shrine was built on the back mountain to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, and it now holds the Buddhist mortuary tablets of 11 generations of Tokugawa clan leaders, from Ieyasu to Ienari. The graves of the magistrates, starting with Takemura, and the wooden Amitabha Buddha (Amida Nyorai) standing statue are prefectural Cultural Properties.
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- Okubo Iwami no Kami Grave
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Oda-shi Omoricho Ginzan Chiku-ku
- This is the gravesite of Okubo Nagayasu, the first magistrate of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. The grave, built in 1613, lies at the end of a 10-minute walk through bamboo forest along the Ginzan river, starting at the old Omori magistrate office. Nagayasu took up his post here in 1601, and was tasked with surveying the silver mine territory, as well as building roads and the town. As such, he was integral in building the mine shafts, or mabu, that led to huge increases in silver productivity here. The Okubo Mabu shaft was named after him is the largest shaft in the mine. In 1794, his successes were recognized with a monument and five-tiered gravestone, but these were lost along with Daian-ji temple, the family temple.
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- Iwami Kokubunji Temple Ruins
- Travel / Tourism
- Shimane Hamada Kokubucho 1527
- This is one of the provincial monasteries and provincial nunneries built all over Japan by decree of the Emperor Shomu in the Nara period. Part of the remains was excavated as part of a past survey, and now experts believe that a roughly eight meters square tower built over the podium, about 12 meters from the nature-shrouded brick area. It is now part of the grounds of Jodoshinshu Konzoji temple, and only part of the tower and foundation stones remain, so the original figure is unclear. The excavated roof tiles and pots demonstrate that this area was once the center of the Iwami state, as the location of the domain's government.
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.
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