Recommed Tourist Information of Shimane

Tourist Areas in Shimane See more

In Matsue, there are many historical spots such as Tamatsukuri Onsen, one of the best hot springs in Sanin, and the Yae-gaki Shrine, a shrine for matchmaking that originated from Japanese mythology. The ruins of Matsue Castle are designated as a national historic site, and the castle tower is a national treasure. It is said that Matsue Castle is the only one that retains the legitimate form of the castle tower that has been passed down from Oda Nobunaga's Azuchi Castle to Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Osaka Castle among the 12 surviving castle towers in Japan. It is a famous spot where many tourists visit to see the only legitimate castle tower in the country designated as a national treasure.

Izumo, Iwami Ginzan

島根県

4.5

Visit Japan's largest silver mine, Iwami Ginzan, which was once known overseas as one of the world's two largest silver mines. It is the largest silver mine in Japan, and as it was left untouched after being closed during the Taisho era, all the production facilities and residential remains are in good condition. Be sure to check it out. Izumo, famous for the King of Matchmaking, Izumo Taisha, is known as the land of the gods. It is blessed with abundant historical and cultural heritage such as Izumo Taisha and the Nishitani Tomb Group, forming ancient history and culture. It is a famous tourist spot for attracting various good relationships, so if you really want to attract good relationships, why not visit the "Musubi no Kami-sama" at Izumo Taisha?

Tsuwano, Masuda, Hamada

島根県

4.3

Tsuwano is a beautiful town known as the "Little Kyoto of San'in," with many attractions such as the magnificent "Taikodani Inari Shrine," which consists of a tunnel of a thousand torii gates, and the charming streetscape of "Tonomachi-dori," with its cobblestone streets and old buildings. Tsuwano Station is also the terminal station for the SL train, attracting many tourists. The natural scenery of Hamada is loved by locals and offers a quiet beauty that touches the heart, with scenes that evoke a sense of nostalgia for one's hometown.

Oki, recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark, has a very long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Jomon period, including the discovery of stone tools and pottery. The most popular tourist spot, "Rosoku Island," features huge rock formations that look like giant candles when they overlap with the sunset, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. From stunning natural scenery to food, culture, and people, Oki is a dream island full of charm.

Popular Spots in Shimane Prefecture See more

Shimane Prefecture is a beautiful tourist destination where nature and history blend seamlessly. There are power spots such as the mysterious "Candle Island," the "Tatamigami Waterfall," and the "Tamawakasu Mikoto Shrine," which boasts a powerful horse entrance. Additionally, you can feel the history at the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, making it a must-visit spot. Don't miss out on the special time you'll spend here - it's unforgettable! もっとみる

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Izumo Taisha

島根県

When it comes to power spots in Shimane Prefecture, Izumo Taisha is often mentioned. The enshrined deity is Okuninushi no Okami, and it is said to have benefits for matchmaking. It is a historic shrine that is even recorded in the "Kojiki". Please come and feel the power that you can sense just by visiting!

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Taki-dan-gyō

島根県

These are two waterfalls that flow from a height of 40 meters. You can feel plenty of negative ions from the mist-like water droplets that fall. Taki-dan-gyō is a rare waterfall that can also be viewed from the back. There is also a Taki-dan-gyō Shrine between the two waterfalls. Please experience the mysterious world as if the gods are protecting this waterfall.

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Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine

島根県

This is a shrine designated as a national cultural asset, where Tamawakasu-mikoto is enshrined as the deity. You can feel the power emanating from the giant "Yao-sugi" tree, which is over a thousand years old and towers over the shrine grounds. The horse entering ceremony held during the festival is impressive and a must-see at the Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Site

This is the beach that appears in the myth of the transfer and drawing of the country. On the 10th of October in the old calendar, all the eight million gods from across the country are welcomed at Inasa no Hama. There is a small island called Bentenjima standing alone on the beach, where Toyotama-hime, the god of the sea, is enshrined. It is popular to take pictures together with the sunset.

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Rokuso Island

島根県

This is a long, narrow island that towers about 20 meters above the sea. The sight of the sunset overlapping with the tip of the island is like lighting a candle. This view, which can only be seen from a boat on a clear day, is both romantic and miraculous. It is also recommended for spending special time with your loved one!

Spots with Historical Buildings

Shimane Prefecture is a land where myths and legends thrive, full of charm such as the red shrine buildings of Nomi Cape Shrine and the view from the keep of Matsue Castle, as well as the popular fortune-telling at Yaegaki Shrine. Additionally, don't miss the musical instrument dedications at Miho Shrine. It is recommended as a travel destination where you can feel both nature and history. もっとみる

Yaegaki Shrine was named after a song of joy sung by Susanoo-no-Mikoto when he married his wife. It is said to have benefits such as matchmaking, marital harmony, and safe childbirth. The "En-mikuji" fortune-telling, where a piece of hardened washi paper is placed and sunk in the Mirror Pond on the shrine grounds, is popular among young women.

This is a castle designated as a national treasure and one of the 12 castles with a tower in Japan. The interior of the castle was designed so that the stairs could be removed to defend against attacks from enemies. The view from the top floor of the tower is a must-see as it offers a 360-degree panoramic view.

This is a shrine that is said to have the power to ward off evil and bring good luck in relationships. While Ise Jingu is said to "protect the daytime of Japan," Hinomisaki Shrine is said to "protect the nighttime of Japan." It has been designated as an important cultural property of the country, and you can feel the power of the shrine in its vivid red buildings.

Taikodani Inari Shrine

Enjoying Nature Spots

Shimane Prefecture has an abundance of spots where you can enjoy nature. Experience the dramatic ocean view of the Oki Kokai Coast, take a sunset cruise on Lake Shinji, and enjoy fossil hunting at Ishimi Tatagaura, which dates back approximately 16 million years. You can also indulge in local cuisine that utilizes beautiful and historic local ingredients, making it possible to refresh both your mind and body! もっとみる

It is a scenic spot designated as a natural monument of the country, where you can see strata from about 16 million years ago. You can find many fossilized shells and whale fossils in this area. Fossils in the shape of a heart called "Happy Shell" are scattered around, and it is said that you will be happy if you find three of them, so please try to find them.

Shirashima Observatory

島根県

Recommended Spots in Spring

In spring, Shimane Prefecture offers a special time spent with nature, including the Shimane Aquarium Aquas, where you can see over 400 species of marine life, the powerful snake rock of Karan Oni, which resembles a giant snake, and the beautiful Hittotou Island. Enjoy the scenery that can only be felt during this season, with lush greenery and colorful flowers. もっとみる

Located on the Kamate coast, it is a series of coastal formations that stretch for about 300 meters. It was named after its resemblance to a giant snake lying down. Tone no Heiwa has been designated as a natural monument by the government, and you can feel the wonder of nature here. The rare rock formations that can only be seen here are something you definitely want to see.

This is an island floating off the coast that is about 21m high. It is named after a legend that says that the painter of the Heian period, Kose Kinoka, tried to draw this island, but the beauty of the island changed from morning to evening and he couldn't finish it, so he threw away his brush. Please experience the beauty of the island that changes every moment from morning to evening, as if you want to throw away your brush.

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Shimane Aquarium Aquas

Recommended Summer Spots

In Shimane Prefecture during the summer, it is recommended to cool off at the Kamura Coast, where a beautiful coastline stretches out. Additionally, you can enjoy a picnic while feeling the refreshing breeze at Atagoyama Park. And, why not have a cultural experience at the Hirose Kasuri Center, where you can touch traditional crafts, or at the Kazenoko Gakushukan? Spend a wonderful summer in Shimane Prefecture, where nature and culture blend together. もっとみる

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Kaze no Ko Gakushukan

Hot Springs in Shimane Prefecture See more

Shimane Prefecture's hot springs are diverse and attractive, including Tamatsukuri Onsen, which is excellent for beautiful skin, and the historic Yunotsu Onsen. Rare springs and hidden hot springs that bubble up from the ground are scattered throughout, providing healing for both body and mind. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy it along with sightseeing! もっとみる

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Matsue Shinji Lake Onsen

島根県

One of the "Three Old Capitals" along with Kyoto and Kanazawa, this onsen (hot spring) is located in Matsue. The spring water is a combination of chloride and sulfate, which warms the body from the core and prevents the body from cooling down quickly. It is also effective for beautiful skin. After enjoying the local cuisine of freshwater fish caught in Lake Shinji, take a dip in the onsen to refresh and rejuvenate!

This hot spring is located at the World Heritage Site "Iwami Ginzan," which has a history of about 1,300 years. It is said to be effective for various ailments such as neuralgia, arthritis, and muscle pain, with a total of 20 different effects that can cure all kinds of illnesses. After touring the Iwami Ginzan and nostalgic hot spring town, let's relax and heal our tiredness in the hot spring!

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Arifuku Onsen

島根県

This onsen is located in the San'in region with a history of about 1350 years. The water is clear and colorless with a smooth texture, and is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and for beautiful skin. After trying the famous Zen Tarou mochi, take a stroll around the hot spring town and then relax and heal your tiredness in the hot spring!

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Tamatsukuri Onsen

島根県

This hot spring is one of Japan's oldest, and was praised by Sei Shonagon in her famous work "The Pillow Book." Known for its beautifying properties, this hot spring is rich in moisturizing ingredients that can increase skin moisture levels by up to 165%. It is particularly recommended for women.

Popular Hotels in Shimane Prefecture See more

Shimane Prefecture offers a variety of accommodations, from traditional Japanese-style inns steeped in history and tradition to highland hotels where you can fully enjoy the great outdoors. At "Tsukiyo no Usagi" near Izumo Taisha Shrine, you can enjoy a seafood buffet and natural hot springs. Additionally, you can experience the hospitality of Japanese inns that have been around for over 130 years at "Tamatsukuri Onsen Kasuien Minami" and "Hoseikan." At "Sanbe Onsen Sahime no Yu," you can soak in an open-air bath while gazing at the starry sky and sea of clouds. もっとみる

Shiki no yado SAHIMENO

Hotels Enjoyable for Families with Children

Accommodations in Shimane Prefecture are full of features that make it easy for families with children to enjoy themselves. At "Masuya Ryokan" near Izumo Taisha Shrine, you can enjoy local ingredients while feeling a sacred atmosphere. At "Kokumin Shukusha Senjyoen," you can also experience glamping with fresh seafood. Additionally, at "Hotel Tamakawa," there is a limited-time offer for a great drink service, so the whole family can enjoy themselves. もっとみる

Onsen Guest House Aobato no Su

Kokuminsyukusya Senjoen

shimane

3

¥7,535~/person

Yukeikohan Suitenkaku

Matsue New Urban Hotel

shimane

2.5

¥6,122~/person

Hotels Famous for Hot Springs

In Shimane Prefecture's accommodations, you can experience an extraordinary stay in a place where nature and history intersect. At "Refre Park Kintanori," you can enjoy hot springs and local seafood and mountain delicacies from San'in. At "Izumo no Kuni Matsunoyama," you can experience ancient elevated-floor architecture and beautiful hot springs. At "Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Hotel Ichibata," you can enjoy a resort atmosphere by the shore of Lake Shinji. All of these have unique features that are characteristic of Shimane. もっとみる

Yuya Onsen Rifure Park Kinta no Sato

Centurion Hotel & Spa Classic Izumo

Local Cuisine in Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture's local gourmet dishes are abundant with blessings from the sea and mountains. You can enjoy a variety of dishes that make use of local specialties, such as local soba like Izumo soba and Oki soba, as well as dishes that are simple yet full of flavor, such as Uzume rice and Batoufly. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the gourmet cuisine of Shimane Prefecture, where you can discover something new every time you visit. もっとみる