Shimane is one of the most untouched areas in Japan. It lies near the Japan of Sea coast in the north-west. Now we are here to inform you of all the fun things to do in one of Japan’s charming areas.
1. Izumo-Taisha
Hands down the #1 recommended attraction, as per TripAdvisor, is to visit the Izumo Taisha shrine in Shimane. It is one of the most ancient shrines in Japan, full of many statues, and home to many events. Many festivals take place here also throughout the year that you should not miss if you are in town.
Information
- Name: Izumo-taisha
- Address: 195 Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture 699-0701
- Website: http://www.izumooyashiro.or.jp/
2. Adachi Museum of Art
Picture yourself in the a perfect garden. When you come to the Adachi Museum of Art, you will find more than just a museum. Yes, there are paintings and collections of Japanese history, but the garden here is what you want to see. It has been voted the most beautiful in Japan for over a decade.
Information
- Name: Adachi Museum of Art
- Address: 320 Furukawacho, Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture 692-0064
- Price: 2300 yen for adults. Discounts available for others.
- Hours: 9am-5pm
- Website: http://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/
3. Matsue Castle
If you want to take a historical ride, take a drive to see Matsue Castle. You may hear others calling it by its nickname, “Black Castle” due to its history of attacks. It is one of the last medieval castles in Japan. Inside, you can view samurai armor and maybe even see some ninja performances.
Information
- Name: Matsue Castle
- Address: -5 Tonomachi, Matsue, Shimane Prefecture 690-0887,
- Price: 550 yen
- Hours: 830am-630pm
- Website: http://www.matsue-tourism.or.jp/m_castle/
4. Yaegaki Shrine
This shrine is special in that it has 1100-year-old paintings. Yaegaki Shrine, formerly known as Sakusa Shrine, holds a history of gods and a princess. At Yaegaki Shrine, you dedicate your prayers and wishes to marriage or matchmaking.
Information
- Name: Yaegaki Shrine
- Address: 227 Sakusacho, Matsue, Shimane Prefecture 690-0035
- Price: 200 yen
- Hours: 9am-7pm
- Website: http://www.shinbutsu.jp/45.html
5. Shinjiko Lake
For excellent sunsets during your stay in Shimane, head to Shinjiko Lake, also known as Lake Shinji. This is the seventh largest lake in Japan where many bridges connect. You can go fishing, watch the sun set into the water, and it is close to Matsue Castle which makes it the perfect opportunity to combine both into one day.
Information
- Name: Shinjiko Lake
- Address: amayucho, Matsue 690-0000, Shimane Prefecture
- Website: http://www.green-f.or.jp/green1.html#_=_
6. Former Taisha Station
If you love train stations and museums, then you cannot miss Former Taisha Station. The train station has been turned into a museum and as per visitors, it has been preserved well. The old ticket machines are still in place as well as mannequins who wear uniforms from past year.
Information
- Name: Former Taisha Station
- Address: 441-3 Taishacho Kitaaraki, Izumo 699-0722,Shimane Prefecture
- Hours: 9am-5pm
- Website: http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-museums/former-jr-izumo-taisha-station
7. Iwami-Ginzan Silver Mine
You might not expect to find a mine as an attraction in Shimane, but the Iwani-Ginzan Silver Mine is another place we recommend highly. You can hike up to the mine shafts on your own or take your time with an audio tour. Visitors love the village within the mines and recommend you see it fully.
Information
- Name: Iwani-Ginzan Silver Mine
- Address: 〒694-0305 Shimane Prefecture, Oda, Omoricho, イ１５９７−3
- Price: 400 yen
- Website: http://ginzan.city.ohda.lg.jp/
8. Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
For a great view, day or night, head to the Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse. It is one of the tallest in the country and you can climb to the top. From there, you can see the northern coast and the surrounding Shimane area. Views cannot be beaten at sunset.
Information
- Name: Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
- Address: Taishacho Hinomisaki, Izumo 699-0763,Shimane Prefecture
- Price: 200 yen
- Website: http://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/677#_=_
9. Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Shimane is full of history which is why we love the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo. Learn the history of the local Izumo people, view different artifacts made of copper and bronze, and learn about old Japanese legends. Many of the stories are believed to be based on facts.
Information
- Name: The Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
- Address: 99-4 Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture 699-0701
- Price: 610 yen
- Hours: 9am-7pm
- Website: http://www.izm.ed.jp/english/
10. Miho Jinja Shrine
The Miho Jinja Shrine is actually a very important, cultural property within Shimane. This shrine appears in many Japanese myths and is dedicated to the Japanese god, Ebisu, the god who loves music. It is central to the local fishing village nearby. Many musical instruments have been given to the god this shrine celebrates.
Information
- Name: Miho Jinja Shrine
- Address: 〒690-1501 Shimane Prefecture, Matsue, 美保関町美保関６０８
- Price: 300 yen
- Website: http://www.mihojinja.or.jp/
11. Inasa Beach
Since Shimane is situated on the northern coast, your trip would not be complete without a visit to the beach. Legend has it, that Inasa Beach was formed by a god. The beach is beautiful with white sand and blue waters. Check your calendars for events or festivals that may take place.
Information
- Name: Inasa Beach
- Address: 2844-73 Kizukikita Taishacho, Izumo 699-0702, Shimane Prefecture
- Website: https://www.japanhoppers.com/chugoku/izumo/kanko/401/
12. Aquas
For a fun-filled day with the family, Aquas is the place to go. This aquarium offers a whale show, shark tanks, and about 5,000 other animals. Visitors who have come and returned say they are never bored as exhibits are switched up. Be sure to check what shows are going on the day you visit.
Information
- Name: Aquas
- Address: 117-2 Kushirocho, Hamada 697-0004,Shimane Prefecture
- Price: 1540 yen
- Hours: 9am-5pm
- Website: http://japan.apike.ca/japan_aquas.html
13. Yushien Garden
Yushien Garden is famous for its peony flowers and is quite the site to see. The garden, in general, has exhibits that are indoor and outdoor. Spring is the best time to visit. Relax by the flowers at the cafe or nearby pond and become one with nature.
Information
- Name: Yushien Garden
- Address: 1206-2, Hanyuu, Yatsuka-cho, Matsue, Shimane
- Price: 800 yen
- Hours: 9am-5pm
- Website: http://www.yuushien.com/yuushien/language/english.html
14. Shimane Winery
Try some of the local wine at Shimane Winery during your visit. Here, you can self-serve wine (sake) or opt to try the meats and cheese. Visit the souvenir shop for extra tastings and there is a restaurant on site too for those who do not want sake.
Information
- Name: Shimane Winery
- Address: 335 Ishibashicho, Matsue, Shimane Prefecture 690-0881
- Price:
- Hours: 9am-7pm
- Website: http://www.rihaku.co.jp/
15. Former Yakumo Koizumi Residence
To view a traditional home in Shimane, visit the Former Yakumo Koizumi Residence. This landmark shows you how Japanese life was years ago. You will receive a pamphlet and you can tour the residence in about 15 minutes. While this is a quick attraction, you will learn a lot in that little amount of time.
Information
- Name: Former Yakumo Koizumi Residence
- Address: 315 Kitahoricho, Matsue 690-0888, Shimane Prefecture
- Price: 150 yen
- Hours: 830am-445pm
- Website: https://www.japanhoppers.com/chugoku/matsue/kanko/740/
From historical castles to shrines to beautiful gardens, Shimane holds some of the best Japanese histories from ages ago. If you are looking for an authentic Japanese stay, Shimane will not disappoint.
Have a good trip and travel!
