Spots List

Yunotsu

A hot spring town registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Iwami Ginzan. Traces of the days when it flourished as a shipping port for silver remain strong, and the streetscape with weathered wooden buildings is designated as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings." There are two high-quality communal baths, "Yakushiyu" and "Motoyu," and Yakushiyu is especially known for its high efficacy, with its retro Western-style building being very attractive. At night, orange lights illuminate the old streets, and the rhythmic sound of Iwami Kagura heard from somewhere evokes a travel mood. A rare place...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Unnan City

Located in the inland of Shimane, this is a rural city where the "Hii River," the setting for the myth of "Yamata-no-Orochi," flows. In spring, the "Hii River Embankment Cherry Blossoms" stretching for several kilometers offer breathtaking beauty, allowing you to enjoy quintessential Japanese spring scenery. Additionally, the history of traditional "Tatara Ironmaking" still lives here, with shrines deifying the god of iron and streetscapes of old storehouses. Mystical water landscapes like the massive "Ryuzu-ga-taki" and "Yae-taki" waterfalls are also abundant. The rich nature as an original landscape of Japan, mythological stories, and warm daily life of the people will...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oki Shrine

Located on Nakanoshima (Ama Town), this shrine was built to deify Emperor Go-Toba, who spent his final years on this island. It features elegant and refined shrine buildings intended to commemorate the Emperor, with related historical remains and a museum scattered nearby. In spring, the cherry blossom trees along the approach are exceptionally beautiful, and night illuminations are mystical. Despite its background of historical tragedy, the precincts are incredibly peaceful, preserving the island scenery and silence that the Emperor likely loved. It's a spot with spiritual depth where you can feel the deep respect of the islanders while tracing the...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mizuwakasu Shrine

Mizuwakasu Shrine

The Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of Oki Province, enshrined in Oki-no-shima Town. The main hall, featuring a unique architectural style called "Oki-zukuri," is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and shows an incredibly dignified and elegant appearance. Adjacent to the shrine are the "Oki Folk Museum" and a traditional "Sumo Ring," making it a place to deeply learn about the island's unique sumo culture and history. Surrounded by a quiet forest, walking the approach envelops you in a sacred atmosphere that makes you stand tall. As a central place of faith on the island, it's an essential visit to experience...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Dankyo-no-taki Falls

Dankyo-no-taki Falls

A sacred waterfall located deep in the mountains of Oki-no-shima Town, selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. Two waterfalls, male and female, flow from the cliff, with Dankyo Shrine enshrined between them. The main feature is the "Urami" (view from behind) experience, where you can go behind the male waterfall. The view through the curtain of falling water is mystical, and it's said that winners of Oki's traditional events like "Bull-fighting" and "Oki Classical Sumo" used to purify themselves here. The roar echoing in the deep forest silence and the negative ions enveloping your body allow you to...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yui Coast Foreshore

Yui Coast Foreshore

An extremely rare geological landscape spreading along the Yui Coast of Oki-no-shima Town. A vast rock shelf (a terrain like a washboard) eroded horizontally by waves spreads across the sea surface, and you can walk on it during low tide. The sight of highly transparent seawater washing the rock shelf is nature's art itself. Here, you can immerse yourself in the openness of the Sea of Japan while feeling the Earth's formations created over millions of years under your feet. At sunset, it sometimes reflects the sky like a water mirror, making it very photogenic. A superb view spot where...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Old Oku Approach

Old Oku Approach

A quiet approach full of faith and history in the Oku district of Oki-no-shima Town. Moss-covered stone steps and surrounding giant trees create an original sacred atmosphere of Japanese Shinto. Because it is not overly developed for tourism, you can spend a quiet time facing yourself while listening to the whispers of the forest and birds. From the small shrine and vantage points at the top, you can feel the powerful nature of Oki, truly experiencing a walk in a "sacred place." An essential visit for authentic-minded travelers wanting to touch the depths of history and the island's spiritual roots.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oki Monozukuri School

Oki Monozukuri School

A creative complex born from repurposing a closed junior high school in Oki-no-shima Town. Classrooms have been transformed into workshops, offices, and cafes, where you can experience craftsmanship and workshops using materials unique to the island. The warmth of the wooden building and the nostalgic atmosphere remain, allowing you to feel Japanese school culture just by walking the corridors. It has become a place where artists and craftsmen from both inside and outside the island interact, sharing a new way of "island life." A popular spot for high-sensitivity travelers to meet locals through experiences and discover Oki's new charm and...

Shimane
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Saigo Ohashi Bridge

Saigo Ohashi Bridge

A massive red bridge that is a landmark of Saigo Bay in Oki-no-shima Town. Spanning the bay, this bridge is both a vital transportation hub and a top-notch vantage point. From atop the bridge, you can simultaneously enjoy a panorama of the lively Saigo Port with fishing boats and ferries, deep green mountains, and the endless Sea of Japan. Especially at dusk, the bridge's silhouette against the madder red sky and the lights of the harbor reflecting on the water is very dramatic. A symbolic landmark where you can instantly realize Oki's beauty upon arrival or departure.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Former Oki Airport

Former Oki Airport

Formerly the gateway to the Oki Islands, the site has been repurposed as a multi-purpose open space and park. The spacious area retaining traces of the runway provides a great sense of openness, and combined with the seaside location, it is cherished as a place for strolls, sports, and events. Seeing modern transportation heritage transform into a new relaxation spot for the island makes you feel the transition of history. Feeling the sea breeze in this place that once welcomed many travelers, you can experience the vastness of Oki's sky and sea. A quiet and luxurious island spot.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Former Hatasako Hospital

Former Hatasako Hospital

A former hospital site in Tsuwano Town, featuring a beautiful wooden Western-style building from the Taisho era. At the time, it boasted modern facilities and design as a base for regional medical care. Currently open to the public as a museum, you can view the consultation rooms, medical equipment, and a beautiful medicinal herb garden from that era. The retro atmosphere of the building is very beautiful, conveying Japan's enthusiasm for modernization. The appearance of the Western building suddenly appearing in a quiet rural landscape evokes a travel mood like a historical drama set. A unique place to enjoy architectural...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsuwano Castle Ruins

Tsuwano Castle Ruins

The site of the former castle of the Tsuwano lords, built on Mt. Reikei at an altitude of 367m. Though the buildings are gone, the magnificent stone walls remaining at the summit convey the technological power and authority of the samurai from that time. You can climb from the foot by a sightseeing lift, and from the summit, you can enjoy a superb view overlooking the streets of Tsuwano, known as the "Little Kyoto of San'in," and the sight of SL steam trains running. Due to its fog-prone terrain, you might encounter mystical scenery like a "Castle in the Sky"...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tonomachi Street

Tonomachi Street

The main street in Tsuwano Town that retains the strongest atmosphere of a castle town. Lined with white-walled storehouses, colorful koi fish swim leisurely in the moats (waterways) along the street. In early summer, iris flowers bloom, making the beauty truly like "a single painting." The unique landscape where Japanese and Western history coexist, featuring samurai residence gates and a Catholic church, is also charming. You can feed the koi while strolling slowly, immersing yourself in the traditional "Wa" spirit and the sophisticated silence unique to Tsuwano. One of the most photogenic areas in Shimane tourism.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Dangyo-kei Valley

Dangyo-kei Valley

A dynamic scenic spot in Ohnan Town created by a branch of the Gōno River. The river has violently eroded massive rock slabs, creating a succession of strange rocks and rapids that look like natural sculptures. As the name "Dan-gyo" (cutting off fish) suggests, the scenery of fierce waterfalls and pools that even fish cannot climb is spectacular. The valley beauty colored by fresh spring greens or autumn foliage is stunning, allowing you to fully bathe in negative ions while walking the promenade. A place to simultaneously experience both the "ruggedness and delicateness" of Japanese nature, highly recommended for active...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yanashio Road Ichirizuka

Yanashio Road Ichirizuka

A valuable historical site in Iinan Town that conveys the history of roads developed during the Edo period. Traces of the "Ichirizuka" (milestone mounds) once used by travelers as distance markers and shady resting spots remain today. Surrounded by rich nature, walking this ancient road allows you to re-experience the hardships and joys of travel from that era. With stone monuments and explanation boards, it's ideal for an intellectual stroll. This place where forest scents and heavy history intersect is a profound spot favored by history fans wanting to actively trace Japan's roots.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tanohara Observatory

Tanohara Observatory

Located on the border of Tsuwano and Yoshika Towns, this observatory offers a dynamic mountain panorama. From here, you can overlook the beautifully curved terraced rice fields and the Sekishu mountain range that changes expressions each season. Especially during mornings with fog or the autumn foliage season, an unimaginably mystical and superb view spreads out. Enveloped in silence, it’s a refreshingly perfect spot to breathe in clear air and realize the vastness of nature. A hidden gem where you can stop during a drive and capture the "quiet beauty" of Japanese mountain villages in a perfect composition.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Former Atoichi Elementary

Former Atoichi Elementary

Located in a historic area of Gotsu City, this spot features nostalgic landscapes. The former elementary school building and surrounding old structures evoke warm memories of Japan's Showa era. Amidst nature-rich scenery and traces of life carefully preserved by locals, you can touch "authentic Japan" away from tourist commercialization. Feeling the warmth of wooden architecture and the breeze through the schoolyard, you can reflect on the peaceful time nurtured by Japanese educational culture and regional communities. A perfect place for those seeking a slow, heartwarming moment.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Gotsu Honmachi Iraka Road

Gotsu Honmachi Iraka Road

A beautiful streetscape in Gotsu City lined with red "Sekishu Tiles" (Sekishu-gawara). The atmosphere of a port town that once flourished through river transport on the Gōno River and trade on the Sea of Japan remains, with heavy buildings and stone pavements telling a deep history. The sight of the characteristic red tiles (Iraka) of this region shining in the sun is a color beauty unique to the San'in region. Walking the quiet streets, you can feel the presence of old merchant houses and the breath of a calm life, as if you’ve slipped back in time. An ideal walking...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hashi Station

An unstaffed station in Gotsu City boasting a beautiful view of the Sea of Japan. Standing on the platform, the horizon of the endless blue Sea of Japan spreads before you, and the sound of waves and the sea breeze gently welcome visitors. Especially the sunset viewed from around the station is highly evaluated as a "hidden superb view spot" among railway fans and photographers. The popular aquarium "Aquas" is nearby, making it perfect for a stop during a seaside drive or railway trip. A place perfect for a "mental laundry," where you can simultaneously enjoy the quietness of a...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Arifuku Onsen

An ancient hot spring with over 1300 years of history in Gotsu City, known as a "Hot Spring for Beauties." The landscape of old inns and communal baths lined up along the mountain slopes has an atmosphere like the world of "Spirited Away." The water is colorless and transparent, with a reputation for making skin incredibly smooth. At night, the hot spring town lights up, deepening its mystical atmosphere. Facilities where you can watch Iwami Kagura are nearby, allowing for a luxurious Japanese holiday of healing in the hot spring followed by enjoying traditional culture. Ideal for those who want...

Shimane
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kigami Shrine

A venerable shrine located in the Omori district of Oda City, part of the World Heritage site Iwami Ginzan. The top highlight is the massive "Crying Dragon" painted on the ceiling of the worship hall. When you clap your hands at a specific spot, a mysterious echoing sound like a dragon crying reverberates through the ceiling, allowing you to feel the power of the dragon firsthand. It has long been cherished as a god protecting the silver mine, and the precincts enveloped in silence tell the deep history of Iwami Ginzan. A spot where you can stop by during a...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kotogahama Beach

Kotogahama Beach

A beach in Nima-cho, Oda City, famous for its "Singing Sand" that makes a "ku-ku" sound when walked upon. It is proof that the sand is very pure and clean, and it has been selected as one of Japan's "100 Soundscapes." Walking barefoot allows you to feel the vibrations and sounds through your soles while experiencing the delicateness of nature. Additionally, the beautiful and tragic "Legend of Princess Koto" is passed down here, creating a somewhat poignant yet romantic atmosphere. The beauty of the sunset is also exceptional. An experiential nature spot where you can enjoy the beauty of a...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ebisu Shrine

A mystical shrine located on a small island off the coast of Masuda City, often called "Japan's Mont Saint-Michel." A sandy approach appears and can be walked across only during low tide, but the island is completely surrounded by the sea at high tide. The sight of a red torii gate standing on a rocky outcrop jutting into the sea is beautiful, and the fusion of the rough Sea of Japan with a sacred atmosphere is spectacular. The sense of exclusivity, being able to visit only according to the natural cycle of tides, adds a special touch to the journey....

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Iida Suspension Bridge

Iida Suspension Bridge

A suspension bridge with a wood-grain design that harmonizes with the surrounding nature, crossing a beautiful valley in Iinan Town. From atop the bridge, you can view the superb scenery of the clear river flow and the mountains that change expression each season. The slight swaying while walking tickles your adventurous spirit. Surrounded by quiet forests, the scenery from the bridge becomes as beautiful as a vivid painting, especially during the seasons of fresh green and autumn foliage. A hidden vantage point perfect for those who want to forget the city bustle and enjoy the quiet beauty of Japan's mountain...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter