Spots List

Kokufu Beach

A beautiful coast with white sand and green pines spreading in Hamada City. The shallow and highly transparent sea symbolizes the beauty of the "Shimane Sea," and it's crowded with swimmers in summer. It's also known as a famous spot for surfing, attracting surfers from outside the prefecture seeking quality waves. Walking along the shoreline, you might find shells or pretty stones. The sight of the sinking sun dyeing the horizon orange is romantic, making it a sacred place for lovers. An open beach perfect for fully enjoying a Japanese summer and refreshing while feeling the sea breeze.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Imafuku Line Ruins

Imafuku Line Ruins

Remains of the "uncompleted line" in Hamada City, where construction was halted halfway and no train ever ran. Concrete arch bridges and tunnels standing quietly in the forest exude a unique atmosphere like ancient ruins. The sight of nature silently reclaiming man-made structures is beautiful yet somewhat poignant, gaining immense support from photography enthusiasts and ruin fans. The remains of Modern Japan's dreams still exist while harmonizing with great nature. It is a very mysterious and photogenic place that makes you feel the "if" of history.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Iinan Furusato Forest

Iinan Furusato Forest

A vast forest park in Iinan Town that utilizes the rich nature as it is. Known as a base for "Forest Therapy," you can achieve deep relaxation of mind and body by walking surrounded by the scent of trees and the chirping of birds. The park features well-maintained walking trails and campsites, making it popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the entire forest is dyed in brilliant colors, offering breathtaking beauty. It is a superb healing spot where you can experience the "blessings of the forest" in a Japanese mountain village and free yourself...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Iwami Ginzan Road

Iwami Ginzan Road

An old road used to transport silver produced from the World Heritage site Iwami Ginzan. Now maintained as a hiking course, you can walk through nature while feeling the breath of history. Along the way, remains of former checkpoints and tea houses where travelers rested, as well as beautiful stone pavements, are preserved, making you feel as if you’ve become an Edo-period traveler. A journey reflecting on how people of that time transported silver in such harsh environments while enjoying forest bathing is ideal for active history fans. A slow, profound walking trail where nature and history overlap.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yokota Local Museum

Yokota Local Museum

A museum in Yokota, Okuizumo Town, that carefully conveys the history and life of the people of this region. Tools from when "Tatara Ironmaking" flourished, agricultural implements, and models of traditional houses are displayed, allowing you to learn in detail how Okuizumo has built its rich culture. Especially interesting are the displays on wisdom for survival during severe winters and local festivals, providing a valuable opportunity to know the "real history of daily life" in rural Japan. Although a small museum, its content is dense, making it a must-visit spot to deepen your understanding of the land of Okuizumo.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yuno Shrine

A historic shrine near Kamedake Onsen in Okuizumo, where mythology and history intersect. Famous as a filming location for the novel and movie "The Castle of Sand," it is visited by many film fans. The moss-covered stone steps and giant trees surrounding the area create a sacred and serene atmosphere typical of Japanese shrines. In particular, the century-old "Meoto-sugi" (Married Couple Cedars) are cherished as symbols for matchmaking and family bonds. There is a hot spring nearby, and relaxing there after your visit is recommended. A special space where Izumo's mythological world and the literary emotions of the Showa era...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Matauchi Park

A park in Yasugi City known as a site associated with the historical "Yasugi-bushi" (Dojou-sukui dance). Located on a small hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Yasugi streets and Lake Nakaumi. In the park, there are monuments symbolizing traditional performing arts, allowing you to feel how much this land has cherished them. In spring, it is also popular as a cherry blossom spot where locals spend time leisurely. It’s a relaxing spot where you can enjoy the view of Nakaumi while blown by the refreshing breeze and feel the calm atmosphere of a Japanese provincial city during...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fukuyori Tanada Observatory

Fukuyori Tanada Observatory

An observatory in Okuizumo Town overlooking the "Tanada" (terraced rice fields) spreading in a stair-like fashion. This landscape, symbolizing the original scenery of Japan, is the culmination of the efforts of ancestors who carved out steep slopes. It shows completely different superb views each season: the appearance of reflecting the sky like a "water mirror" in spring, "fresh green seedlings" in summer, "golden rice ears" in autumn, and "snow-covered" in winter. From the observatory, you can capture a dynamic composition where distant mountains and terraced fields overlap, perfect for photography. A healing place where you can appreciate the "art of...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kabeya Shuseikan

Kabeya Shuseikan

A museum displaying precious items handed down in the Sakurai family (an ironmaking family) in Okuizumo. Integrated with a beautiful residence designated as an Important Cultural Property and the National Scenic Garden "Iwanami-no-niwa," you can enjoy both historical value and natural beauty at the same time. The exhibits include tools actually used in ironmaking and first-class artworks collected by the Sakurai family, surprising visitors with the high cultural standards of the time. Strolling while viewing the garden's waterfall is a luxurious experience that can only be tasted in deep mountains. A highly sophisticated spot where you can feel the "culmination...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ichimi Doshinjuku

Ichimi Doshinjuku

An experiential facility in Iinan Town where you can learn about traditional Japanese living and spiritual culture. In a space utilizing an old folk house, you can learn the "spirit of coexistence" that modern people are beginning to forget through meals around an irori (hearth) and experiences of local traditional events. Direct dialogue with local people and touching their wisdom provides a deep learning experience beyond mere sightseeing. It is an exchange hub for authentic-minded travelers to rediscover the "innate warmth" of rural Japan and the connections between people that can never be obtained in luxury urban hotels.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Itohara Family Residence

Itohara Family Residence

An old residence of a "Tatara-shi" (ironmaster) in Okuizumo that has continued since the Edo period. Within the vast grounds, there is a prestigious mansion, a magnificent Japanese garden showing seasonal beauty, and a museum displaying family heirlooms. You can feel how the wealth built through Tatara ironmaking nurtured such a sophisticated culture. The garden is a "stroll-style garden" that incorporates the natural mountains in the background as "borrowed scenery," offering a beauty that makes you want to take a deep breath in the silence. It promises a blissful time for travelers who want to touch the "aesthetic sense" and...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

JR Kamedake Station

JR Kamedake Station

A small, nostalgic station known as the setting for the movie and novel "The Castle of Sand." Its most unique feature is the authentic soba noodle shop "Kamedake-eki Soba" located inside the station building. The sight of passengers receiving freshly made soba directly on the platform in time with the train's arrival attracts not only railway fans but many travelers. The fragrant "Warigo Soba" made from local flour is exquisite. This heartwarming spot offers the experience of "fusion of food and station," unique to Japanese local railway travel, amid peaceful mountain scenery.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tanabe-ke Storehouses

Tanabe-ke Storehouses

An area in Yoshida-cho, Unnan City, lined with massive storehouses of the Tanabe family, who once prospered through "Tatara Ironmaking." The streetscape with heavy white walls and black tiles tells the economic power of the Edo period. Inside the storehouses, tools related to ironmaking and luxurious furnishings of the time are kept, and you can see traditional wooden and earthen architecture up close. The sight of this industrial heritage still being protected by the local people is spectacular. A fascinating spot to explore the deep history of Okuizumo and its unique culture.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Negai-bashi (Submersible Bridge)

Negai-bashi (Submersible Bridge)

A unique "submersible bridge" without railings crossing the Hii River in Gotsu City. Designed to sink under water during floods, its simple and powerful form blends perfectly into the natural landscape. From the bridge, you can view the gentle flow of the river and the surrounding mountains, feeling the breeze directly. There is a local legend that wishes made while crossing will come true, making it a quiet power spot. Recommended for travelers seeking minimal beauty created by simple infrastructure and rich nature.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryuzu-ga-taki Waterfall

Ryuzu-ga-taki Waterfall

One of the most famous waterfalls in the Chugoku region, located in Unnan City. The 40m drop possesses a power and mystery fitting its name "Dragon's Head." Its best feature is that it's a "Urami-no-taki" (waterfall seen from behind), allowing you to walk behind the water curtain. The view of the primeval forest through the water is mystical, offering a sense of unity with nature. The area is filled with a sacred air and stays cool even in summer. Combined with the nearby "Yae-taki," it's a place to feel the legend of dragons and the preciousness of water.

Shimane
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Gassan Toda Castle Ruins

Gassan Toda Castle Ruins

A massive mountain castle ruin of the Amago clan in Yasugi City, once feared as "impregnable" during the Warring States period. It skillfully utilizes the terrain of the 190m high Mt. Gassan, and remains of stone walls and moats can still be seen. While the climb to the summit is a bit steep, the panoramic view of Yasugi and Nakaumi from the top is the same scenery that samurai saw. It is a moving spot where tragic and heroic historical romances are carved, perfect for those wanting to touch the samurai spirit.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Honnosan Park

A park on a small hill near Izumo Taisha, known as a "hidden superb view spot" overlooking the shrine from its most beautiful angle. From the observatory, you can see the forest surrounding the sacred grounds, Inasa-no-hama Beach, and the Izumo Plain, feeling as if the gods are watching over the land. It also houses a tower for Izumo-no-Okuni, the founder of Kabuki. Away from the hustle of the shrine, it's a quiet place to overlook the expanse of the sacred land of Izumo.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Standing at the western tip of the Shimane Peninsula, this is the tallest stone-masonry lighthouse in Japan. Built in 1903 and selected as one of the "100 Historic Lighthouses of the World," its white exterior is striking. Climbing the spiral staircase inside leads to a panoramic view of the deep blue Sea of Japan. The sight of the white lighthouse against the blue sky and rugged cliffs is exceptionally moving, especially at sunset. The contrast with the vermilion Hinomisaki Shrine nearby is a must-see.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hii River (Inoue Bridge)

Hii River (Inoue Bridge)

The Hii River is a majestic river flowing through the Izumo Plain, known as the setting for the myth of "Yamata-no-Orochi." The area around Inoue Bridge is a famous cherry blossom spot where about 800 cherry trees bloom for 2km in spring. When in full bloom, they create a tunnel of blossoms, and the contrast between the clear river and pale pink petals is a quintessential Japanese spring view. Strolling along this legendary river allows for a deeper understanding of Izumo's history.

Shimane
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Inasa-no-hama Beach

Inasa-no-hama Beach

A sandy beach west of Izumo Taisha, famous in mythology as the setting for the "Kuni-yuzuri" (transfer of the land) negotiations. It is a sacred place where myriad gods from across Japan are welcomed during the 10th lunar month. The iconic "Bentenjima" rock on the shore provides a divine silhouette against the sunset. There is a tradition of taking sand from here to offer at Izumo Taisha, making it a spiritual beach where myth and reality connect.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Former Taisha Station

Former Taisha Station

Built in 1924 as the gateway to Izumo Taisha, this rare pure Japanese-style wooden station building is a National Important Cultural Property. Though no longer in use, the grand tiled roof, high ceilings, and royal waiting room remain preserved. Walking along the nostalgic platforms, you can feel the golden age of railways and Japan's high-level architectural techniques. It is a photogenic landmark filled with history and romance.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lake Shinji Sunset Spot

Lake Shinji Sunset Spot

A designated viewing space on the shores of Lake Shinji for enjoying the sunset. From here, you can see the small "Yomegashima Island" directly in front, watching it and the sky transform into mystical silhouettes as the sun nears the horizon. It's especially popular with photographers, and there are guideboards to predict the sun's position. This dramatic natural show is one of Shimane's most moving experiences.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yakumo Kayabuki Center

Yakumo Kayabuki Center

Located in the Yakumo area of Matsue, this exchange facility utilizes a magnificent thatched-roof traditional house. You can see traditional Japanese farmhouse architecture up close, with thick beams and a hearth (Irori) creating a nostalgic, warm space. You can experience "Japanese rural life" through buckwheat noodle making and local cuisine while interacting with locals. It offers a rustic, luxurious time not found in urban tourist areas, providing heartwarming special memories for travelers wanting to touch the original landscapes of Japan.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Karakoro Square

Karakoro Square

A retro-modern square near the Horikawa River in Matsue. Centered around "Karakoro Art Studio," a renovated bank building, it’s a relaxation spot for citizens and tourists. Workshops for making Japanese sweets or accessories allow you to easily experience Japan’s "handmade culture." During the rainy season, it becomes a base for the "Enishizuku Umbrella Sky." With stylish cafes and restaurants nearby, it’s a popular spot to enjoy shopping and cultural experiences while feeling the calm air of Matsue, the City of Water.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter