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Adachi Museum of Art

Adachi Museum of Art

A world-recognized ultimate Japanese garden, selected as "No. 1 in Japan" for over 20 consecutive years by a US Japanese garden specialty magazine. The "Dry Landscape Garden" and "Moss Garden" spreading across the vast grounds are perfectly maintained without a single flaw. Viewing the gardens through the museum windows as if they were frames creates "living paintings" and "living hanging scrolls" of breathtaking beauty. The founder Adachi Zenko's belief that "the garden is also a picture" is brilliantly embodied. With an extensive collection of modern Japanese paintings including Yokoyama Taikan, this luxurious space where art and natural beauty unite is...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Iwami Ginzan

A UNESCO World Heritage site that was once one of the world's leading silver mines. It is highly evaluated for its "environmentally friendly" mining that coexisted with nature. The highlight is the "Ryugenji Mabu" mine shaft, where you can see hand-dug marks in the cool air. The Omori district, with its preserved magistrate's office and merchant houses, is perfect for a stroll. It is a place to satisfy intellectual curiosity and feel the silent Japanese aesthetic within history.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Ametsuchi (Train)

Ametsuchi (Train)

A luxurious sightseeing train (Kiro 47 series) running in the San'in region, with the concept of "Traveling the Land of Mythology." The body color is a deep navy blue inspired by the Sea of Japan and Mt. Daisen. Inside, materials of Shimane's traditional crafts such as "Oki Pine," "Sekishu Tiles," and "Yasugi Kasuri" are used throughout, making it like a moving traditional craft museum. While running, you can enjoy the superb view of the Sea of Japan from the window along with bentos and sweets made from local ingredients. This special train journey allows you to experience San'in's history, culture,...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Ichibata Electric Railway

Ichibata Electric Railway

A charming retro local railway connecting Matsue and Izumo. From the train window, you can slowly enjoy the panoramic view of beautiful Lake Shinji and idyllic rural scenery, making the journey itself a highlight of sightseeing. Its unique initiatives, such as retro carriages used as movie sets and bicycle-on-train services, are also attractive. Particularly, the "Dehani 50 series," one of Japan's oldest trains, is very popular with railway fans. Convenient for visiting Izumo Taisha, it is highly recommended for travelers who love "slow travel," reaching their destination while enjoying the daily life of Japan flowing past the window.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Mt. Sanbe

A beautiful active volcano in Oda City with multiple peaks arranged in a ring. It features a gentle mountain shape and caters to everyone from beginners on hiking courses to serious climbers. At the foot of the mountain, a vast grassland called "Nishi-no-hara" spreads out, where you can enjoy picnics and cycling amid peaceful scenery with grazing cattle. Additionally, Sanbe Onsen is located nearby, perfect for healing fatigue after climbing. You can feel the energy of great nature throughout the year with beautiful autumn leaves and winter snowscapes. It is a place where you can experience both the unique terrain...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kobayashi Kobo

A workshop in Matsue City that produces Shimane's traditional crafts such as "Matsue Anesama Dolls" and simple, warm handmade toys. Each piece is carefully crafted using traditional techniques, showcasing the excellence of Japan's "meticulous handiwork." Dolls made with colorful Chiyogami paper and nostalgic wooden toys are very popular as Japanese souvenirs. You can observe the craftsmen's skills up close, and if the timing is right, you may even experience making them yourself. It is a precious place where you can touch the simple yet deep world of crafts, which can be called the roots of Japan's "kawaii" culture.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
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Oni no Shitaburui

Oni no Shitaburui

A steep V-shaped canyon located in Okuizumo Town. Huge rocks eroded by the torrential flow of the river create a dynamic landscape as if a "demon" (Oni) from a fairy tale had gone on a rampage. A promenade is developed along the canyon, and from the 45m-high giant suspension bridge, you can view the breathtaking scenery. The fresh green of spring and the autumn leaves are particularly superb, and the contrast between the sheer cliffs and vivid nature is spectacular. It is an ideal spot for active travelers who enjoy hiking and photography, where you can firsthand experience both the...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Yaegaki Shrine

A sacred place for matchmaking, famous alongside Izumo Taisha. It is said to be the place where Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinada-hime held Japan's first wedding ceremony. The top attraction is the "Mirror Pond" located in the back of the precincts. The "Matchmaking Divination," where you place a coin on a piece of Japanese paper to float on the pond and divine the marriage by the time and place it sinks, is very popular with domestic and international travelers. The atmosphere of the pond surrounded by a quiet forest is very mystical, allowing you to feel the world of mythology firsthand. It...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Nakaumi

A brackish water lake spanning Shimane and Tottori Prefectures, ranked as the 5th largest in Japan. It is connected to Lake Shinji, and beautiful islands like "Daikonshima Island," where Yushien Garden is located, float within it. It has a calm atmosphere more like an inland sea than a lake, and leisure activities such as cycling, driving, and yachting are popular. It is also known as an internationally important wetland visited by many migratory birds, attracting many birdwatchers. The view of the surrounding mountains reflected on the water surface is very serene, and the view from Eshima Ohashi Bridge, famous as...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Mihonoseki

Located at the eastern tip of the Shimane Peninsula, this is a port town that has flourished around Miho Shrine, the head shrine of all "Ebisu-sama" shrines. The landscape of old inns and private houses standing in the narrow land between the sea and the mountains evokes a travel mood like a movie set. Walking along the "Aoishidatami Street," which retains traces of the Edo period, you can experience a mysterious feeling as if time has stopped, accompanied by the sounds of musical instruments from Miho Shrine heard from somewhere. In addition to fresh seafood, it offers beautiful sea-facing views...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Fuu Shrine

A historic shrine enveloped in silence, located in the Tamayu area of Matsue City. It is an ancient shrine recorded in the "Izumo-no-kuni Fudoki" (Ancient Records of Izumo Province) and has protected this area since long ago. The wooden shrine buildings, in harmony with the surrounding lush green nature, may not have gaudy decorations, but they allow you to feel the inherent "simple beauty and majesty" of Japanese shrines. With few visitors, the precincts where you only hear birds chirping and the sound of the wind are ideal for quiet meditation away from the bustle of the city or for...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tamatsukuriyu Shrine

Tamatsukuriyu Shrine

A shrine located at the back of Tamatsukuri Onsen, famous for its "Washing Stone" which possesses mystical powers. There is a natural stone called the "Wishing Stone" that has been passed down in the precincts since ancient times, and it is said that your wish will come true by touching the "Fulfillment Stone" (received at the shrine office) to this wishing stone and praying. This mystical prayer experience is very popular with both domestic and international travelers, especially because you can create your own original lucky charm. Away from the bustle of the hot spring street, it is a place...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Tamatsukuri Onsen

Tamatsukuri Onsen

A hot spring resort with a history that is among the oldest in Japan, recorded even in documents from the Nara period. The water here is famous as "water for beautiful skin," loved by travelers from all over the world who say their skin becomes moist after just one soak. Along the Tamayu River flowing through the center of the town, there are foot baths and the "Tamatsukuri-yu Shrine," a power spot that grants wishes, making it perfect for strolling in a yukata. It has a history of flourishing in the making of Magatama (comma-shaped beads), and Magatama ornaments like...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Food
Activities
Spring
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Hamada City

Located in western Shimane, this city possesses a beautiful sea and a lively fishing port. It is filled with markets and restaurants where you can taste fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan, especially high-end fish like "Nodoguro," attracting gourmets. In summer, many people gather at "Iwami Tatamigaura" and "Kokufu Beach," which are beautiful white sand beaches, to enjoy activities in the highly transparent sea. Also, the national traditional performing art "Iwami Kagura" is very active, and the opportunity to watch powerful dances and luxurious costumes up close is a great attraction. It is an energetic port town where...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Yasugi Kiyomizu-dera

Yasugi Kiyomizu-dera

A historic ancient temple said to have been founded in 587, widely worshiped as a temple for warding off evil. In the vast grounds, there is a three-storied pagoda, the only one in the San'in region, and its appearance in harmony with the surrounding deep forest is divine. Especially the interior of the pagoda is opened to the public during certain periods, allowing you to see the exquisite architectural techniques up close. It is also famous for "Shojin Ryori" (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), and the experience of tasting traditional Japanese Buddhist meals made with local vegetables and wild plants is very...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lake Shinji

A beautiful lake spanning Matsue and Izumo cities, the 7th largest in Japan. It is a "brackish water lake" where fresh and salt water mix, and it is a treasure trove of rich ingredients called the "Seven Delicacies of Lake Shinji," including Shijimi clams. The greatest attraction is the "beauty of the sunset," selected as one of the 100 best sunsets in Japan. The silhouette of Yomegashima Island floating on the lake and the sight of the sky turning madder red is a dramatic scene symbolizing Shimane, the land of mythology. You can refresh your mind and body while feeling...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Yasugi City

A vibrant city famous as the home of the traditional performing art "Yasugi-bushi" (Dojou-sukui). It is also known for the "Adachi Museum of Art," which boasts a world-class reputation, attracting travelers from all over the world seeking the ultimate Japanese garden. On the other hand, it has a long history of flourishing in the iron industry as a "Tatara town," and you can learn about the deep history of Japanese ironmaking at the Wako Museum. Historical heritage such as the ruins of "Gassan Toda Castle," a famous impregnable castle of the Warring States period, is also abundant. It is an...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Matsue City

The prefectural capital of Shimane, known as the "City of Water." Centered around the National Treasure Matsue Castle, the atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town remains strong today. The "Horikawa Sightseeing Boat," which tours the moats flowing like a net through the city in a small boat, is the highlight of Matsue tourism. It is also famous as the city loved by Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), where you can rediscover the beauty of Japan from a Western perspective. The beauty of Lake Shinji dyed by the sunset is beyond words, and the refined atmosphere with its living culture of Japanese...

Shimane
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
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Winter

Miyoshi-ke

An atmospheric facility utilizing a historic building in the old townscape of Tsuwano. It conveys the merchant house architectural style from the Edo period, allowing you to feel the beauty of traditional Japanese living up close through its heavy beams, pillars, and well-maintained courtyard. Currently, it is often used as a cafe, gallery, or accommodation, where you can spend a luxurious time while enjoying authentic matcha or local sweets in a quiet space. Ideal for travelers who want to forget the bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of Tsuwano, the "Little Kyoto of San'in." It...

Shimane
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Hinomisaki Lighthouse Museum

Hinomisaki Lighthouse Museum

A facility where you can deeply learn about the history and structure of the "Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse," which boasts the highest altitude in Japan. It displays the mechanism of the double structure, rare worldwide for a stone masonry lighthouse, valuable photographs from the time of construction, and the massive lenses actually used. Knowing how the lighthouse has protected the safety of the Sea of Japan for over 100 years deepens the emotion when you look up at the actual lighthouse. Visiting along with the superb view from the top of the lighthouse is recommended. It's a spot that satisfies intellectual...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Iwami Airport

The gateway to western Shimane, an airport where you are wrapped in rich nature and warm hospitality the moment you land. The "Manyo Park" is developed surrounding the runway, offering a rare location where you can stroll while watching planes take off and land up close. On weekends, events like running or cycling on the runway are sometimes held, providing enjoyment beyond just being a transportation hub. With shops featuring fresh local seafood and specialties, and a counter with tourist information for the Iwami region, it is a very comfortable and convenient starting point for traveling around the Iwami and...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Matsue Horan-enya Memorial Hall

Matsue Horan-enya Memorial Hall

A museum where you can experience the excitement of "Horan-enya," one of Japan's three major boat festivals, held only once every 10 years in Matsue. Through the display of an actual, brilliantly decorated "Kaidenma-sen" boat and powerful video footage, you can learn in detail about the 400-year history and the passion of the locals. The gorgeous costumes and decorations have high artistic value, showing how much Matsue has cherished water and tradition. It is a spot that stimulates cultural curiosity, allowing you to touch the heat and beauty of Japanese traditional performing arts without waiting for the next festival.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Karane Suisen Park

Karane Suisen Park

A scenic park spreading across a cliff facing the Sea of Japan in Masuda City. From winter to spring, over 2 million daffodils fill the entire slope, creating a breathtaking contrast between a carpet of white flowers and the deep blue sea. Furthermore, the "Karato no Jabiwa" (Snake Rock of Karato), a huge dyke shaped like a snake formed by cooled magma, lies at your feet, making it geologically fascinating as well. Stroll through the rugged cliffs of the Sea of Japan and traces of ancient volcanic activity while surrounded by the lovely scent of daffodils. A photogenic healing spot...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kinta Farm Berryne

Kinta Farm Berryne

An experiential sightseeing farm in Hamada City where you can enjoy strawberry and blueberry picking on vast grounds. In the clean and barrier-free greenhouses, everyone from children to the elderly can comfortably pick and enjoy fresh, sweet fruits using elevated cultivation. The greatest charm is being able to compare several varieties, especially during the strawberry season. There is also a cafe on-site, popular for sweets and jams made from home-grown fruits. As a spot where you can directly experience Japan's "high-quality fruit culture," it is very popular with families and couples. Heal yourself with peaceful rural scenery while enjoying seasonal...

Shimane
Food
Spring
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Autumn
Winter