Shimane
Chugoku
Home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines.
Capital
Matsue
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (October) for the "Month with Gods" (Kannazuki) when deities gather at Izumo Taisha; spring (April) for Matsue Castle cherry blossoms.
Getting There
From Osaka, Ltd. Express Yakumo (3h 30min to Matsue, ~¥8,000). From Tokyo, fly to Izumo Airport (1h 20min) or take Shinkansen to Okayama then Ltd. Express.
Top Highlights
Izumo Taisha Shrine
One of Japan's oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines, dedicated to the god of relationships. The enormous shimenawa rope is the largest in Japan.
Matsue Castle
One of Japan's twelve original castles, nicknamed the "Black Castle" for its somber dark exterior — especially beautiful at sunset.
Adachi Museum of Art
The museum's Japanese garden has been voted Japan's finest garden for 20 consecutive years by the Journal of Japanese Gardening.
Oki Islands
Remote volcanic island group with dramatic sea cliffs, clear waters, and wild horses — the place of imperial exile in Japan's history.
Local Cuisine
Izumo Soba
Dark buckwheat noodles unique to Shimane — eaten cold in a nest (warigo soba) or served warm in three stacked lacquer boxes.
Shijimi Clam
Lake Shinji in Matsue provides Japan's finest shijimi clams, eaten in miso soup believed to support liver health.
Nidomi
Traditional Shimane dish of vegetables and seafood simmered twice in soy-based broth — a home-cooking staple of the Matsue area.
Stay Connected in Shimane
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at Izumo Taisha during the 10th lunar month?+
October (called Kannazuki, "month without gods") is when all kami from across Japan gather at Izumo Taisha to determine human relationships for the coming year. This makes it the only place called Kamiari-zuki ("month with gods").
Things to Do in Shimane
12 sustainable experiences
Iwami Must-see Tour
This tour includes the World Heritage Site Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in western Shimane Prefecture and Iwami Kagura, a Japanese Heritage Site, both of which are full of attractions. All transportation is by cab, so there is no need to worry about carrying around luggage. In the streets of Omori, wher
From US$426.57
Iwami Must-see Tour
This tour includes the World Heritage Site Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in western Shimane Prefecture and Iwami Kagura, a Japanese Heritage Site, both of which are full of attractions. All transportation is by cab, so there is no need to worry about carrying around luggage. In the streets of Omori, wher
From US$426.43
Quad Bike Experience in Mitocho Sendo
Ride an ATV(quad bike) through the mountains with a charming instructor! With a simple lecture, anyone can ride a quad bike, which can easily overcome dead trees and muddy terrain to drive through the mountains. Charismatic instructors will guide you through the mountains, catering to all levels f
From US$52.95
Quad Bike Experience in Mitocho Sendo
Ride an ATV(quad bike) through the mountains with a charming instructor! With a simple lecture, anyone can ride a quad bike, which can easily overcome dead trees and muddy terrain to drive through the mountains. Charismatic instructors will guide you through the mountains, catering to all levels f
From US$53.3
Matsue Castle Guided Tour - With a Local Guide and an Audioguide
Explore Matsue castle with a local guide and discover its 400-year history, unique architecture, and hidden stories, including the little-known origins of the castle. Climb to the top floor and take in a 360-degree panoramic view: the shimmering expanse of Lake Shinji, the rooftops of the old castl
From US$38.13
Matsue Castle Guided Tour - With a Local Guide and an Audioguide
Explore Matsue castle with a local guide and discover its 400-year history, unique architecture, and hidden stories, including the little-known origins of the castle. Climb to the top floor and take in a 360-degree panoramic view: the shimmering expanse of Lake Shinji, the rooftops of the old castl
From US$38.12
Sanbe Azukihara Principle Buried Forest Park Jomon no Mori
Don't miss the breathtaking Jomon Cedars! Appreciate a natural monument up close Cedars that were buried by the eruption of Sanbei Volcano during the Jomon Era (about 4,000 years ago) were discovered in their original state and are preserved and exhibited here. Among the many buried forests in Jap
From US$10.66
Sanbe Azukihara Principle Buried Forest Park Jomon no Mori
Don't miss the breathtaking Jomon Cedars! Appreciate a natural monument up close Cedars that were buried by the eruption of Sanbei Volcano during the Jomon Era (about 4,000 years ago) were discovered in their original state and are preserved and exhibited here. Among the many buried forests in Jap
From US$10.59
Morning Meditation and Tofu Making Experience in the Temple
Refresh yourself in the morning with zazen and medicinal herbs! This program offers a Zen meditation experience at a local temple, followed by breakfast inside the temple. For breakfast, you will enjoy tofu made by heating soy milk from Masago Tofu, which uses locally harvested soybeans, and adding
From US$72.52
Morning Meditation and Tofu Making Experience in the Temple
Refresh yourself in the morning with zazen and medicinal herbs! This program offers a Zen meditation experience at a local temple, followed by breakfast inside the temple. For breakfast, you will enjoy tofu made by heating soy milk from Masago Tofu, which uses locally harvested soybeans, and adding
From US$72.49
The Best of Matsue Private Walking Tour
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Why does Matsue attract visitors around the world all year round? Known as the “City of Water”, Matsue is so rich in cultural assets and historical s
From US$194.12
The Best of Matsue Private Walking Tour
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Why does Matsue attract visitors around the world all year round? Known as the “City of Water”, Matsue is so rich in cultural assets and historical s
From US$194.11