Where to Go in Shimane Prefecture

Cut through a valley in the very west of Shimane Prefecture, Tsuwano is a peaceful and picturesque town that boasts mystical castle ruins, traditional architecture, and numerous shrines and temples. Tonomachi Street marks the centre of the town with its trademark white lattice wall designs and old samurai residences lined with a koi carp-filled stream. For the best route into the town, jump on the SL Yamaguchi-go from Yuda Onsen to experience the scenic Shimane countryside as the locals did 100 years ago.

Yunotsu Onsen

If there’s one thing not to miss in Shimane it’s the steaming hot waters of Yunotsu Onsen. This unassuming little port town is found in the centre of the prefecture just a short distance from the popular Iwami Ginzan silver mine. Noted for its extra hot natural spring water, there are few places as relaxing as the quiet town’s two public baths.

Yunotsu Onsen

Taking pride in its continuation of traditional Japanese customs, Shimane is one of the only places that continues the old ritual Kagura performances on a regular basis. Yunotsu Onsen is at the heart of this with performances taking place almost every Saturday night between 8 and 9pm.

Matsue

Matsue is the prefectural capital of Shimane found in the northeast of the prefecture with the neighbouring Tottori Prefecture just a stone’s throw away. Sandwiched between two lakes, Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi, and with the Sea of Japan to the north, Matsue is often referred to as the City of Water. Home to one of the nation’s only remaining original castles, Matsue still carries the atmosphere of a castle town with canals lining the streets which lead up to the castle in its commanding position on the hillside. While Lake Shinji is perhaps the prettiest of the city’s lakes, Lake Nakaumi is a must-visit for those wishing to see one of the world’s most unusually shaped bridges, Eshima Ohashi.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Back in the 17th century, Japan was the largest producer of silver in the world and much of that production was thanks to the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine located in the centre of Shimane Prefecture. The mine was in use between 1526 to 1923 and played a big role in strengthening trade between the East and the West. These days, visitors can climb inside one part of the mine before enjoying the fantastic countryside that the old mine is surrounded by. The remaining mining town, Omori, is home to cafes and souvenir shops as well as pretty walks past quaint bridges and temples.

Visit Izumo Taisha Shrine

The colossal Izumo Taisha Shrine is believed to be the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan and consequently one of the most important shrines in the history of the country. Legend has it that the eight million gods have gathered at Izumo Taisha every year for centuries under order of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. This annual meeting is marked by the Kamiari Festival which takes place every November and is preceded by the Kannazuki Festival in October.

Tsuwano

Shimane Pref

View All

Go here

Yudaonsen

Yamaguchi Pref

View All

Go here

Steam Locomotive Yamaguchi

4.5

34 Reviews

Yamaguchi ken Yamaguchi city Oguri

0570002486

Inquiries required※Towing l…

View All

Go here

Yunotsu Onsen

Shimane Oda-shi Yunotsucho Yunotsu

0855652065

View All

Go here