Wrapped between misty mountains and the Sea of Japan, Shimane whispers of timeless Japan where myth, craftsmanship, and nature intertwine. From the sacred gates of Izumo Taisha to the calm reflections of Lake Shinji, every scene feels both ancient and alive. Samurai castles rise above canals, steam curls from quiet onsen, and fishermen return as herons lift into pink skies. In Shimane, Japan, travelers find serenity not by chasing sights, but by moving at the region’s gentle, enduring rhythm.
Quick Facts: Shimane, Japan
Time ZoneJapan Standard Time, UTC+9
Nearby DestinationsTottori, Hiroshima, Oki Islands, Tsuwano, Yonago, Hagi
Average TemperatureWinter 0–8°C, Spring 8–20°C, Summer 24–32°C humid, Autumn 10–22°C
Cash or Card?Cards and IC cards increasingly accepted, but small shrines and mom-and-pop shops often prefer cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post work with foreign cards.
Destination Overview
Why Visit Shimane?
Shimane blends storybook Japan with real life. You can pray beneath rope-thick shimenawa at Izumo Taisha, drift past castle moats under pine canopies in Matsue, and wander Edo era lanes in Omori near the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Lake Shinji glows rose at sunset, fishermen unload blackthroat seaperch at dawn, and centuries old hot springs steam beside willow lined rivers. Fewer tour buses, more conversation and time to breathe.
Best Time to Visit Shimane
- Spring – March to May brings camellias and cherry blossoms, comfortable 10–20°C days, and clear views from Hinomisaki Lighthouse. Golden Week crowds spike from late April to early May, so book transport and ryokan in advance.
- Summer – June to August is humid and green. Expect 24–32°C, sea breezes on the Shimane Peninsula, and lively shrine festivals. Rains in June, then beach days and night kagura performances. Hydrate and plan midday indoor stops.
- Autumn – September to November offers crisp air, rice harvest scenes, and peak foliage mid November in the hills. Food lovers flock for matsuba crab from early November and sweet, briny shijimi clams.
- Winter – December to February is quiet and atmospheric. Some mountain roads see snow and shorter museum hours reduce options, but costs dip and onsen are at their coziest.
Travel Difficulty & Ideal Duration
Difficulty: Moderate, due to rural distances and limited late night transport.
Recommended: 3 to 5 days for first timers. Add two more days if you are heading to the Oki Islands or deeper into Iwami.
Essential Travel Information
Visa & Entry
Many nationalities visit visa free for short stays. Always confirm your status and entry requirements on official sources before booking flights. See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa pages for exemptions and the eVISA program when applicable:
MOFA Visa Exemptions and
Japan eVISA. If you require a visa, start with the nearest embassy or consulate’s site, like the Embassy of Japan in the United States.
Money & Realistic Daily Costs
- Budget: ¥7,000–¥12,000, dorms or simple guesthouses, soba lunches, local buses.
- Mid-range: ¥15,000–¥28,000, business hotels or cozy ryokan, museum entries, a seafood dinner.
- Luxury: ¥35,000–¥70,000+, upscale ryokan with kaiseki, private onsen, driver or taxis.
Language & Communication
Download an offline translation app and keep place names in Japanese to show drivers. eSIMs work well across Shimane. Free Wi-Fi appears at major stations and museums, but rural valleys can have patchy service. Locals appreciate simple greetings and patience.
Getting There & Around
Air, Rail, Bus: Fly into Izumo En-musubi Airport for eastern Shimane or Hagi Iwami Airport for the west. Flights from Tokyo Haneda take about 75–80 minutes to Izumo, with shuttle buses to Matsue and Izumo stations (official access overview and Visit Matsue airport info). The daily Sunrise Izumo night train connects Tokyo with Matsue and Izumo, with limited berths that sell out quickly (details).
Local transport: Use the JR San’in Line for coastal hops and the Ichibata Electric Railway between Matsue and Izumo. In Matsue, the red retro Lakeline Bus runs a loop, single ride ¥210, day pass ¥520. IC cards like ICOCA are widely accepted on JR West and many stores (ICOCA guide).
Top Things to Do in Shimane
Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Sites
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Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
Address: 195 Kizukihigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo, Shimane 699-0701
Admission and timing: Shrine grounds free. Typical visiting 6:00–20:00, inner facilities vary. Treasure hall fees apply during special exhibitions.
Best visiting time: Early morning before tour buses or late afternoon with soft light.
Japan’s storied shrine of matchmaking, with colossal shimenawa ropes and dignified cedar groves. Check ceremonial schedules and etiquette on the official site. Official • Visit Izumo -
Matsue Castle National Treasure
Address: 1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue, Shimane 690-0887
Admission and timing: Main keep adults ¥800, daily 8:30–18:00 Apr–Sep, 8:30–17:00 Oct–Mar. Castle grounds open longer.
Best visiting time: Mid morning for keep views, late afternoon for moat photos and horikawa boat rides.
One of only a handful of original wooden keeps left in Japan, with commanding lake and city panoramas. Hours and fees -
Adachi Museum of Art
Address: 320 Furukawa-cho, Yasugi, Shimane 692-0064
Admission and timing: Adults around ¥2,300. 9:00–17:30 Mar–Nov, 9:00–17:00 Dec–Feb. Closed a few days per year.
Best visiting time: Morning for calmer galleries, or rainy days when garden greens glow.
World famous for its meticulously framed gardens and a strong collection of modern Japanese paintings. Official -
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine & Omori Town
Admission and timing: World Heritage Center exhibits ¥410 adults, generally 9:00–17:00. Historic shafts and residences keep separate hours and small fees.
Best visiting time: Weekdays outside holidays. Cool mornings for the shaded valley walk.
A peaceful valley of mossy stone, kura storehouses, and mine heritage that fueled a global silver boom. Start at the World Heritage Center for context. Center info • Official details -
Shimane Art Museum
Address: 1-5 Sodeshi-cho, Matsue, Shimane 690-0049
Admission and timing: Collection exhibitions typically ¥300–¥1,000 depending on show. Usual hours 10:00–sunset time, closed Tuesdays, extended sunset viewing for Lake Shinji.
Best visiting time: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the museum’s famous silhouette photos.
Lakeside galleries designed around water, with seasonal showcases and one of Japan’s favorite sunset scenes. Official overview -
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
Address: 1478 Hinomisaki, Taisha-cho, Izumo, Shimane 699-0763
Admission and timing: Tower climb ¥300 adults. Typical hours 9:00–16:30, longer on weekends in summer.
Best visiting time: Golden hour for sea cliffs and offshore islet views toward the Oki Islands.
The tallest masonry lighthouse in East Asia, with a breezy 360 degree deck and dramatic coastline. Official • Hours and fee -
Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum & Former Residence
Address: 315 Kitahori-cho, Matsue, Shimane 690-0888
Admission and timing: Museum ¥600 adults, Residence ¥400 adults. 9:00–18:00 Apr–Sep, 9:00–17:00 Oct–Mar. Combined tickets available.
Best visiting time: Late morning before school groups, then stroll the castle town lanes nearby.
Enter the world of the writer who introduced much of Japan to Western readers, with intimate displays and period rooms. Official -
Yaegaki Shrine
Address: 227 Sakusa-cho, Matsue, Shimane 690-0035
Admission and timing: Grounds free. Mirror Pond fortune paper ¥100. Treasure House ¥200 adults.
Best visiting time: Morning on weekdays for a quiet wish at the pond.
A beloved shrine for romance, where fortunes float on delicate paper in the pond behind the main hall. Official • Visit Matsue
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
- Mihonoseki – A quiet fishing port at the peninsula tip with a storied shrine and seafront lanes. Reach by bus from Matsue Station, best in the morning for harbor life.
- Former Taisha Station – A graceful wooden station house near Izumo Taisha that feels paused in the Showa era. Combine with soba on the shrine approach.
- Yunotsu Onsen – A World Heritage hot spring quarter near Iwami Ginzan with two atmospheric public baths and retro streets. Evenings glow here. Official
- Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum – Learn how tamahagane steel becomes a sword, with live demonstrations on select days. Official
- Shinji-ko Sunset Banks – Pick the lakeside promenade near the Shimane Art Museum for that iconic silhouette shot and the cool evening breeze.
- Ohashi Bridge Moat Cruise – The Horikawa sightseeing boat floats under willows around the castle town. Boats slow down for herons and stone walls.
Unique Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Stacked Izumo soba lunch at a heritage shop near the shrine, ¥1,000–¥2,000. Weekends are busy, arrive before 11:00.
- Iwami Kagura night performance in the Iwami region, tickets from ¥1,500–¥3,000. Check local halls for schedules.
- Lake Shinji sunset cruise or shoreline walk, free to roam, cruises from around ¥1,500 per adult in season.
- Onsen hopping at Tamatsukuri, day baths from ¥700–¥1,500. Bring a small towel and hydrate after soaking.
- Oki Islands day trip in fair weather. Fast ferry from Shichirui Port, around 60–80 minutes, fares vary by vessel. How to get there
- Samurai steel lesson at the Okuizumo museum on special days, typical demo and gallery time 60–90 minutes. JNTO info
Best Photo Spots
- Shimane Art Museum embankment at sunset, tripods usually allowed outdoors but be considerate of passersby.
- Matsue Castle keep balcony for 360 degree city and lake views. Early light is soft and clear.
- Izumo Taisha’s shimenawa at Kaguraden. Compose wide shots before 9:00 to avoid tour groups.
- Hinomisaki Lighthouse cliffs toward the Oki Islands. Watch strong winds and stay behind barriers.
- Omori’s stone lanes and kura storehouses near Iwami Ginzan, best under overcast skies that make the greens pop.
Where to Stay in Shimane
Best Areas or Neighborhoods
- Central Matsue – Walkable to the castle, moats, and restaurants. Great for first timers and families who want easy transit and lake sunsets.
- Tamatsukuri Onsen – Classic ryokan streets along the Tamayu River, perfect for couples and onsen lovers who want an unhurried evening soak.
- Izumo City – Handy for sunrise at Inasanohama and early shrine visits. Business hotels near JR Izumoshi keep costs predictable.
- Omori, Iwami Ginzan – Atmospheric heritage inns in a quiet valley. Best for culture travelers ready for slower evenings and limited dining hours.
- Oki Islands – Remote island inns for coastal hikes and sea views. Build in ferry time and check weather windows.
Budget Traveler Picks
- Matsue Guesthouse – 203-1 Teramachi, Matsue • ¥2,500–¥5,000
- Dormy Inn Izumo – 1-3-3 Semboku-cho, Izumo • ¥8,000–¥15,000
- Simple ryokan near Yunotsu – Yunotsu Onsen area, Oda • ¥6,000–¥10,000
- Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu – standard rooms – 590 Asahi-cho, Matsue • ¥9,000–¥14,000
- Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu often has advance purchase deals that rival budget stays.
Mid-Range Favorites
- Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu – 590 Asahi-cho, Matsue • ¥12,000–¥22,000
- Dormy Inn Izumo – superior – 1-3-3 Semboku-cho, Izumo • ¥12,000–¥18,000
- Yunotsu Onsen ryokan cluster – Yunotsu-cho, Oda • ¥10,000–¥18,000
- Hotels near Shimane Art Museum – Lake Shinji waterfront, Matsue • ¥10,000–¥20,000
- Small inns near Iwami Ginzan – Omori-cho, Oda • ¥10,000–¥20,000
Luxury Stays
- Hoshino Resorts KAI Tamatsukuri – Tamatsukuri Onsen, Matsue • ¥45,000–¥90,000 per room with kaiseki
- Hotel Gyokusen – 53-2 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue • ¥25,000–¥60,000
- Upscale inns on Oki Islands – Saigō and Beppu ports areas • ¥28,000–¥65,000
- Design ryokan in Yunotsu – Yunotsu-cho, Oda • ¥35,000–¥70,000
- Garden view inns near Adachi Museum – Yasugi • ¥25,000–¥45,000
Family-Friendly
- Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu – Family rooms, near JR Matsue, easy bus access.
- Hotel Gyokusen – Kids yukata, spacious baths, short taxi to station.
- KAI Tamatsukuri – Larger rooms with private open air tubs.
- Lake Shinji area hotels – Easy sunset walks and museum proximity.
- Oki Islands – Choose central port locations for short walks to beaches.
Alternative Stays
- Guesthouses on Nishinoshima, Oki – Rustic island inns near sea cliffs.
- Machiya style inns in Omori – Historic homes converted to lodging.
- Dorm beds in central Matsue – Social stays near restaurants and buses.
- Tamatsukuri Onsen minshuku – Family run stays with home cooked breakfasts.
- Farmstays around Okuizumo – Seasonal harvest experiences by request.
What & Where to Eat in Shimane
Must-Try Dishes
- Izumo Soba – Earthy buckwheat noodles served in stacked bowls with condiments and broth. Typical lunch ¥1,000–¥2,000 near Izumo Taisha.
- Shijimi Clam Soup – Lake Shinji’s tiny clams give deep umami. A bowl at local diners runs ¥300–¥600. About shijimi
- Nodoguro – Blackthroat seaperch, grilled or shabu shabu. Expect ¥2,000–¥4,000 per serving at casual spots, more at kaiseki level.
- Matsuba Crab – Winter delicacy from early November, usually market priced. Crab courses often ¥8,000–¥15,000.
- Izumo Zenzai – Sweet red bean soup with mochi, a comforting shrine street snack, around ¥500–¥800.
Restaurants & Cafés
- Budget Eats – Arakiya Izumo soba, Address: 409-2 Kizukihigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo • ¥1,000–¥2,000 • 11:00–16:00, Wed closed.
- Seafood Izakaya – Nekko, central Matsue, known for nodoguro and shijimi dishes • Typical spend ¥3,000–¥5,000.
- Sake Tasting – Rihaku Sake Brewing, 1258-1 Higashi-Tsuda, Matsue • Tasting shop hours vary. Bring cash for purchases.
- Café by the Water – Lakeside cafés near the Shimane Art Museum, perfect pre-sunset. Expect ¥600–¥1,200 for drinks and sweets.
- Yunotsu Local – Small family run eateries near the public baths, simple sets ¥900–¥1,500. Ask ryokan staff for the night’s best pick.
Street Food & Dietary Tips
- On shrine streets, try taiyaki and local gelato. Lines peak after 11:00 near Izumo Taisha.
- Gluten free travelers can enjoy grilled seafood and rice based dishes. Check dashi contains no wheat based soy sauce when necessary.
- Vegetarians should look for shōjin style sides, tofu, and vegetable tempura. Clarify fish stock use in soups.
- Carry a reusable bottle. Tap water is safe and tastes clean in Matsue and Izumo.
- Most shops accept cash. IC payments are growing but not universal in rural pockets.
Local Culture & Etiquette
- Norms – Bow slightly at shrines, cleanse hands at the chozuya, keep voices low inside sacred spaces and museums, remove hats where posted.
- Do’s & Don’ts – Do line up neatly for buses and trains. Do not smoke while walking. Ask before photographing people or private property.
- Tipping – Not customary. Exceptional service is acknowledged with words, not cash.
- Festivals & Events – Kagura nights in Iwami, summer shrine matsuri, and the October lunar month when deities are said to gather in Izumo.
Practical Tips & Safety
- Health & Safety – Japan’s emergency numbers are 110 for police and 119 for ambulance and fire. Pharmacies post clear green crosses. Rural clinics have limited English, so keep essential phrases handy.
- What to Pack – Compact umbrella in June, warm layers and traction for winter, slip-on shoes for ryokan, a quick dry towel for onsen.
- Money Saving – Use the Matsue Lakeline day pass, Ichibata day tickets, and combo museum discounts. Weekday hotel rates are softer.
- Emergency Phrases – “Byōin wa doko desu ka” (where is a hospital), “Keisatsu” (police), “Kādo tsukaemasu ka” (can I use a card), “Eigo no panfuretto arimasu ka” (do you have an English pamphlet).
Shimane Itineraries
3-Day Express Itinerary
- Day 1 – Matsue Old Town and Lake Shinji. Tour Matsue Castle, horikawa boat ride, Lafcadio Hearn Residence, sunset at Shimane Art Museum, dinner of shijimi soup and local sake.
- Day 2 – Izumo Taisha and Hinomisaki. Early shrine visit, soba lunch near the torii, bus to Hinomisaki Lighthouse for coastal walks, return to Tamatsukuri Onsen for an evening soak.
- Day 3 – Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, then swing back through Matsue for souvenir shopping in Kyomise and a simple seafood dinner.
7-Day Comprehensive Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive Matsue. Lakeline loop, castle grounds, boat cruise, izakaya dinner.
- Day 2 – Shimane Art Museum and craft shopping, afternoon tea near the moat, sunset photography session.
- Day 3 – Izumo Taisha deep dive, walk to Former Taisha Station, lighthouse at golden hour, back to Tamatsukuri for onsen.
- Day 4 – Adachi Museum gardens, slow lunch, optional pottery stop, evening free.
- Day 5 – Iwami Ginzan World Heritage day. Start at the museum, walk Omori lanes, peek into restored residences, return by bus.
- Day 6 – Yunotsu Onsen morning bath, coastline strolls, local sweets. Transfer back to Matsue.
- Day 7 – Oki Islands sampler if seas are calm, or Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum with countryside café stops.
Off the Beaten Path Route
Loop Matsue to Mihonoseki for sea shrine views, continue around the Shimane Peninsula to Hinomisaki, then cut inland via rural lanes toward Okuizumo for the tatara steel story. Use Ichibata trains and local buses where possible, and schedule ferries ahead if you plan to add an Oki Islands overnight. Ferry departures are from Shichirui Port with standard and fast boats, reservations recommended in peak months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Shimane?
Spring and autumn are ideal. March to June brings fresh greens, comfortable temperatures, and fewer storms than midsummer. September to November offers bright foliage, clear horizons over Lake Shinji, and the start of crab season. Summer is lush but humid with occasional rain. Winter is quiet, perfect for onsen, but some rural services run shorter hours.
How many days do I need in Shimane?
Plan 3 days for Matsue, Izumo Taisha, and one museum day. With 5 to 7 days you can add Iwami Ginzan, Yunotsu Onsen, and a weather dependent Oki Islands hop. Families often enjoy a night in Tamatsukuri Onsen to slow the pace.
Is Shimane safe for solo travelers?
Yes. Crime rates are low and locals are helpful. The main challenge is limited late night transit. Keep an eye on the last train or bus, carry hotel cards, and store emergency numbers 110 and 119 in your phone.
What is the best area to stay in Shimane?
First timers should base in central Matsue for easy access to the castle, buses, and lake sunsets. Couples who love hot springs will prefer Tamatsukuri Onsen. Shrine focused trips work well near Izumo Station or the Taisha area.
How do I get around Shimane without a car?
Use JR San’in Line trains for coastal hops, the Ichibata Electric Railway to link Matsue and Izumo, and the Matsue Lakeline bus for city sights. IC cards like ICOCA work widely. For Iwami Ginzan and Yunotsu, check Iwami Kotsu buses and plan around fewer departures.
What foods should I try in Shimane?
Start with Izumo soba in stacked bowls, shijimi clam soup by Lake Shinji, grilled nodoguro, winter matsuba crab, and the sweet red bean dessert zenzai. Pair dinners with local sake from breweries like Rihaku.
Can I visit the Oki Islands as a day trip?
Yes in summer with early fast ferries, but it is tight. Ferries depart Shichirui Port and Sakaiminato. Better to stay overnight to see cliffs, sea caves, and island shrines. Check the Oki Kisen timetables and weather advisories.
Where can I see the best sunset in Shimane?
The embankment outside the Shimane Art Museum on Lake Shinji is famous. Arrive 30 minutes early, bring a light jacket, and watch the sky reflect on the water as fishing boats cross the frame.
Do I need to reserve the Sunrise Izumo night train?
Yes. Berths are limited and popular. Reservations open one month ahead and sell out quickly on weekends and holidays. Japan Rail Pass holders pay extra for berth types except the free nobi nobi compartments when available.
What are good rainy day activities?
Adachi Museum of Art, Shimane Art Museum, Lafcadio Hearn Museum, and onsen time at Tamatsukuri all shine in soft light. Cafés around Matsue Castle make cozy midday breaks.
Don’t Miss
- Sunset on Lake Shinji after a day of castle town wandering, finishing with hot sake and shijimi soup.
- The hush beneath Izumo Taisha’s giant shimenawa before the crowds, then stacked soba at a heritage shop.
- Omori’s mossy lanes and miners’ houses that reveal Iwami Ginzan’s global story one doorway at a time.
- Sea winds and sweeping views from Hinomisaki Lighthouse on a clear afternoon.
- A slow evening soak at Tamatsukuri Onsen, lanterns reflected in the river.
Your Shimane Story Starts Here
Shimane rewards travelers who like to linger. Plan a few unhurried days around Matsue’s castle and moats, add an early visit to Izumo Taisha, and save a night for Tamatsukuri’s soothing waters. If time stretches, stroll Omori’s heritage streets or sail toward the Oki Islands for sea cliffs and stars. Choose a lakeside sunset, a quiet lane, a bowl of soba, and let the prefecture’s gentle rhythm shape your trip. Pick dates, book that ryokan, and begin your Shimane story.