Discover Shimane in 5 Minutes! Classic & Popular Attractions Across 8 Must-See Areas
Discover Shimane in 5 Minutes! Classic & Popular Attractions Across 8 Must-See Areas
When it comes to Shimane, most people immediately think of the legendary matchmaking power of Izumo Oyashiro Shrine or the UNESCO World Heritage Site Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. But that’s just the beginning—Shimane is also home to a wealth of must-see destinations spread across a wide area, including the national treasure Matsue Castle, the Adachi Museum of Art, consistently ranked Japan’s best garden, the picturesque “Little Kyoto of the San’in Region,” Tsuwano, and the UNESCO Global Geopark Oki Islands. There's something to discover in every corner of Shimane! If you’re going to make the trip, you’ll want to be sure to visit those “This is the place when it comes to Shimane!” spots—after all, no visit would be complete without them! In this guide, we’ll explore the many captivating attractions of Shimane by dividing the prefecture into eight distinct areas, highlighting the must-see spots and unique experiences each region has to offer.
Known as the "City of Water," Matsue is home to the National Treasure Matsue Castle. A leisurely ride on a sightseeing boat through the castle’s inner and outer moats offers views of the charming castle town scenery.
The sunset over Lake Shinji is so breathtaking it has been selected as one of the Top 100 Sunsets in Japan.
In addition, the area is rich with attractions such as spiritual power spots and beautiful Japanese gardens, making it a destination you can enjoy from morning to evening.
The Izumo area is known as a spiritual sanctuary where the gods of Japan are said to convene. At its heart lies Izumo Oyashiro Shrine, one of Shimane’s most iconic and revered destinations, drawing countless visitors from across the country in search of meaningful connections and blessings.
The area is also home to many historic shrines and temples, where ancient traditions and cultural heritage continue to thrive, offering a deep sense of history and spiritual presence.
The sunset-themed story,
“The Sacred Land of the Setting Sun – Izumo, Where the Gods Created the Sunset,”
has been officially recognized as a Japan Heritage site.
[Photo Captions] Top: Ryūgenji Mabu (Ryugenji Silver Mine Shaft) Bottom Left: Nima Sand Museum
Bottom Right: Shimane Nature Museum of Mt. Sanbe (Sahimel)
Surrounded by nature, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic townscape is filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, offering countless photo-worthy spots at every turn.
In the Mt. Sanbe area, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and camping, making it a great destination for both history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
The Oki area, where you can experience the charm of the UNESCO World Geopark. There are many attractions to see, such as Kunigakashore, Lussuk Island, Yaosusugi and Mudasugi, and Tantogaki Falls. There are also lucky and curly power spots and cute cafe spots, which are essential for women's travel.
[Photo Captions] Top: Adachi Museum of Art Bottom Left: Yasugibushi Entertainment Hall Bottom Right: Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Yasugi)
The Yasugi area, once a center of tatara ironmaking and a thriving port town, has long fostered a rich culture of arts, craftsmanship, and tradition. Even today, you can still feel the unique atmosphere of its historical port heritage.
Highlights include the Adachi Museum of Art, renowned for having Japan’s best garden, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which draws crowds during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Just a short trip from Matsue, Yasugi offers a rewarding experience for those looking to explore beyond the usual routes.
[Photo Captions] Top: Hiikawa Riverside Cherry Blossom Trees Bottom Left: Tabe Family Earthen-Walled Storehouses Bottom Right: Oni no Shitaburui Gorge
The Unnan area flourished through Tatara ironmaking, a traditional Japanese method of steel production that dates back over a thousand years and is still in operation today.
This rich legacy is recognized in the Japan Heritage story titled
“Izumo Tatara Chronicles – A Millennium of Ironmaking and the Stories It Forged.”
Unnan is also steeped in myth and legend, with sites such as the Hiikawa River, linked to the Yamata-no-Orochi serpent legend, and numerous historic shrines, archaeological ruins, and mythology-related landmarks, making it a must-visit for history lovers and cultural explorers alike.
[Photo Captions] Top: Shimane Aquarium AQUAS Bottom Left: Dangyokei Gorge Bottom Right: Kōboku no Mori Park
Home to AQUAS, the largest aquarium in the Chugoku-Shikoku region and beloved for its charming beluga whales, this area is perfect for family-friendly adventures. It’s also known for the dynamic and visually stunning Iwami Kagura, a traditional performing art that continues to thrive today.
The region’s beautiful coastline and lush mountain landscapes create a peaceful, slow-paced atmosphere—an ideal place to refresh both body and soul while connecting with nature and local culture.
[Photo Captions] Top: Taikodani Inari Shrine Bottom Left: Manpukuji Temple Bottom Right: Shimane Arts Center "Grand Toit"
Once a castle town, the area still retains its beautiful historic streetscapes and deep-rooted history. From the iconic Taikodani Inari Shrine with its striking rows of vermilion torii gates, to the Mori Ōgai Memorial Museum, and shrines dedicated to cultural figures like Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, a renowned poet of the Manyōshū, this region is rich in literature and the arts.
As a place that embodies the history and culture of western Shimane, it’s an ideal destination for a more refined, adult-style journey filled with depth and discovery.
Surrounded by nature, "Ishigami Ginzan" is a popular spot as a World Heritage Site. The townscape is full of nostalgic atmosphere, and there are many photo spots.
The Oki area, where you can experience the charm of the UNESCO World Geopark. There are many attractions to see, such as Kunigakashore, Lussuk Island, Yaosugisugi/Mudsutsugi, and the waterfall of Tantoscope.
Yunnan area prospered in the ancient Japanese ironmaking "Tatara ironmaking". The history of ironmaking has been more than a thousand years, and it is still in operation. One story, "Izumo-kun Tatara Fengeki ~ The story of the millennium of ironmaking"
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