Izumo soba出雲そば
Dark, fragrant soba often served cold in stacked round lacquer dishes (warigo) with broth poured over.
Chugoku
Shimane Travel Guide
Local tips, regional food and places off the tourist trail
A quiet, myth-rich prefecture on the Japan Sea. Highlights are Izumo Taisha, Matsue with its original castle and Lake Shinji, and the Iwami Ginzan silver mine.
Open Shimane on the map36 places on the map · 12 local favourites
Local tips
- TipThe Ichibata Railway links Matsue and Izumo Taisha along Lake Shinji, a relaxed alternative to driving.
- DoAt Izumo Taisha, worshippers bow twice, clap four times and bow once, instead of the usual two claps.
- TipAround the tenth lunar month (usually November) Izumo calls it Kamiarizuki, when Japan’s gods are said to gather here.
- TipIwami Ginzan’s mine area is best explored on foot or by rental bicycle; cars can’t go into the old mining district.
- DoCatch sunset over Lake Shinji from the Matsue lakeshore; it’s a local ritual on clear evenings.
What to eat
Shijimi clamsしじみ
Small clams from Lake Shinji, most often eaten in a rich miso soup around Matsue.
Nodoguro (rosy seabass)のどぐろ
A rich, fatty white fish from the Iwami coast, excellent grilled or as sushi.
Local favourites
Places mostly visited by people who live here — quieter, and often the highlight of a trip.
Arifuku Onsen
有福温泉 Hot SpringsA tiny hillside onsen village of stone steps and old inns in western Shimane, with a simple public bathhouse used by locals.
● Mostly localsTachikue Gorge
立久恵峡 Nature & SceneryA quiet gorge south of Izumo lined with towering rock pillars, with a riverside walking path and a suspension bridge. Especially pretty in autumn.
● Mostly localsIsemiya-cho, Matsue
松江 伊勢宮町 NightlifeMatsue's main nightlife district south of the Ohashi River, packed with izakaya serving Lake Shinji clams, local fish and Shimane sake.
● Mostly localsOkuizumo Tatara and Sword Museum
奥出雲たたらと刀剣館 ExperiencesSights & HistoryA museum on the region's ancient tatara iron smelting, the source of Japanese sword steel. Swordsmith demonstrations are held on some days.
● Mostly localsOni no Shitaburui Gorge
鬼の舌震 Nature & SceneryA dramatic ravine full of giant boulders in Okuizumo, with a long, high suspension bridge and walking trail. Red leaves make it spectacular in autumn.
● Mostly localsShussai Kiln
出西窯 ShoppingA mingei pottery cooperative near Izumo whose simple, sturdy tableware is sold in its shop and gallery. You can watch potters at work.
● Mostly localsYamada Chikufuken
山田竹風軒本店 Local FoodThe main shop of a Tsuwano confectioner famous for 'genjimaki', a soft sponge rolled around sweet bean paste. The town's signature souvenir.
● Mostly localsYunotsu Onsen
温泉津温泉 Hot SpringsSights & HistoryA small hot spring port town that is part of the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage site. Its old public baths, Motoyu and Yakushiyu, have very hot, mineral-rich water.
● Mostly localsMount Sanbe
三瓶山 Nature & SceneryA dormant volcano with open grassy slopes in central Shimane, crisscrossed by hiking trails and topped by several peaks. A chairlift helps on the western side.
● Mostly localsKamosu Shrine
神魂神社 Temples & GoshuinchoSights & HistoryA quiet hilltop shrine in Matsue whose main hall is the oldest surviving example of the Taisha architectural style, a national treasure.
● Mostly localsRihaku Sake Brewery
李白酒造 Local FoodShoppingA sake brewery near Matsue Castle whose shop offers tastings of its Rihaku sake, served at many Japanese restaurants abroad.
● Mostly localsKuniga Coast (Oki Islands)
国賀海岸 Nature & SceneryTowering sea cliffs and arches on Nishinoshima in the Oki Islands, where horses and cows graze on the clifftops. Reached by ferry from Shichirui or Sakaiminato.
● Mostly localsThe famous sights
The places most visitors come for. Worth it — just go early.
Izumo Taisha
出雲大社 Temples & GoshuinchoSights & HistoryOne of Japan's oldest and most important shrines, dedicated to the god of relationships, with a massive straw rope over the Kaguraden hall. Clap four times here, not two.
Adachi Museum of Art
足立美術館 Sights & HistoryNature & SceneryA museum of modern Japanese painting best known for its immaculate gardens, viewed through the building's windows like living paintings. Often ranked Japan's best garden.
Matsue Castle
松江城 Sights & HistoryOne of Japan's twelve surviving original castle keeps and a national treasure, a dark wooden tower overlooking Lake Shinji. Climb to the top for city and lake views.
Souvenirs to bring home
Matsue is a tea-ceremony town, so bring home wagashi like Wakakusa or Yamakawa, or packaged shijimi and Izumo soba.
When to go
Spring and autumn are pleasant, with November adding the Kamiarizuki atmosphere at Izumo; winter seas are rough and grey.