Situated in the western portion of Japan, known as the Chugoku region, lies Shimane Prefecture. Facing the Sea of Japan, this hidden gem is filled to the brim with stunning sights to see and experiences to undertake. The area is also serviced by one of the few remaining sleeper trains in the country, the Sunrise Izumo! So let’s see what amazing things Shimane Prefecture has to offer.
Izumo
The town of Izumo, located west of the capital city of Matsue, is most famously known for the grand shrine found there, Izumo Taisha. One of the big three shrines within Japan, alongside Meiji Jingu and Ise Jingu, the shrine is known to be one of the oldest shrines in the country, and mythologically speaking, it is the place where all Shinto deities gather in the tenth month of the lunar calendar of every year. The month was thus known historically to those living in the area as ‘kamiarizuki’, (a month with the deities) and to those outside the city as ‘kannazuki’ (a month without the deities). The shrine also undergoes periodic rebuildings where the entire building is taken down and painstakingly rebuilt with beautiful traditional craftsmanship. It is believed that it once stood towering over the ground, suspended on vast pillars that kept it stable. There is a scale model of the shrine with pillars in a nearby display, an opportunity to see what Izumo Taisha would have looked at all those years ago. When visiting the shrine, another fascinating aspect of it is that, opposed to the normal two claps you do at a regular shrine, you clap 4 times at Izumo Taisha!
Another point of interest within Izumo is the Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, located right on the water of the Sea of Japan. As the lighthouse faces west, this area makes for some stunning sunset views. The lighthouse is nearly 40 metres tall, and visitors are able to climb it and get views of the ocean, the Oki Islands, and more. With nearby amenities including cafes and a museum, this is a perfect spot to visit slightly before sunrise, giving you ample time to relax, have fun, and then enjoy seeing the sun slip below the horizon.
During your visit in Izumo, make sure not to miss out on Izumo soba as well, a signature dish of the area. This soba is made with the full seed of buckwheat flour, giving it a more intense taste. You can try it either in warigo style, in which the soba is stacked in multiple layers of lacquerware, or in kamaage style, where the noodles are in a bowl. Why not give them a try!
Matsue Castle
In the capital city of the prefecture, you can find lots of fun activities to keep yourself busy and entertained. One such activity is to explore the historic Matsue Castle. The castle is one of the few remaining original castles left in the country, meaning that it has not been rebuilt like many others. Built in the early 1600s and ruled by the Matsudaira Family, this castle is occasionally known as the ‘Plover Castle.’ You can explore the park around it, which lights up with cherry blossoms in the spring, or admire the view from the top, which lets you see all around the city, and even to nearby Lake Shinji. Nearby the castle also lie three charming shrines to peacefully explore, namely Jozan Inari Shrine, Matsue Gokoku Shrine, and Matsue Shrine. If you are keen for some new views of the area, you can also take a leisurely canal ride through the city, seeing the castle top pop in and out of the traditional skyline.
Iwami Ginzan
Heading further out to the west, you can find the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Discovered in the early 1500s and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, this mine was in operation until partially through the 20th century, and was one of the highest producing mines in the world during its heyday. The mine is spread throughout a large area, but there are many different ways that you can explore the area. Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft is one of the shafts that is open for exploration, you can learn more about how the silver was extracted during your time there. The closeby town of Omori also gives you a taste of what it was like to live in the area during the peak of the mine's activity.
Oki Islands
As an island nation, with thousands and thousands of islands, the smaller spots off the mainland coast of Japan can be some of the coolest to explore. One such example are the Oki Islands, located off the coast from Matsue, these islands are abound with stunning flora and fauna. Comprising Daisen-Oki National Park, there are actually around 180 islands that make up the Oki Islands. Dozen and Dogo are two of the biggest islands, and where some of the main towns are located. There are inspiring cliffs and ocean views abound, alongside multiple walking trails that you can use during your time. There is also what is known as the ‘Rosoku Jima’, or ‘Candle Island’, where if you time the angle and day correctly, you can see the setting sun land right on the tip of the rock! Another sight to see is the Dangyo no Taki, a waterfall that cascades over a steep cliff and right next to a shrine.
Ikoji Temple
Heading back to the mainland, one can also visit Ikoji Temple in the city of Masuda. Known to have one of the best gardens in the country, the temple’s construction dates all the way back to 1363. The creator of the garden is thought to be the artist Sesshu, and it can be enjoyed in any and all seasons. Strolling through the garden will reveal that Sesshu designed the pond to be in the shape of a flying crane, and an island in it to be in the shape of a turtle. The temple itself holds a large amount of art and statutes, and lots of time can be spent here appreciating the garden and taking in all the sights.
Lake Shinji
As we head back to the capital of the prefecture, Matsue, it is worth visiting one more attraction in the area. This is the lake that the city sits near, Lake Shinji. A perfect time to visit the shores of Japan’s 7th largest lake is at sunset, as the bright orange sun sets the sky alight with colour. Summertime also brings some wonderful events, such as fireworks festivals where fireworks are launched from a barge in the lake. You can sit on the shore, food in hand, and take in all the sights and sounds of a traditional firework display. One specific delicacy that the lake is known for is also the Shijimi, a type of clam. With nearly 50 kilometres of shoreline, the lake is a perfect spot to cap off your trip to Shimane.
Tsuwano City
Down to the southwest of Shimane Prefecture, near the border with Yamaguchi Prefecture, is Tsuwano. Occasionally known as the ‘Little Kyoto’ of the area, Tsuwano has a bountiful amount of traditional experiences and views to take in. You can climb up to the top of Tsuwano Castle, and though it may be just remnants of what used to be, the views of the surrounding areas are worth the trek. At times, mist rolls in obscuring the bottom of the hill that the castle stands upon. It can very much make someone think back to some popular movies of the past few years! Taikodani Inari Shrine is also another great locale to explore, similar to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, this shrine has close to 1000 red torii gates that you can wander around, and imagine yourself in a new world. And for a sweet treat, you can also try ‘genji-maki’, a dish created with sweet bean paste that is rolled with sponge cake.
Shimane can be accessed from Tokyo by train or plane, a flight from Haneda Airport to Izumo Airport will take about 80 minutes. It will take longer by train, but you have a few different options to use. You can take the shinkansen to either Okayama or Shin-Yamaguchi stations, where you will then transfer to a limited express train to Shimane. Another fun option is to take the 'Sunrise Izumo', one of the few sleeper trains that still operate in the country. Running between Izumo and Tokyo, this 12 hour relaxing journey takes you through the deep mountains of Japan to and from your destination. With its own shower room, viewing seats, and accommodation ranging from the small 'nobi-nobi' space, to your own personal room, this is a wonderful experience and opportunity to watch the countryside pass by.
Shimane Prefecture can be considered one of the best spots to travel to if you want to get away from the big crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. From the serene and grand Izumo Taisha, to the storied Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, the prefecture is one to add to the very top of your next travel list!
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