Use the
Planning a Trip to Japan?
Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp
HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Sunset at Lake Shinji
Watch the sun paint the sky at one of Japan’s most scenic sunset spots
Matsue City
A brackish water lake connected to the Sea of Japan and Japan's seventh-largest lake, Lake Shinji is the symbol of Shimane’s prefectural capital Matsue, which is also known as the “City of Water.” The lake is especially famous for its spectacular sunset views. Shimane Art Museum on the shore of the lake, in particular, is one of the best spots in Matsue to watch the sunset and has been ranked as one of Japan’s top 100 sunset locations.
Centered on the overarching theme of “Harmony with Water,” Shimane Art Museum features a large lawn with a seating area specifically constructed for sunset viewing. Watch the sun set over the lake and take beautiful photos with the island of Yomegashima in the foreground. This is also a great location to go for a jog or a stroll.
On the Matsue City’s official tourism website “Visit Matsue” you will find a sunset index, which expresses how well and likely you will be able to see sunset at Lake Shinji that day. The higher the value displayed, the better the conditions are for viewing the sunset. It is recommended to check this index beforehand, so you can plan your visit accordingly.
On the lawn area beside the museum, there is also a refreshment stand that opens up exclusively on days where the sunset index is at 50 points or higher. The stand sells coffee brewed at local cafes, craft beer, and even drinks with a sunset motif. How about enjoying the sunset along with a nice refreshment in hand?
How to get there
From JR Okayama Station, take the Limited Express Yakumo bound for Izumo and get off at JR Matsue Station (about 2.5 hours). Shimane Art Museum is about a 15-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride from the station.
Shimane Art Museum
1-5 Sodeshi-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane-ken
