Daikon Island (Daikonjima) 大根島

Daikon Island is most famous for its peonies and ginseng on display at Yushien Garden, located in the middle of the Nakaumi Lagoon.

It takes about 50 minutes from Matsue Station by Matsue City Bus.

It is said that the islanders gave the island the unappealing name of Daikonjima, or “Radish Island,” to discourage outsiders from raiding their precious ginseng crops. To supplement their income from this highly valued medicinal root, the islanders also began raising peonies.

Yushien Garden is a massive strolling garden encompassing more than 30,000 square meters, with several ponds, bridges, and teahouses. Every season brings different displays of flowers and leaves including azaleas, peonies, rhododendrons, and irises.

Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring and hydrangeas and water lilies come out in summer. There is a large indoor area where peonies are in bloom year-round.

You can relax and enjoy delicious local food at four different restaurants, each with their own particular seasonal views, including the massive picture windows of the Ichibo Teahouse, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the white sand and pine garden reflected in the pond.

At various times of the year, the garden stays open after dark, and you can enjoy illuminated views.

In the gift shop, you can purchase a variety of products made from ginseng.