We have been to Shimane Prefecture and would like to recommend 5 road trips to you!
Shimane Prefecture is one of the prefectures in the Chugoku region facing the Sea of Japan, and is attractive for its rich nature and historical culture. There are many tourist attractions such as Izumo-taisha Shrine, which has an ancient history, and Matsue Castle, which preserves the castle town from the Edo period. There are also World Heritage sites such as the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Ruins and the Adachi Museum of Art, known as the best garden in Japan. The area is also rich in natural scenery, including Lake Shinji and the coastline of the Sea of Japan, and is known as a region where myths and legends come alive.
Izumo Taisha (Shrine)
Izumo Taisha is one of the most famous shrines in Japan, located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, and is dedicated to Okuninushi no Okami, the great deity known as the god of marriage. The shrine was founded in ancient times, dating back to mythological times, and appears in Japan’s oldest history books, Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan). Every year in October, the shrine is famous for “Kanzai-zuki” (the month of the gods), which attracts many worshippers from all over Japan. The shrine is a power spot with a mysterious atmosphere, with a magnificent main shrine and large straw ropes in the precincts.
Zenzai is said to have originated in the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture, where the Izumo Grand Shrine is located. Zenzai is a traditional Japanese sweet dish made of sweetened red beans and glutinous rice dumplings or mochi (rice cakes). There is a store called “Kissako” in the shopping arcade near Izumo-taisha Shrine.
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Inasa-no-hama
Inasa-no-hama is a beautiful sandy beach in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, not far from Izumo-taisha Shrine. In mythology, it is said to be the place where the gods landed, and is popular as a scenic spot, especially at sunset. It is a long walk from Izumo-taisha Shrine, so it is recommended to go there by car. (Parking lots are available.)
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Lake Shinji
Lake Shinji is located between Matsue City and Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture and is the seventh largest brackish lake in Japan. It is especially beautiful at sunset and is one of the “Seven Views of Lake Shinji. Shijimi (whitebait) fishing is popular along the lakeshore. The photo was taken at Lake Shinji SA (downhill direction).
This is also a great place for a drive with a great view!
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Adachi Museum
Adachi Museum of Art is located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, and is particularly famous for its Japanese garden, which has been voted the “best garden in Japan” for 20 consecutive years, offering beautiful views of the four seasons. The museum also houses masterpieces of Japanese painting by Yokoyama Taikan and others.
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Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Ruins
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Ruins, located in Ota City, Shimane Prefecture, is the remains of a silver mine that flourished from the 16th to 17th centuries and is registered as a World Heritage site. The historical landscape of the mines and roads has been preserved, and visitors can enjoy a tour of the tunnels and walk around the area.
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Summary
This was my first visit to Shimane Prefecture, and I was able to fully enjoy nature, history, and culture on this trip.
You can visit historical spots such as Izumo-taisha Shrine and Matsue Castle, and enjoy beautiful scenery along Lake Shinji and the Sea of Japan. You can also experience culture at Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Ruins and Adachi Museum of Art, and refresh yourself at Mochiishi Beach and Shirashima Beach. The driving course is a combination of rich nature and tradition, and is full of seasonal attractions.
Tottori Prefecture is next door, so please visit with us when you visit Shimane Prefecture.
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