Shimane Prefecture: Shrines, Gardens and Island Nature

Shrine traditions, garden art and island coastlines give Shimane Prefecture a varied travel profile. Cultural sites, nature observation and outdoor activities offer different points of focus. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, first consider which of these aspects interests you most.

Getting There and Getting Around

Shimane Prefecture can be reached from major Japanese cities by limited express trains, long-distance buses and car. The prefecture has three airports: Izumo, Hagi-Iwami and Oki. Oki Airport is the gateway to the Oki Islands. These transport options provide a starting point for planning; the right choice depends on which travel experiences you want to focus on.

Nature Observation and Walking Trails

The prefecture has 15 model routes for nature observation. They introduce observation points and the plants and animals found there. This draws attention both to specific nature observation points and to the flora and fauna of these places. Iwami Seaside Park has walking trails where you can enjoy seasonal flowers and greenery. The two offerings have different focuses: the model routes center on observation points and the species found there, while a walk in the park focuses on seasonal vegetation.

Shrines, Art and Gardens

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines. It is a prominent landmark for a culture-focused trip. The Adachi Museum offers another way to experience Japanese culture: it specializes in Japanese painting and ceramics and features a collection of works by Yokoyama Taikan. The museum also has a Japanese garden covering 50,000 tsubo. It includes, among others, a karesansui garden and Hakusa Seishō Garden. The two gardens offer different views in different seasons, making it possible to appreciate garden art in terms of its seasonal character as well.

Iwami Ginzan and Mining History

Iwami Ginzan is in Ōda, Shimane Prefecture, and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2007. Ryugenji Mabu, a former mine tunnel, is part of the World Heritage Site. It was opened in the mid-Edo period and is 600 meters long. Two distinct historical details are highlighted here: Iwami Ginzan’s inscription as a World Heritage Site and the tunnel’s place in mining history.

Performances and Experiences in Matsue

In Hamada, Iwami Kagura is performed at shrine ceremonies, regular performances and on stages at events. These settings range from shrine ceremonies to event stages. In Matsue, the Matsue Horikawa Sightseeing Boat Tour travels through the canals around the samurai district. The focus here is on the canal journey—a different emphasis from the region’s art collection, garden or historic sites.

The Oki Islands and Their Coastlines

The Oki Islands lie off the coast of Shimane, close to the prefecture. They are part of Daisen-Oki National Park and have been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2013. Activities on the islands include swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing; diving courses are also offered. Experienced divers can rent equipment and dive independently. On Nishinoshima, the Kuniga Coast features a natural arch and striking rock formations shaped by erosion. The nearby islands thus offer both water-based activities and a distinctive coastal landscape.

Discover more destinations: Yasugi, Matsue, Izumo, Oki District, Kanoashi District, Hamada, Ōda, Gōtsu

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