Shimane Hidden Gems
The mythological heart of Japan — where the gods are said to gather each autumn, alongside a silver-mining UNESCO site and a preserved castle.
4 spots
Climate & Best Season
Mild but wet, with grey winters and moderate snow inland. Best in spring, autumn, and during Kamiarizuki in November.
Famous For (Food)
- Izumo soba
- Shijimi clams
- Nodoguro
- Wari-go soba
Signature Sights
- Izumo Taisha
- Matsue Castle
- Iwami Ginzan (UNESCO)
- Adachi Museum garden
Matsue Castle — Original Black Castle National Treasure
Matsue Castle (松江城) is one of Japan's 12 surviving original castles, built in 1611 and never destroyed by war or fire. T…
Horikawa Moat Boat Ride — Roofed Boat Through Castle Town
Horikawa Sightseeing Boat (堀川めぐり) navigates the 3.7km moat surrounding Matsue Castle, passing under 16 bridges (some ext…
Matsue Wagashi Sweets — Tea Culture Capital
Matsue is ranked among Japan's top wagashi (和菓子, traditional Japanese sweets) cities, with per-capita wagashi consumptio…
Lafcadio Hearn Residence — Ghost Story Writer's Home
Lafcadio Hearn (小泉八雲, Koizumi Yakumo, 1850–1904) was a Greek-Irish writer who moved to Japan in 1890, married a samurai'…