Izumo Taisha shrine, Matsue Castle by Lake Shinji, the Adachi Museum garden and the Iwami Ginzan silver mine.
Shimane is the land of myths. Matsue is a convenient base; trains and buses reach Izumo and the Adachi Museum.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesIzumo Taisha is associated with matchmaking. Its kagura-den hall has a huge shimenawa rope. Visitors bow, then clap four times rather than two. Inasa Beach is where the gods are said to arrive each autumn.
The Ichibata Railway runs from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen to Izumo Taisha-mae.
Read this area guide →Matsue Castle is one of twelve original keeps and a National Treasure. Take the Horikawa boat around the moat, visit Lafcadio Hearn’s former residence, and watch the sunset over Lake Shinji. The Adachi Museum of Art, famous for its garden, is in nearby Yasugi.
A free shuttle bus runs from JR Yasugi Station to the Adachi Museum.
Read this area guide →Once a major source of the world’s silver, the mine area is a World Heritage site. Walk or cycle through the forest to the Ryugenji Mabu tunnel and the old town of Omori.
Private cars are restricted in the core area; take a bus from Odashi Station.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Morning at Izumo Taisha.
Izumo soba near the shrine.
Train back to Matsue; Horikawa boat tour.
Lake Shinji sunset, then dinner.
Try Izumo soba, shijimi clams from Lake Shinji, nodoguro fish and Japanese sweets with matcha.
Matsue has hot-spring hotels by the lake. Tamatsukuri Onsen is a classic spa nearby.
Yakumo limited expresses run from Okayama to Matsue and Izumo-shi. Local buses and the Ichibata Railway cover the area.
