Shimane Prefecture lies along the San'in coast of western Honshu, home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, and Matsue Castle, one of only twelve original castles remaining in the country. Known in Japanese mythology as the land where the gods gather each October, Shimane blends ancient shrine culture, samurai heritage, celebrated gardens, and a quiet, uncrowded coastline far from Japan's typical tourist circuit.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Shimane.
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- quiet, contemplative sunset spot tied to Izumo Taisha's mythology
- White sand and pine-lined arc (ranked among Japan's Best 100 Beaches)
- Bentenjima sacred rock islet with shrine
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Mythological significance (Kuni-yuzuri legend landing site)
Inasa-no-Hama Beach
Editor’s tip. Combine with an Izumo Taisha visit since the shrine is only 1 km away
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- family-friendly, calm and shallow with a well-known sunset draw
- White sand, clear shallow water suited to families
- Public toilets
- Changing rooms
- Paid showers
- Weekend lifeguards in season
- Ranked among Japan's Top 100 Sunsets
Kirara Beach
Editor’s tip. Visit on a weekend in July or August for lifeguard coverage
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- active, activity-driven beach park geared to marine sports and overnight stays
- 3.5 km arc of white sand, one of Japan's Top 100 bathing beaches
- Marine sports rentals: SUP, banana boat, wakeboard
- Motor campsites and cabins
- Tennis courts
- Summer lifeguards
Iwami Seaside Park (Anegahama Beach)
Editor’s tip. Rent SUP or wakeboard gear directly at the park rather than bringing your own
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- quiet, sheltered cove overshadowed by its larger neighbor
- White sand, high water transparency
- Shallow, sheltered swimming area
- Snorkelling and surfing
- Nearby sea cave tunnel access
Kokufu Beach
Editor’s tip. Bring snorkelling gear, as there is no rental on-site
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- remote, quiet Oki Islands beach with a local, low-key character
- Dogo Island's largest sandy beach
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Restrooms and showers
- Shops open during sea-bathing season
- Rock walking areas nearby
Shiohama Beach
Editor’s tip. Book ferry tickets from Shichirui or Sakaiminato in advance during peak summer
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Shimane’s coast.
Is Inasa-no-Hama Beach good for swimming?
The beach is swimmable in July and August when the water is calmest, though there is no lifeguard, so caution is advised, particularly near the rocks close to Bentenjima islet.
From the Inasa-no-Hama Beach editorial.
How do I get to Inasa-no-Hama Beach from Izumo-shi Station?
Visitors can take the Ichibata Bus from JR Izumo-shi Station to Izumo Taisha (about 25 minutes, ¥590/$3.90) and then walk roughly 15 minutes to the shore.
From the Inasa-no-Hama Beach editorial.
Is Kirara Beach safe for children?
The water is shallow and clear near shore, and lifeguards are posted on weekends during the official summer bathing season, making it one of the more family-friendly beaches in the area.
From the Kirara Beach editorial.
Can Kirara Beach be reached without a car?
Yes, the beach is about a 10-minute walk from JR Oda Station on the San'in Line.
From the Kirara Beach editorial.
What activities are available at Iwami Seaside Park?
Beyond swimming, the park offers stand-up paddleboard, banana boat, and wakeboard rentals, plus tennis courts and campsites for overnight stays.
From the Iwami Seaside Park (Anegahama Beach) editorial.
Is there parking at Iwami Seaside Park?
Yes, free parking is available on-site, a rarity for a beach park of this size in Japan.
From the Iwami Seaside Park (Anegahama Beach) editorial.
How can Kokufu Beach be reached?
The most direct route is a short tunnel through a sea cave from neighboring Iwami Seaside Park, or a roughly 15-minute taxi from Hamada Station.
From the Kokufu Beach editorial.
Is Kokufu Beach good for snorkelling?
Yes, the sheltered cove and high water transparency make it a popular local snorkelling spot.
From the Kokufu Beach editorial.