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 food tours
Guided experiences that show you Shimane through its food.
Izumo Soba-Making Experience
Includes: Hands-on buckwheat dough mixing, rolling, and knife-cutting instruction · Tasting of the soba made during the class with dashi dipping sauce · Learn the technique behind Izumo soba, one of Japan's three great soba styles · Workshop located minutes from Izumo Taisha shrine
Izumo Sake Origins Tour
Includes: Scenic Ichibata Railway ride along the shore of Lake Shinji · Visit to Saka Shrine, linked in local tradition to sake's mythological origins · Traditional restaurant lunch paired with a seasonal sake tasting flight · Most atmospheric during the October–March brewing season
Matsue Wagashi & Tea Ceremony Experience
Includes: Whisk-your-own matcha instruction in a traditional tea house setting · Seasonal wagashi tasting reflecting Matsue's tea culture heritage · Live wagashi-crafting demonstration by a master confectioner at Tea Shop Kiharu · Located steps from Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle Town Food Walk
Includes: Self-guided or guided walk through the historic Shiomi Nawate merchant district · Stops at soba shops, a wagashi tasting, and izakaya small plates · Optional local guide narrating samurai-era food and merchant history · Flexible pacing over 2.5–3 hours near Matsue Castle
Cooking classes
Take a piece of Shimane home with you.
Shimane Home Cooking Class
Sake Brewery Guided Tasting
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book tours and cooking classes at least a few days in advance — small-group experiences sell out quickly.
Come hungry — most food tours include 5-8 tastings.
Bring cash for unscheduled stops the guide may recommend.