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.
Historical sites
Places where Shimane's past comes alive.
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Admission: Adult: Free grounds; ¥400 ($2.70) World Heritage Center exhibition; ¥300 ($2.00) with passport discount | Child: ¥200 ($1.30)
Tsuwano Castle Ruins
Admission: Adult: Free (ruins); chairlift approx ¥450 ($3.00) round trip | Child: Reduced chairlift fare
Kamosu Shrine
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
Kojindani Ruins
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
Izumo Kokubunji Temple Ruins
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
Yaegaki Shrine (Izumo Mythology Site)
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
Museums
Curated collections that tell Shimane's story.
Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center
Hours: 9:00–17:30 March–November; 9:00–17:00 December–February (last entry 30 min before close)
Admission: Adult: ¥400 ($2.70); ¥300 ($2.00) with passport discount | Child: ¥200 ($1.30)
Matsue History Museum
Hours: 9:00–17:00 daily; closed Mondays
Admission: Adult: ¥510 ($3.40) | Child: ¥250 ($1.70)
Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-Oka Museum
Hours: 9:00–17:00; closed Tuesdays and New Year holidays
Admission: Adult: ¥200 ($1.30) | Child: Free
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Hours: 9:00–18:00 March–October; 9:00–17:00 November–February; closed 1st and 3rd Tuesdays
Admission: Adult: ¥620 ($4.10); ¥310 ($2.10) with discount | Child: ¥100–200 ($0.70–1.30) students