Name: Shimane
Address: JP

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 spas

Curated picks for treatments and day spas.

Spa

Chorakuen

Day use ¥1,500–2,500 ($10–17); overnight stay ¥18,000–45,000 ($120–300) including meals1–2 hours (day use)

Spa

Shiraishiya

¥40,000–90,000 ($267–600) per person including kaiseki dinner and breakfastOvernight stay

Spa

KAI Tamatsukuri

¥35,000–70,000 ($233–467) per person including dinner and breakfastOvernight stay

Spa

Tamatsukuri Onsen Public Foot Bath and Day-Use Baths

Free foot baths; day-use baths from ¥400 ($2.70)15 minutes to 2 hours

Spa

Yunotsu Onsen

Day use ¥350–600 ($2.30–4); overnight ¥15,000–30,000 ($100–200) including meals1–2 hours (day use)

Wellness retreats

Multi-day immersive experiences.

Retreat

Ento Oki Islands Retreat

Overnight stay, 1–3 nights typical¥25,000–60,000 ($167–400) per person per night including meals

Where: Ama Town, Oki Islands

Wellness travel tips

Get the most from your wellness experience.

Tip

Book treatments in advance — popular slots fill up quickly during peak season.

Tip

Hydrate well before and after treatments, especially massages and saunas.

Tip

Communicate any allergies or skin sensitivities before treatments begin.