About Shimane
Shimane Prefecture occupies the central San'in Coast and extends inland to the Chugoku Mountains, forming one of Japan's most historically rich but least-visited regions. The prefecture's ancient name 'Izumo no Kuni' resonates throughout Japanese mythology — the Izumo region features in the oldest Japanese chronicles as the land where deities first created the Japanese archipelago and where the gods gather every October to arrange marriages for the coming year.
Matsue, the prefectural capital, is one of Japan's few castle towns that retains its original castle tower, a double moat system, and substantial samurai quarter intact. The writer Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), who became one of the most perceptive foreign observers of Japanese culture in the Meiji period, lived in Matsue for over a year, and his former residence is preserved as a museum. Matsue's position between Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi creates a castle-and-lake panorama unmatched in Japan.
The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, was once one of the world's most productive silver mines, supplying a significant portion of global silver production in the 16th and 17th centuries. The mine complex includes preserved tunnels, samurai residences, merchant townscapes, and a port town connected to the coast by the ancient mining road. The surrounding cedar mountain forests have largely recovered from historic deforestation, creating a green wilderness threading between remnant industrial archaeology.
Featured Spot: Izumo Taisha Shrine
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is Japan's oldest and most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, the deity of relationships and marriage. While Ise Jingu is considered the most prestigious shrine (dedicated to the imperial sun goddess), Izumo Taisha is the most beloved — Japanese people pray here for romantic partnerships and family bonds. The main hall, rebuilt in its current form in 1744, retains the distinctive ancient architecture of the Taisha style, one of Japan's oldest architectural forms. The massive shimenawa (sacred rope) hanging in the approach haiden hall weighs 5 tons.
What to Experience
- Pray for love and marriage at ancient Izumo Taisha, Japan's shrine of relationships
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Iwami Ginzan silver mine tunnels and merchant town
- Absorb Matsue's intact castle, moat, and samurai atmosphere at twilight
- Cruise Lake Shinji to watch Shimane's famous spectacular sunset over the water
Best Seasons to Visit
Spring (April–May) brings cherry blossoms to Matsue Castle and comfortable weather for exploring. Autumn (October–November) is particularly significant — the lunar month of October is called 'Kannazuki' (Month Without Gods) everywhere in Japan EXCEPT Izumo, where all 8 million deities gather for their annual meeting. Winter features impressive storm seas at the coast and atmospheric shrine visits. Summer is ideal for Iwami Ginzan hiking.