Top Things to do in Shimane Prefecture
10 Things to do in Shimane Prefecture That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Shimane Prefecture, Japan including Matsue Castle, Izumo Grand Shrine, Aquas, Matsue Vogel Park, Adachi Museum of Art, Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, Yuushien Garden, Taikodani Inari Shrine, Iwami-Ginzan, Shinji Lake.
Restaurants in Shimane Prefecture
1. Matsue Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,499 reviews
Matsue symbol Matsue Castle is said to be one of the national treasures and one of the only orthodox towers among the 12 towers that exist throughout the country. Matsue Castle can be proud, please enjoy.
Reviewed By jeffreygalino - Hiroshima, Japan
If you are into history and culture, you should visit this castle. The structure is still in its original form. It looks unique compared to other Japanese castles for its black color. Discounted ticket price is given to foreigners. A panoramic view of Matsue City is seen from top.
2. Izumo Grand Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,114 reviews
Reviewed By HotRodHeart - France, null
Being one of the oldest and most revered shrine in Japan, you will feel the history of the place as you walk to the shrine and around. Look at the Japanese people to avoid little mistakes, like walking on the path reserved for the gods, etc... It's super countryside, so shops and restaurants close very early, and transportation is scarce. So plan ahead. English is not widespread neither. If you have a chance, follow the way toward the sea from the shrine (the one used for the annual event) , and enjoy a breathtaking sunset ;)
3. Aquas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By naokot705 - Hiroshima, Japan
元気な子供たちにぴったり 入場料は他の水族館と同様に高いのですが、十分遊べるため高いと思いませんでした。 雨でも風でも館内を走り回れますし、迷子の心配も少ないと思います。 近くに大きなアスレチックがあってそちらでもしっかり遊べます。年中さんくらいなら一人で滑り台ができそうです。 Entrance fee is not cheap same as other aquariums. But I think it is not expensive. My sons could run all way of inside it. Parents don't need to worry too much about children might be lost child. Even rainy day, kids need to run and explore. There are less places they can do it in japan. This aquarium will help parents. There is a large playground nearby the aquarium. It has long slides, ropes and so on. Over 5 or 6 years old kids can enjoy it alone. My three years old younger son could play at the playground with father.
4. Matsue Vogel Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By 719karenj - Colorado Springs, United States
You know about those YouTube/Facebook videos of penguins dressed up and walking around? THIS IS THE PLACE! Six years ago, we visited Matsue Vogel Park just as they were closing. We ran through it and thought it was amazing. They greet you with near floor to ceiling flowers! This time, we admired their new building, used our passports to get a discount, and made sure to have lots of time. You start with the most amazing really, really long and steep slidewalk. Our friends helped us to get to almost every "show" and I got to (pay to) have a bird of prey fly to my arm and get lots of photos together, find the koi with the happy face on it's head, take lots of pictures of dressed up penguins, (pay to) hold a penguin (because who knew it was on my bucket list), (pay to) get a bird to pick a fortune for my husband (it was good), and (pay to) feed turacos, toucans, and whatever that other bird was. The free bird shows were great. There were lots of flowers and animals to look at. At the end, we stopped for some soft cream (soft serve in many flavors). What an amazing day!
5. Adachi Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
Reviewed By nigelf938 - London, United Kingdom
One of the most beautiful formats for a gallery, mixing framed views of perfect, unscaleable Japanese garden design with traditional exhibitions of more recent Japanese artists from 19th and 20th centuries. Feels a bit off the beaten track but don’t miss it!
6. Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
This white lighthouse boasts the height of Japan. The area is full of attractions, including the coastline where the cliffs are followed.
Reviewed By JAMBALDORJ_Altaa
This is the fascinating area that I was not expected before. You can release your stress and relax by sitting on the rock and seeing sea of Japan because this is a place perfectly composed of natural beauty. Also my son expressed that it was unbelievable memory and experience with such a strong waves of sea for the first time.
7. Yuushien Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By delphine95 - Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
A wonderfull garden specialized in peonies. It feels very relaxing to walk in these alleys and to enjoy this amazing and big zen garden so well maintened. You can spend easily between 30minutes and one hour to admirate ponds, pine trees, lanterns... and the room of peonies with flowers all year long.
8. Taikodani Inari Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By BZimm08 - Iwakuni, Japan
I visited the Taikodani Inari Shrine after going to the castle ruins. There is a nice trail from the ruins directly to the shrine. There is a large parking lot in front of the shrine. The complex is pretty large and the main temple is beautiful! I love the red and white colors and other traditional items. The shrine is just beautiful, don't miss the Tori Gates that go up/down the hill, there are 273 gates and it makes for fantastic photos. From the shrine you get magnificent views of the town and surrounding area, I can't wait to come back here in the fall time.
9. Iwami-Ginzan
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 478 reviews
Reviewed By septiahardy - Higashihiroshima, Japan
Omori is a town nestled in-between the low ranging mountains of Shimane with beautiful scenery. Since its natural beauty is very well preserved together with the history of being one of the most active silver mines in the past, Omori was given a World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2011. This small traditional town has a lot of historical value and a place where guests can enjoy the blending of nature, history, together with the warm interactions of the locals. Omori is a hidden gem in Japan. Absolutely worth to visit.
10. Shinji Lake
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 561 reviews
Reviewed By ChoongSH - Bukit Mertajam, Malaysia
Actually, I did not check the places of attractions that much for Matsue, because my plan is only to stop by for a nite, before moving to Hagi. ANd Matsue castle was the actual target. Because the I have enough time after Matsue castle, I looked at the map given by the local tourist information counter, and hence I walk towards Lake Shinji, and it happened that it was about sunset time, hence I sit there patiently with many professional photographers waiting to take the famous sunset pictures. But weather was not very good (cloudy), hence there was sunset pictures. But sitting at the side of the lake, was very nice, calm and breathtaking. It was a good visit to lake Shinji. And the museum was another attraction, if you have the time to spend.
