Shimane
Top Shimane souvenirs and must-visit travel spots — your complete guide for visitors to Japan. Eight million gods gather here every October. Izumo Taisha — Japan’s shrine of love and destiny — has drawn pilgrims for 1,300 years to pray at the birthplace of Japan’s creation myth.
縁結びの大社・出雲大社、松江城・堀川めぐり、隠岐の島——島根は日本の神話と歴史が最も深く根付いた、神々の国です。
Shimane Prefecture sits on the mythological heartland of Japan, where the Kojiki (Japan’s oldest chronicle) locates the creation of the islands and the home of the gods. Izumo Taisha is one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines — in October (Kannazuki, ‘month without gods’), eight million deities are said to gather here from across Japan to arrange marriages for the coming year. Matsue, Shimane’s charming castle town, has one of Japan’s twelve surviving original castles.
八百万の神が集う出雲大社（縁結びの神様）、国宝・松江城とその城下町の堀川めぐり、島根半島から沖合に浮かぶ隠岐の島——島根は『神々の国』の名にふさわしい深い文化と自然を持つ県です。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Shijimi Clam
Shijimi (freshwater clams) from Lake Shinji in Shimane are one of Japan’s most prized delicacies — these small, dark-shelled clams are considered the country’s best for their concentrated umami, prominent ornithine content (essential for liver function), and natural sweetness. Lake Shinji’s brackish waters provide ideal growing conditions, and the famous twilight sunset over the lake (with shijimi fishermen silhouetted against orange skies) is one of Japan’s three most beautiful sunsets. The clams are most popularly eaten as miso soup (one of Japan’s most iconic breakfast foods, considered a hangover cure due to ornithine), in donabe rice (cooked clay-pot rice with shijimi), or grilled in the shell with sake. Available freeze-dried, vacuum-packed, and as instant miso soup mix at JR Matsue Station and Lake Shinji shops. Best within 6 months unopened.
島根県・宍道湖（しんじこ）のシジミは日本最高級の珍味——小ぶりで濃い殻のこの貝は、凝縮された旨味、肝機能サポートに重要なオルニチンの豊富さ、自然な甘さで日本一と評価されています。宍道湖の汽水域は理想的な生育環境を提供し、橙色の空にシジミ漁船のシルエットが浮かぶ夕暮れ時の絶景は「日本三大夕日」に数えられます。最も人気の食べ方は味噌汁（日本の朝食の象徴的な逸品で、オルニチンの効能から二日酔いの妙薬とされる）、土鍋ご飯（シジミと一緒に炊いた炊き込みご飯）、または殻ごと日本酒で焼く料理など多彩。フリーズドライ、真空パック、インスタント味噌汁の素として、JR松江駅、宍道湖周辺の土産店で購入可能。未開封で賞味期限約6ヶ月。
Yakumo Natto
Yakumo natto is Shimane’s distinctive interpretation of Japan’s fermented soybean tradition — using the small, sweet “Yamatoro” soybean variety grown in the Yakumo region, traditionally fermented in straw bundles (warazuto) for several days, producing natto with notably mild aroma, tender beans, and a more accessible flavor profile than other regional natto. The result is natto that even those new to fermented foods can enjoy. Top makers include Yakumo Natto Honpo (founded 1923) and Hayashi Natto, with traditional straw-bundle versions and modern paper-cup formats both available. Mix with the included sauce and karashi mustard, then stir vigorously and serve over hot rice. Refrigerate; consume within 7-10 days of opening. Available at JR Matsue Station, Lake Shinji area shops, and Shimane prefecture roadside stations.
「八雲納豆（やぐもなっとう）」は島根県の独特の納豆——八雲地方で栽培される小粒で甘味の強い「やまとろ」大豆品種を、伝統の藁苞（わらづと）で数日間発酵させ、控えめな香り、柔らかい豆、納豆初心者にも親しみやすい風味に仕上げた独自スタイルです。発酵食品が苦手な人にも楽しめる仕上がりが魅力。代表メーカーは1923年創業の「八雲納豆本舗」、「林納豆」など、伝統の藁苞版と現代のカップ版の両方を展開しています。付属のたれとからしを加え、勢いよくかき混ぜて、炊き立てご飯に乗せて頂くのが定番。要冷蔵、開封後7〜10日以内に。JR松江駅、宍道湖周辺の土産店、県内道の駅で購入可能。
Izumo Kagura Mask
Izumo Kagura is one of Japan’s oldest theatrical traditions — sacred Shinto dance dramas performed since the 8th century AD, recreating mythological scenes from Kojiki. The signature visual element is the kagura masks: hand-carved wooden masks in vivid colors representing Shinto deities, demons, dragons, and historical figures. Each mask takes a master craftsman 1-3 weeks to carve and paint, with techniques passed down through specific lineages. Visitors can purchase smaller decorative masks (¥3,000-15,000) as folk art souvenirs, or rare full-sized performance masks (¥50,000+) as collector pieces. The famous Izumo Kagura Hall in Matsue showcases mask-making demonstrations and offers performances. Top mask makers include Tominaga Kagura Mask Studio and Sasayama Studio. Pair with kagura performance attendance for the full cultural experience.
「出雲神楽（いずもかぐら）」は日本最古の演劇伝統の一つ——8世紀から続く神楽舞で、古事記の神話の場面を再現する神聖な踊りです。象徴的な視覚要素は神楽面——手彫りの木製マスクで、神道の神々、鬼、龍、歴史的人物を鮮やかな色彩で表現します。1つのマスクには名工が1〜3週間の時間をかけて彫って塗り上げる職人技が込められ、特定の家系で技法が受け継がれています。訪問者は装飾用の小さなお面（3,000〜15,000円）を民芸品お土産として、希少な実演用フルサイズマスク（50,000円超）をコレクター作品として購入可能。松江市の「出雲神楽会館」では面作りの実演と神楽公演が楽しめます。代表的な面作家は「富永神楽面工房」「笹山工房」など。神楽公演観賞とセットで完全な文化体験を。
Obako Azuki
Obako (“big box”) Azuki are Shimane’s premium red beans — a small, almost cherry-red variety grown only in the prefecture’s Iwami region. The beans have an extraordinary natural sweetness and creamy, soft texture when cooked, making them the choice of master wagashi (Japanese sweets) makers across Japan. Obako Azuki sweets capture this excellence in various forms: the signature “Obako Yokan” (a refined slice of pure red bean jelly), “Obako Daifuku” (mochi rice cakes filled with whole beans), traditional dora-yaki, and modern bean-paste tarts. Top makers include Iwami Bean House (founded 1888) and Wagashi Tashiro. Boxed gift versions in elegant traditional packaging are sold at JR Matsue Station, Iwami’s town shops, and Tokyo’s depachika. Best within 14 days; pair with strong matcha or hojicha tea.
「おばこ小豆」は島根県のプレミアム小豆——県内・石見（いわみ）地方のみで栽培される、小さくほぼ桜色の希少品種です。煮込むと驚くほどの自然な甘味、クリーミーで柔らかい食感が広がり、日本中の名匠和菓子職人が選ぶ最高峰の小豆として君臨しています。「おばこ小豆スイーツ」はこの卓越した素材を多彩な形で活用：象徴的な「おばこ羊羹」（上品な羊羹）、「おばこ大福」（粒あん入りの餅）、伝統のどら焼き、現代風のあんペーストタルトなど。代表メーカーは1888年創業の「石見豆屋」、「和菓子田代」など。優美な伝統パッケージの化粧箱がJR松江駅、石見の町の店舗、東京のデパ地下で販売。賞味期限約14日。濃いめの抹茶やほうじ茶と相性抜群。
Raicho Sake
Raicho is Shimane’s flagship sake — produced by Sasayama Brewery (founded 1602, the prefecture’s oldest sake brewery) using local mountain spring water and Yamada-Nishiki rice from the Tottori-Shimane border. The signature Raicho junmai daiginjo is consistently rated among Japan’s top sakes, with refined floral aromatics, gentle umami, and clean dry finish that makes it perfect for sushi and sashimi. The brewery also produces unique aged sakes (“koshu”) matured in cedar tanks for 5-10 years, developing surprising amber color and concentrated flavor. Beyond Raicho, other Shimane breweries include Hekkoinno (Yasugi), Houhai (Matsue), and Kotoba (Hamada). Many breweries offer free tours and tasting flights of 5-10 sakes. Available at JR Matsue Station’s Sake Cellar and direct from Sasayama brewery shop in Iinan-cho.
「雷鳥（らいちょう）」は島根県を代表する銘酒——1602年創業（県内最古）の「笹山酒造」が地元の山の湧水と山田錦（鳥取・島根の境地域産）で醸す自慢の銘柄です。看板の純米大吟醸「雷鳥」は、日本の銘酒ランキングで常に上位に名を連ねる実力派で、洗練された花の香り、優しい旨味、すっきりとしたキレが寿司・刺身との相性抜群。蔵元では、5〜10年杉樽熟成の独特の古酒（驚くべき琥珀色と凝縮された風味）も製造。雷鳥以外の島根の銘酒は「白皇（やすぎ）」「鵬蓮（松江）」「言葉（浜田）」など。多くの蔵元で無料の蔵見学と利き酒セットが楽しめます。JR松江駅の酒蔵コーナー、飯南町の笹山酒造直営店で購入可能です。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine) is one of Japan’s two oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines — alongside Ise Grand Shrine — founded in 712 AD and dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Kami, the Shinto deity of nation-building, harvests, and matchmaking. Izumo is Japan’s premier shrine for romantic prayers, attracting young couples and singles seeking love connections from across the nation. The signature feature is the kagura-den, a hall housing the world’s largest sacred shimenawa rope (8 tons, 13.6 meters long, replaced every 6 years). The unique “two-clap” prayer protocol (instead of standard one-clap) is unique to Izumo. Every October during “Kannazuki” festival, all of Japan’s Shinto deities gather here. Free admission to the main grounds. From JR Izumoshi Station, take the Ichibata Bus (25 minutes).
「出雲大社（いずもおおやしろ）」は伊勢神宮と並ぶ日本最古かつ最神聖な神社の一つで、712年創建——日本創世、農業、縁結びの神「大国主大神（オオクニヌシノオオカミ）」を祀る、日本随一の縁結びの聖地です。全国から若いカップルや独身者が縁結びの祈願に訪れます。象徴的な「神楽殿（かぐらでん）」には世界一の神聖な注連縄（重さ8トン、全長13.6メートル、6年に一度張り替え）があり、参拝の際の「二拝四拍手一拝」（通常の一拍手ではなく独特の作法）も出雲ならでは。10月の「神在月（かんなづき）」には、日本中の神々が出雲に集まるという伝承があります。境内主要部は拝観無料。JR出雲市駅から一畑バスで約25分。
Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles still preserving its 17th-century wooden keep — and one of only five designated as National Treasures. Built between 1607 and 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu, the castle’s distinctive black exterior earned it the nickname “Plover Castle” (Chidori-jo) for its bird-of-prey silhouette. The original 5-story keep stands serenely on a hilltop overlooking Lake Shinji, surrounded by extensive moats and stone walls. Inside, narrow original wooden staircases lead between floors filled with samurai armor, weapons, and detailed castle history. The on-site Horikawa River Cruise (separate listing) lets visitors circle the castle’s moats by traditional boat. Cherry blossoms in early April are spectacular. Tickets ¥670. From JR Matsue Station, take the Lakeline Bus to Otemae Hiroba (15 minutes).
「松江城」は現存する日本の12城のうちで17世紀の天守を保存する貴重な国宝——5つの国宝指定天守の一つです。1607〜1611年に堀尾吉晴が築城した松江城の黒い外観は「千鳥城（ちどりじょう）」の愛称で親しまれ、勇猛な鳥の姿を彷彿とさせます。オリジナル5層の天守は、宍道湖を見下ろす丘上に静かに佇み、広い堀と石垣に囲まれた壮大な姿が見事です。内部の急な木造階段は当時のまま、武家の甲冑、武具、城の詳細な歴史展示を楽しめます。隣接の堀川遊覧船（別記載）では、伝統的な舟で城の堀をめぐる体験が可能。4月上旬の桜は格別の絶景。入場料670円。JR松江駅から「ぐるっと松江レイクライン」バスで大手前広場まで約15分。
Horikawa River Cruise
The Horikawa River Cruise is one of Japan’s most charming castle-town experiences — a 50-minute traditional boat tour around Matsue Castle’s outer moats, navigating under 17 historic bridges (some so low the boat’s roof must be lowered manually) while passing samurai residences, willow trees lining the water, and the castle keep rising majestically above. The boatmen, often elderly locals in traditional clothing, sing the haunting Mukainada-bushi folk song and explain the castle town’s 400-year history with a humor that makes the tour as entertaining as it is beautiful. Year-round operation includes special lighting in winter and cherry-blossom illumination in spring. Tickets ¥1,500 (round-trip with unlimited rides). From Matsue Castle’s Otemon-gate area, the boat dock is a 5-minute walk. Highly recommended for first-time visitors.
「堀川遊覧船」は日本でも最も魅力的な城下町体験の一つ——松江城の外堀を50分かけて巡る伝統的な舟下りで、17の歴史的な橋（一部はボートの屋根を手動で下げないと通れないほど低い）の下をくぐり抜けながら、武家屋敷、水辺の柳並木、堂々とそびえる天守を仰ぐ絶景体験が楽しめます。船頭は地元の高齢者たちが多く、伝統的な装束で哀愁ある「向南田節（むかいなだぶし）」を歌い、城下町400年の歴史をユーモアたっぷりに解説してくれるため、観光と娯楽が一体となった魅力的なツアーに。通年運航で、冬の特別ライトアップ、春の桜のイルミネーションも実施。料金1,500円（乗り放題往復券）。松江城大手門エリアから乗船場まで徒歩約5分。初めての方には特におすすめ。
Oki Islands
The Oki Islands, designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, are an archipelago of four main islands and 180+ small islets in the Sea of Japan north of Shimane. Once a place of imperial exile (including Emperor Go-Toba), the islands today preserve a remarkably untouched natural environment — dramatic coastal cliffs, virgin forests, and isolated villages where ancient traditions remain. The signature attractions include the geological wonder Sekiroshi (“Roaring Stones,” cliff formations resembling roaring lions), Kuniga coastal cliffs, the rare native cattle and horse breeds that roam freely, and the deeply traditional Oki Sumo wrestling tournaments. The islands’ sea life is exceptional — bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, and a wealth of seafood. Reach via 2.5-hour ferry from Sakaiminato Port (Tottori) or 1-hour helicopter from Izumo. About 45 minutes by air from Osaka Itami.
「隠岐諸島（おきしょとう）」はユネスコ世界ジオパークに認定された島嶼群——日本海の島根県沖に浮かぶ4つの主要島と180以上の小島から成る秘境です。後鳥羽天皇など、かつて皇族の流配地であった当地は、今も奇跡的に手つかずの自然環境を保持——ドラマチックな海岸断崖、原生林、古代の伝統が残る孤立した集落が魅力です。象徴的な見どころは、地質学的奇跡「赤腿岩（せきろし）」（ライオンの吠える姿に似た断崖）、「国賀海岸」の絶景断崖、自由に歩き回る希少な在来牛と馬、深く伝統的な「隠岐相撲」など。海の生態系も豊か——イルカ、ジンベエザメ、豊富な海鮮。境港（鳥取）から2.5時間のフェリー、出雲から1時間のヘリコプターでアクセス可能。大阪伊丹空港から約45分。
Shimane Art Museum
The Shimane Art Museum, designed by celebrated architect Kiyoshi Sey Takeyama, is one of Japan’s most beautifully positioned museums — its glass walls face directly onto Lake Shinji’s western shore, framing the legendary lake sunset with masterpiece artworks visible just steps away. The collection emphasizes Japanese, French, and Chinese paintings, with notable works by Yokoyama Taikan, Renoir, and traditional Chinese masters. The signature “Sunset Hall” specifically opens its windows during the prime sunset hour for a unique combination of natural and human artistic expression. Beyond exhibitions, the museum café offers panoramic lake views, and the surrounding lakeside park is gorgeous year-round. The annual “Sunset Festival” celebrates Lake Shinji’s sunsets with art events. Tickets ¥300 (specials separate). From JR Matsue Station, the museum is 15 minutes by bus.
「島根県立美術館」は名建築家・武山清の設計による、日本でも最も美しく配置された美術館の一つ——ガラス壁が宍道湖西岸に直接面し、湖の伝説的な夕日と展示作品が同時に楽しめる絶景の立地が魅力です。コレクションは日本・フランス・中国絵画を中心に、横山大観、ルノワール、中国伝統絵画の名作を所蔵。象徴的な「サンセットホール」は、日没時刻に窓を特別に開放し、自然と芸術の融合体験を提供する独自のサービスを展開しています。展示以外にも、湖を望むパノラマカフェ、湖畔のサンセット公園が年間を通じて見ごたえあり。年に一度の「夕日まつり」では、宍道湖の夕日を祝う芸術イベントも開催。入館料300円（特別展は別途）。JR松江駅からバスで約15分。
Insider Tips
現地通の旅の裏ワザ
Izumo Taisha prayer protocol is 2-bow, 4-clap, 1-bow (vs standard 2-2-1 elsewhere). October is ‘month of gods gathering’ — best wedding luck timing.
出雲大社の参拝作法は二礼四拍手一礼（一般神社の二礼二拍手一礼と異なる）。10月「神在月」は縁結びベストタイミング。
Voted #1 Japanese garden 21 years running. 1 hour from Matsue — bus pass (¥2,500 incl. entry) easier than train+taxi combo.
足立美術館の庭園は21年連続日本一。松江から1時間、観覧料込¥2,500のバス券セットが電車＋タクシーより安い。
📱 Travel Essentials in Japan
日本旅行の必需品・予約サービス
📡 eSIM (Recommended)
Skip airport queues — install before you fly. Works in 192+ countries.
空港の列回避、出発前にインストール完了。世界192カ国対応。
✈️ Activate Before Takeoff →📶 Pocket WiFi (For Groups)
Sharing with family or a group? Next-day delivery, postbox return. Or try NETAGE →
グループ利用に最適。最短翌日配送、ポスト返却OK。1日¥450〜。 またはNETAGEも比較 →
📶 Share WiFi from ¥450/day →🎟️ Activities & Experiences
Tea ceremony, kimono, snorkeling and more. Compare and book.
茶道・着物・体験予約はたびらいで価格比較。
🎟 Compare & Book Now →🏨 Where to Stay in Shimane
Find the perfect hotel or ryokan for your Shimane trip on Rakuten Travel.
島根のホテル・旅館予約は楽天トラベルで。豊富なポイント還元あり。
🏨 Find Your Ryokan →🎟 Book Activities & Experiences
アクティビティ・体験を事前予約 — 訪日客に人気のKlookで
🇯🇵 Klook — Japan Activities
The most-used activity-booking platform among inbound visitors to Japan. Browse popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Sapporo.
訪日客に最も利用されているアクティビティ予約プラットフォーム。東京・京都・大阪・札幌など人気観光都市をブラウズできます。
- 🎢 Theme parks (USJ, Tokyo Disney)
- 🗼 Landmarks (Skytree, Mt. Fuji tours)
- 📶 Pocket WiFi & SIM rental
- 🍣 Cultural experiences
🚄 Shinkansen Tickets — Japan's Bullet Trains
Book Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets in advance: Tokyo–Osaka, Tokyo–Kyoto, and more. Klook is an official partner of Japan's rail operators.
新幹線（東京〜大阪、東京〜京都など）の事前予約。Klookは日本の鉄道会社の公式パートナーです。
🚄 Book Shinkansen →🎒 Smart Travel Gadgets for Japan
日本旅行を快適にする厳選ガジェット
🗣 Pocket Translator
Break the language barrier — Pocketalk works in 80+ languages, ideal for menus, station signs, and conversations.
ポケトークは80カ国語対応、メニュー・駅看板・会話で言語の壁を突破。
🛒 Browse on Amazon🔋 Power Bank
Keep your phone alive all day — high-capacity power bank for navigation, photos, and translation apps.
大容量モバイルバッテリーで終日安心。地図・写真・翻訳アプリの電池切れ防止。
🛒 Browse on Amazon🧳 Lightweight Suitcase
Japanese trains and stations have many stairs — a lightweight suitcase makes your trip 10x smoother.
日本の駅・列車は階段だらけ。軽量スーツケースで移動が10倍楽に。
🛒 Browse on Amazon📚 Japan Travel Guide
Lonely Planet Japan & similar guides — offline insights for hidden spots, cultural etiquette, and local food.
Lonely Planet Japan等のガイド本でオフラインでも穴場・マナー・地元食情報を把握。
🛒 Browse on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is special about Izumo Taisha in October?
In the old lunar calendar’s 10th month (called Kannazuki — ‘month without gods’ elsewhere), all eight million Japanese deities gather at Izumo Taisha to discuss marriages and human fates. The Grand Festival (Kamiari-sai) is held Oct 10–17 (lunar).
旧暦10月（神在月）に全国から八百万の神が出雲大社に集まり縁結びを定めるとされます。神在祭は旧暦10月10〜17日。
What is the Horikawa boat cruise and what makes it special?
The flat-bottom boat glides through 24 bridges in Matsue’s castle moat — some so low that everyone must lie flat on the boat floor to pass through. In winter, the boat has a heated kotatsu table inside.
24の橋をくぐる堀川めぐりでは、低い橋のたびに全員が寝そべる体験がユニーク。冬はこたつ付きの温かいボートで運行。
How do I get to Izumo Taisha from Matsue?
Take the Ichibata Electric Railway (一畑電車) from Matsue Shinjiko-Onsen Station to Izumotaisha-mae Station (80 min, ¥790). Or drive — 30 minutes on the expressway.
松江しんじ湖温泉駅から一畑電車で出雲大社前駅まで約80分（790円）。車なら高速で約30分。
Travel Tip
Visit the Shimane Art Museum (島根県立美術館) at sunset — the lakeside terrace offers one of Japan’s most serene evening scenes, with egrets silhouetted against a red sky over Lake Shinji. Entry is free 30 minutes before closing.
