Shimane Hidden Gems
The mythological heart of Japan — where the gods are said to gather each autumn, alongside a silver-mining UNESCO site and a preserved castle.
4 spots
Climate & Best Season
Mild but wet, with grey winters and moderate snow inland. Best in spring, autumn, and during Kamiarizuki in November.
Famous For (Food)
- Izumo soba
- Shijimi clams
- Nodoguro
- Wari-go soba
Signature Sights
- Izumo Taisha
- Matsue Castle
- Iwami Ginzan (UNESCO)
- Adachi Museum garden
Iwami Tatamigaura
In 1872 the Hamada earthquake lifted a section of sea floor about a metre out of the water, and it has stayed there. The…
Oni no Shitaburui
The name means the demon's tongue trembling, and it comes from a story in the Izumo Fudoki about a shark deity in love w…
Tachikue Gorge
Twenty minutes from central Izumo, the Kando River runs between walls of columnar rock rising 100 to 200 metres — eroded…
Ryuzugataki Falls
Ryuzugataki is two waterfalls: the female fall at 30 metres and the male fall at 40, the larger of which is described as…