Shimane Prefecture (島根県) is one of the prefectures in the Chugoku Region facing the Sea of Japan. Izumo Taisha / Izumo Oyashiro Shrine (出雲大社) in Izumo City is one of the most famous shrines in Japan and designated as a national treasure. Tamatsukuri Onsen (玉造温泉), which is famous for its beautiful skin, is also a popular tourist spot.
Shimane prefecture is divided into the following 4 areas.
- Matsue (松江), Izumo (出雲), Tamatsukuri (玉造) Area
- Iwamiginzan (石見銀山) , Ota (太田) Area
- Masuda (益田), Hamada (浜田), Tsuwano (津和野) Area
- Oki (隠岐) Island
Matsue, Izumo, Tamatsukuri Area
Matsue City is the prefectural capital of Shimane prefecture. This area have a lot of tourist destination that you can feel Wa (和) such as Izumo Taisha (Oyashiro) Shrine (出雲大社) and Tamatsukuri Onsen (玉造温泉). If you would like to feel Wa (和), it is recommended to visit this area.
Iwamiginzan, Ota Area
Iwami Ginzan is known as a famous tourist destination in this area. It is the largest silver mine in Japan and designated as a World Heritage Site. You can enjoy walking in the mine that remain as it was at that time, or strolling around the old Japanese streets.
Masuda, Hamano, Tsuwano Area
This area is located in the western part of Shimane prefecture. Taikodani Inari Shrine (太鼓谷稲荷神社), which is one of the five major Inari shrines in Japan, and Shimane Kaiyokan Aquas (しまね海洋館アクアス), one of the largest aquariums in the Chugoku region, are popular tourist spots.
Oki Islands
Oki is the group of islands consisting of four large islands and about 180 other small islands in the Sea of Japan, the northern part of Shimane prefecture. This island has a magnificent and beautiful natural landscape.