Top Things to do in Shimane Prefecture
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What to do and see in Shimane Prefecture, Chugoku: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Shimane Prefecture, Japan including Matsue Castle, Shimane Art Museum, Izumo Grand Shrine, Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, Matsue Vogel Park, Yaegaki Shrine, Kamosu Shrine, Susa Shrine, Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, Former Taisha Station.
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. Shimane Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
The museum on the shores of Lake Shinji, which is designated as "100 Japanese Sunsets in Japan," is the largest museum in San-in. Collect excellent works of each field such as paintings, sculptures, crafts, photographs as permanent exhibitions. It is also acclaimed that a large number of paintings with the theme of “water” will be exhibited.
Reviewed By delphine95 - Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
First the architecture of the museum in front of the lac is amazing. Inside permanent exhibition has very important western and japanese master piece as an enormous sculpture Victor Hugo by Rodin. You will find a gallery with great suite and black pictures from the artiste Teiko Shiotani. Twilight temporary exhibition gathers paintings from Impressionist european painters and japanese painters of the same century very beautifull and interesting to see the connexion between these two cultures. What ever the kind of art you like i really recommend to take 90 minutes to enjoy Shimane museum.
3. 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 ;)
4. Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 363 reviews
The origins of japan,enfolded in mystery. Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo is dedicated to exhibiting the heritage of the ancient Izumo culture. Central Lobby Exhibition In the Central Lobby stand the "UZUBASHIRA PILLAR" a pillar found in the ruins of the Izumo Grand Shrine,discovered in 2000. Theme Exhibitions ”Izumo Grand Shrine and the Festivals of the Land of the Gods” offers an introduction to the mysteries of Izumo Grand shrine, said to have been vast in scale in ancient times. "Bronze implement and decorative sword" showcases the bronze inplement of the Yayoi period (approx.500 BC-250 AD) and the luxuriously decorated long swords,(tachi,) of the Kofun period (approx.250-600 AD)
Reviewed By Ontario55 - Toronto, Canada
Historical insights regarding the origins of Japanese culture are to be gained from seeing the valuable artifacts preserved at this museum adjacent to Izumo Grand Shrine. Though some are replicas, several objects on display are priceless national treasures. Taken at a leisurely pace -- Don't rush! -- the many exhibits reveal a great deal about early Japan, the construction and re-construction of the Grand Shrine over centuries, and its significance (both religious and otherwise) to successive generations. My wife and I took in the museum before going to the Grand Shrine, which enhanced our appreciation of the shrine immeasurably. Had we done it the other way around there still would have been a lot for us to learn. An English-language audio guide is free with admission.
5. 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!
6. Yaegaki Shrine
7. Kamosu Shrine
8. Susa Shrine
9. 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.
10. Former Taisha Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
A beautiful wooden station building designated as an important cultural property of the country. Interiors and railway goods with high historical value are worth seeing as well as railway fans.
Reviewed By jeffreyrg - Higashihiroshima, Japan
Visiting this old station feels like going back in time. You can still see the schedules, mannequins wearing the original uniform, the railtracks and the train. The best part is it is free and near the other tourist spots.
