Shimane Travel Guide for Japanese Learners
Home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and grandest shrines.
Shimane is steeped in mythology. Izumo Taisha is among the most important shrines in the country, and the silver-mining town of Iwami Ginzan is a UNESCO site.
History & background
Shimane (島根) is the land of myth: Izumo Taisha (出雲大社) is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dedicated to the deity of marriage and good relationships. Iwami Ginzan (石見銀山) once supplied a third of the world's silver.
What to see
- Izumo Taisha grand shrine
- Matsue Castle (original keep)
- Iwami Ginzan silver mine (UNESCO)
- Adachi Museum of Art garden
What to eat
Izumo soba and Shijimi-clam miso soup.
Getting there & when to go
Getting there: Izumo/Matsue are reached by air from Tokyo or by limited express from Okayama.
Best time: Any season; October is the mythical 'month of the gods' at Izumo.
When to go — season by season
October is the auspicious 'month of the gods' (神在月) at Izumo. Spring and autumn are mild for shrines and the silver-mine town; the Adachi Museum garden impresses year-round.
A suggested visit
Pay respects at Izumo Taisha (clap four times for matchmaking), then visit original Matsue Castle (松江城) and the celebrated garden at the Adachi Museum of Art (足立美術館).
At Izumo Taisha, worshippers clap four times (not the usual two) — twice for themselves, twice for a partner.
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