Saishoji-Temple was established before the silver mine and is this area’s oldest and largest temple. The roofs of the gate and main hall are lined with local traditional slate called sekishu-gawara. The kyo-do (scripture storage hall) next to the main hall is a well-known example of the beauty of Japanese architecture with its wall carvings of phoenix and peonies. [...]

Taikodani Inari Shrine is a popular shrine located in Tsuwano in West Shimane. It is said to attract around 1 million visitors annually and is often rather crowded during the daytime. There are many Inari shrines in Japan, however, this is one of only five ‘grand’ Inari shrines in the country. It enshrines the deities [...]

Toda Hachumangu Shrine is located in Hirose in Yasugi. A 200 metre long path of moss-covered stone steps leads you up through the woods to the shrine. As this area was the sight of battles, the long gate at the entrance of the shrine was built to protect the shrine and keep out the enemy [...]

Iwakuraji-Temple in Yasugi was established in 726AD and is a designated Important Cultural Asset of Japan. It was originally located upstream of the Toda River, but was moved to its present location in 1187 and made the official temple of Toda Castle. The main hall contains a statue of the Kannon deity and original paintings [...]

Yaeyama Shrine is located on the side of Mt. Yaeyama in Unnan City. It is dedicated to Susano, who is famous for slaying the eight-headed creature Yamata-no-orochi. The steep approach takes you through deep forest to the shrine gate where two guardian lions lie in wait. Next to the shrine building is a sacred statue of a [...]

Ho-onji Temple is located in the Tamayu area of Matsue. There are many jizo statues in the grounds, and the statue in the main hall is the largest figure of the Kannon deity in Shimane, standing at a height of 4.22m. It is a designated cultural property of the prefecture. Behind the temple is a [...]

Along with Izumo Taisha and Kumano Taisha, Sada Shrine is one of the main shrines in Shimane. The gods that are enshrined here keep a watchful eye over the local area,  and protect it from misfortune. It is said that from the time when the spirit of Izanami was brought here from Mt. Hiba, the gods have been [...]

Tawara Shrine is located not far from Matsue Castle, and the guardian lions on the approach are said to be the largest in Shimane Prefecture. The shrine grounds have many cherry blossom trees and azaleas, and are particulary stunning in spring and autumn. The gods of the srine are Takemikazuchi, Futsunushi, Ameno-koyane and Hime-ookami. It [...]

The rope that the God Yatsukamizuomizunu used in the Kunibiki land pulling legend is said to have turned into the sandy Inasa Beach. The beach and shrine are in the Western part of the Izumo peninsula, and boast fantastic sunsets. The shrine perched on the large rock on the beach is called Benten-Jima, and it [...]

Nagahama Shrine  is dedicated to the god Yatsuka-mizuo-mitsunu, who is well-known for the Kunibiki land pulling legend that appears in the ancient chronicles Fudoki. The god is known as the god of improvement in sports and martial arts and the protector of land and estate. The shrine is located at the top of a mountain [...]

Kiyomizu Temple was founded in 587AD. The main deity is the 11-headed Kannon, who many people believe has the power to drive out evil spirits. As such, people who are said to be in their unlucky year come and pray here. The main symbol of the temple is the three-storey pagoda, the only one in [...]

Suga Shrine, located in Daito-cho in Unnan City, is dedicated to Susano and his wife Inada-hime. They settled here after their marriage at Yaegaki Shrine. The shrine is also known as the birthplace of waka, a form of poetry. It is said that Susano looked up at clouds when building the palace here for his [...]