Daikon-shima is an island in the Naka-umi Lagoon in eastern Matsue. It was formed 120,000 – 300,000 years ago from volcanic ash. The quality of the soil makes the island the perfect place for growing Korean ginseng and peonies, and their cultivation, which started on the island in the Edo period,  has grown into the island’s main [...]

Iwami Ginzan opened in 1526, and for around 400 years was an active mine. It flourished between 1500 and 1700, and was fought over by many rulers in the area. It came under strict control around the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. At one period, Japan produced a third of the world’s silver, and most [...]

It is said that Tamatsukuri hot spring was discovered 1300 years ago by the god Sukuna-hikona, who appears in Japanese mythology and accompanied Okuni-nushi around  Japan developing the land and industry. The hot spring appears in the ancient chronicles as “the water of the gods”. The sun god Amaterasu, had three sacred treasures, the sword, the mirror [...]

Mihonoseki is a small fishing town on the eastern part of the Shimane Peninsula, and is home to the head shrine of all the Ebisu shrines in Japan. Further up the hill from the shrine and harbour is Mihonoseki Lighthouse, which is listed as one of the world’s top 100 historical lighthouses. On a clear [...]

The old Taisha Station was opened in 1912, and was closed in 1990. The present building was built in 1924, and is unusual in that it incorporates elements of shrine architecture into its design. It was designated as an important cultural property of Japan in 2004. Opening Times: 9:00am – 5:00pm Access: Turn left out [...]

Momen Kaido (Cotton Road) is located in Hirata, and is an old merchants’ quarter. Many sake distilleries and soy sauce makers that were established in the Edo Period remain, and many continue to work in the original buildings. The area was famous for its cotton, which, along with other products, was transported out to Osaka [...]

Izumo Taisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Railway is the nearest station to Izumo Taisha. It was built in 1930 in a Western style, and is now a designated cultural property of Japan. You can rent bicycles at the station, although cycling in the Izumo Taisha shrine grounds is prohibited. As you come out of the building, [...]

Matsue English Garden is located on the shores of Lake Shinji, and boasts over 500 species of plants. It was constructed in the traditional style of an English garden, and its full-time gardeners work throughout the year to maintain its beauty. The garden and neighbouring building has festivals, concerts and other events throughout the year. [...]

  Matengai Cliff At  257m this cliff boasts stunning views of the sea and the Oki Island coastline. Kuniga Shore　 This coastline is one of the more famous sights of Oki, and can be explored on land or from the sea. Tsutenkyou　 The “Bridge to Heaven” is best viewed from the rocky shore. Onimai Lookout Sunflowers cover this [...]

Sotohama Beach This sandy beach in Nishinoshima is a great place to enjoy swimming, water sports and sunbathing in the summer. Club Noah Oki/B&G Marine Sports Center Want to keep cool in the summer? Spend some time on or in the water! From here you can rent kayaks, canoes, yachts, wakeboards, banana boats, and snorkeling gear. You can also learn [...]

Beppu Area ● Mitsukejima-sou ● Hotel Oki ● Seikiya Ryokan ● Takenami Ryokan Mita Area ● Rizo Oki Rozaju ● Seaside Hotel Tsurumaru ● Ryokan Tsukamoto (The owners warmly welcome guests from overseas) ● Darumaya ● Sanrikimaru ● Daikichi ● Kojima Urago Area ● Kametani-sou (May – August) ● Kishimoto Ryokan ● Kakuyou ● Kaifukuya [...]

The stunning Oki Islands are located 40 to 80 kilometers north of the Shimane Prefecture coastline.  The Okis consist of four inhabited islands – Oki Dougo (the biggest island, Okinoshima Town) and Oki Douzen (three smaller islands – Nishinoshima Town, Ama Town and Chibu Village), as well as numerous uninhabited smaller islands. This volcanic rock island group is [...]