Meimei-an teahouse was built in 1779 by Matsudaira Fumai-ko, the lord who spread tea ceremony culture across the region. The teahouse has a garden with views of Matsue Castle, and serves tea and Japanese sweets. 9:00～16:00 Opening Days: Open all year round (except from Dec 29th – Jan 1st) Admission fee: 200 yen Admission and [...]

Izumo Shinbutsu Pilgrimage a Spiritual Journey

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 [...]

Hinomisaki Lighthouse Built in 1903, the lighthouse is the tallest in Japan, standing at 43.6 metres. For a small fee, visitors can climb the narrow spiral staircase to the 360 degree outdoor observation deck at the top. Opening times: 9:00 – 16:30 Closed on Dec. 30th, 31st, and from Feb. 4th – March 7th. Phone [...]

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 [...]

There are many Imai bookshops dotted around Shimane, with the largest being in Tawayama in south Matsue. The shop has a small selection of English books and Japanese language textbooks. It is part of a larger complex which includes a music/dvd shop, stationary shop and a nice relaxing cafe. Opening Times: 10:00am – midnight (open [...]

Antique-ya overlooks the castle moat just near Lafcadio Hearn’s former residence. It is a fascinating treasure house of artifacts from bygone years which all make great souvenirs of your time in Matsue. The shop is particularly popular with tourists from overseas.

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 [...]

Mine-ji is a mountain temple located deep in Mitoya, deep in the heart of rural Unnan City. It was founded in 658AD and is said to protect against misfortune and to bring good luck. The garden was created by the lord of Matsue, Matsudaira Fumaiko, and incorporates the neighbouring mountian Iga-yama as borrowed scenery into the overall [...]

Yaegaki Shrine is dedicated to Susano and his bride Kushinada-hime. They came here to get married after Susano saved Kushinada-hime from Yamata-no-Orochi, the eight-headed creature. There is a pond in the forest at the back of the shrine, which is said to have been used as a mirror by the princess. A well-known and popular [...]