ACCESS

Shimane lies in south west Japan nestled between the Chugoku mountain range and the Sea of Japan.
Away from Japan’s major cities and main transport hubs and far from the usual tourist routes, it takes a while to get to, but it is well worth a visit.

The best way to explore the area is by car, and the area is well linked to the motorway network. It takes around three and a half hours from the Kansai region, and a little less from Hiroshima.
From the Kansai region, get onto the Chugoku Highway follow signs for Yonago, change to the Yonago Highway and follow the signs for Matsue.

There are many other ways to get here though – the main routes to Matsue, the prefectural capital are shown below.

From Tokyo

By Plane

About 1hr 20 mins from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Izumo Airport by JAL or Yonago Airport by ANA.
There is a shuttle bus from both airports that will take you to Matsue Station in about 30 mins.
Costs around 50, 000 yen, but depends on the season and ticketing.
There are around 5 flights a day.

By Train

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Okayama, and change to the Super Yakumo train.
Takes around 6 hrs and costs around 40,000 yen return.

By Overnight Bus

Leaves Tokyo Station (Yaesu Guchi) at 7:10pm and gets to Matsue at around 6:30 am the next day.
The return bus leaves Matsue Station (North side bus stop no. 9) at 8pm and gets to Tokyo Station (Nipponbashi Guchi) at around 7am the next day.
Costs around 23,000 yen return!

From Osaka

By Plane

Around 60 mins from Osaka Airport to Izumo Airport. There is a shuttle bus to Matsue Station.
Around 6 flights a day and costs around 30,000.

By Train

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Okayama and change to the Super Yakumo train.
Takes about 3 hrs 30 min and costs around 20,000 yen return.

By Bus

there are around 7 buses a day including an overnight bus and costs just over 10,000 yen return.

By Overnight Bus

The overnight bus leaves Shin Osaka at 11pm and gets to Matsue at 6:45am the next morning.
The return bus leaves Matsue Station (North side bus stop no. 9) at 10:30 pm and gets to Shin Osaka at 6:15 am the next morning.

From Hiroshima

By Bus

There are around 14 buses a day leaving Hiroshima Bus Centre.
Takes around 3 hrs 30 mins and cost 8,000 yen return. If you have a JR rail pass, you can use that for the bus from Hiroshima to Izumo! http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en004.html

From Fukuoka

By Overnight Bus

The bus leaves Nishi Tetsu Tenjin Bus Centre at 9:50pm and gets to Matsue Station at 6:50 the following morning.
The return bus leaves Matsue Station (North side bus stop no.9 ) at 9:45pm and gets to Fukuoka at 6:50am the next morning.

When you get here we suggest you head for the Tourist Information Office which is at the North Side of the Station between the bus station and taxi ranks.

See our Rent-a-car page for details on hiring a car once you get to Shimane.