SHIMANE | CHUGOKU＋SHIKOKU×TOKYO (JAPAN)

Shimane is where timeless history and culture live. Shimane Prefecture is located in Chugoku region which is a coastal prefecture in the western side of Japan and its natural atmosphere and mythology have attracted visitors from Japan but also overseas. It is home to Izumo Grand Shrine, famous for marriage, in Izumo, which flourished as a mythical country. Visitors can spend time by enjoying and also knowing more about Japanese culture by shrines, mountains, islands and more.

Visitors can spend time in Shimane by enjoying and also knowing more about Japanese culture by shrines, mountains, islands and more.

Things to Do in Shimane

After paying your respects, it is time to enjoy some Izumo soba. Izumo soba, which began as an offering to worshipers at Izumo Grand Shrine, has a dark color, aroma, and chewy texture that is popular with tourists. In addition to Izumo, there are also Matsue Castle, a designated National Treasure in the prefecture and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a registered World Heritage Site.

Shimane’s Famous Topics

Shimane also has many scenic spots along the Sea of Japan and this is one of the reasons why many travelers visit and are recognized as must see spots. Among them is the Kuniga Coast of Nishinoshima Island of the Oki Islands to the north of the Shimane Peninsula, that offer a spectacular landscape of cliffs and magnificent nature.Not only the landscape observation but also there are many outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy in several ways.Staying on the Oki Islands at a guest house made from a kominka old Japanese-style house is recommended.

Shimane also has many scenic spots along the Sea of Japan and this is one of the reasons why many travelers visit and are recognized as Shimane’s famous topic.

Traveling from Tokyo to Shimane

To get to Shimane from Tokyo is really convenient. You can fly from Haneda airport to the Izumo enmusubi airport which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes or you can take a bullet train (Tokaido/Sanyo) from JR Tokyo station to Okayama and then switch to the limited express there to the destination in Shimane. By train, it will take approximately 6 hours from Tokyo area.Visitors can find the actual route from some travelers pages with the detailed plan and reviews.

Getting from Tokyo to SHIMANE
All Itineraries
Spots around
Festivals of SHIMANE
Local specialty shop

Getting from Tokyo to SHIMANE

Route 1

Haneda airport → Izumo enmusubi airport : 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Route 2

JR Tokyo station → JR Matsue station : Approximatelly 6 hours. From JR Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido/Sanyo shinkansen to Okayama, and transfer to the limited express.

All Itineraries

Indoor and outdoor art tour of Tokyo, Chugoku and Shikoku

CHUGOKU＋SHIKOKU × TOKYO

Once you have had an eyeful of art old and new from the world's greatest in Tokyo, head to Chugoku and Shikoku. Here you will visit islands of the Seto Inland Sea and mountain villages where the focus is on contemporary art. In the second half of the trip, the focus turns to Japanese traditional art and gardens. Immerse yourself in art, outside and in, to your heart's content, from delightful public pieces that blend with the landscape to precious works found in art galleries.
A tour of 2000 years of Japanese history

CHUGOKU＋SHIKOKU × TOKYO

Let's take a trip around Japanese history, stretching back more than 2000 years, from the Jomon period to the Edo period and today.

Once you have the broad strokes of Japan's history from the museums in Tokyo, make your way to Chugoku and Shikoku. Here you will find streetscapes with lingering hints of the Edo period, ancient shrines built in the sea and more.

Be transported to other times in each of these destinations.
LATEST TREND & TRADITIONAL CULTURE

SHIMANE × TOKYO

Harajuku is a birthplace for many of Japanese fashion trends well known as 'kawaii culture' in Tokyo. Especially, the Takeshita-dori Street is filled with young people from all over Japan and the world to look for latest 'kawaii' trends. Leave from this spot of the latest cultural trends, then head to a historical place, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is believed to be where the myriad of deities throughout the country gather in Shimane prefecture. A great trip to experience Japan's traditional culture and see its latest trends.
STUNNING NATURE

SHIMANE × TOKYO

After having a taste of refined Japanese cuisine at a quiet garden in the center of a metropolis, take a trip to the Oki Islands UNESCO Global Geopark surrounded by vast nature. This journey will allow you to thoroughly enjoy the pleasures of both manmade and natural beauty.