Discount Information for International Visitors (OKI ISLANDS AREA)

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32 Nishinoshima Furusato-kan (西ノ島ふるさと館)

This exhibition hall contains information on the nature and lifestyle of the locals in Nishinoshima. Items such as fishing tools, folk art, and cultural items are on display in the museum. Also on display is the “Kimura Collection”, by Kimura Yasunobu, which is highly regarded for its valuable documentation collected on the living creatures in the Oki area.

 56-10 Beppu, Nishinoshima-cho, Oki-gun
 [Apr. – Oct.] 9:00am – 5:00pm
Closed every Mon., Nov. 1 – Mar. 31 

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥150
Students: ¥100

Access
3min walk from Beppu port

33 Kuroki-gosho Imperial Residence Site & Hekifu-kan Museum (西ノ島ふるさと館)

To the east of Beppu port, on top of a hill in the bay is where Emperor Godaigo stayed for a year when he was exiled in 1332. This historical landmark is representative of the island. On top of the hill is Kuroki Shrine which is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Godaigo an in 1958 was designated by Shimane prefecture as a historical landmark. At the base of the hill is Hekifu-kan Museum which contains information on the Kuroki-gosho Imperial Residence Site.

 275 Beppu, Nishinoshima-cho, Oki-gun
 [Apr. – Oct.] 9:00am – 5:00pm
Closed every Mon., Nov. 1 – Mar. 31 

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥150
Students: ¥100

Access
10 min walk from Beppu port

Discount Information for International Visitors (IWAMI AREA)

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The Iwami region lies in the west of Shimane, stretching from the mountains to the sea with an abundance of nature and deep roots in tradition. To the west is a town called Tsuwano, or “little Kyoto”, where koi filled canals and white plastered walls remain from its old castle town days. Visit the 400 year old Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, globally known for producing high quality Japanese silver which contributed to 1/3 of the world’s silver supply, and the town that was built around it which includes the therapeutic waters of Yunotsu Onsen; both are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

21 Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center (石見銀山世界遺産センター)

Serving as the introductory entrance of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine districts, this museum features exhibits and simple dioramas that clearly provide an overall perspective about Iwami Ginzan to the visitors. A fun short play by museum staff introducing the life of miner families in the Iwami Ginzan in the Edo period is held from time to time. Visitors can join workshop of making Chogin, one of the silver coins used during 16th to 19th century in Japan, using an alloy of tin and bismuth. (Reservation is required to join workshops).

1597-3, I, Omoricho, Ohda City
0854-89-0183
http://ginzan.city.ohda.lg.jp/1750.html (EN)
 [Mar. – Nov.] 8:30am – 6pm
*Exhibition Room: 9am – 5:30pm (Last admission at 5pm)
[Dec. – Feb.] 8:30am – 5:30pm
*Exhibition Room: 9am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed every last Tue. of the month, New Year holidays

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥200
Elementary/ Junior High School Students: ¥100

Access
 33min via local bus from JR Odashi Sta. to ‘Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center’ bus stop
 90min from Izumo Airport via San-in EXPWY.
400 cars

 EN / KR / 簡 / 繁

22 Ryugenji Mabu Mine Shaft (龍源寺間歩)

During the middle of Edo period, silver was massively produced in the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. These mine shafts are known as ‘mabu’ and there are over 700 of them in various sizes in this area. Ryugenji Mabu was operated under the direct management of the magistrate’s office. Visitors can walk inside of the tunnel and the rough chisel marks made by miners in the Edo period can still be seen clearly on the walls. We recommend taking a relaxing 40 min walk along the beautiful stream in the forest as you go between the mining shaft and Omori town.

 183, Ni, Omoricho, Ohda City
 0854-89-0347
 [Mar. – Nov.] 9am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:50pm)
[Dec. – Feb.] 9am – 4pm (Last admission at 3:50pm)
Closed on New Year’s Day

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥210
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥100

Access
 30min by local bus from JR Odashi Sta. Get off at ‘Omori’ bus stop. Then walk 40min to the mine shaft through little village and the forest.

 EN / KR / 簡 / 繁

23 Rakanji Temple & Gohyaku-rakan (羅漢寺・五百羅漢)

This temple was founded in 1764 for the repose of the souls of the people who had worked at the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. There are caves across the river in front of the temple. Enshrined inside the caves carved into the rocky mountain are Buddhist statues with 500 handcarved stone arhat figures that were made over the course of about 25 years. Each is engraved with different expression and it is said that you can surely find an arhat figure which looks similar to a lost loved one. Everything, the three stone bridges, small stream, etc., survives today unchanged.

 804, I, Omoricho, Ohda City
0854-89-0005
http://www.rakanji.jp/ (JP)
 Open 7 days a week
9am – 5pm

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥400
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥200

Access
 28min via local bus from JR Odashi Sta. to ‘Omori’ bus stop

24 Former Kawashima Residence (Samurai House) (旧河島家)

The Kawashima family, who had become a head of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine officials, built this house in the beginning of 1800. The characteristics of a samurai residence such as placements and room arrangements are well preserved. It enables visitors to get a glimpse of the daily life of a samurai. Visitors can also enjoy the display of how things were stored and a recreated scene of dinner time for a samurai family.

118-1, Ha, Omoricho, Ohda City
 0854-89-0932
http://kumagai.city.ohda.lg.jp/10.html (JP)
 9am – 4:30pm
Closed on New Year holidays

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥100
Elementary/ Junior High School Students: Free

Access
 26min via local bus from JR Odashi Sta. to ‘Omori Daikansho ato’ bus stop. Then walk 10min.

 EN / 簡 / 繁

25 House of the Kumagai Family (熊谷家住宅（重要文化財))

The Kumagai family was the largest merchant in Omori. The family was involved in the management of the silver mine and became a purveyor under the Tokugawa government patronage. Running such finance businesses, sake breweries, and etc., they enjoyed prosperity, as the ruling merchant in the 19th century. It is worth seeing not only the historic architecture and historical associations with the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine but also its furniture, garments and other household articles that change with each season. ‘Kamado-no-hi’ (Cooking Stove Day), a unique opportunity to experience the old Japanese lifestyle, is held every second Sunday of the month.

63, Ha, Omoricho, Ohda City
0854-89-9003
http://kumagai.city.ohda.lg.jp/ (JP)
 9:30am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed every last Tue. of the month(or last Wed. if last Tue. is a holiday),New Year holidays, Closed occasionally

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥320
Elementary/ Junior High School Students: Free

Access
 26min via local bus from JR Odashi Sta. to ‘Omori Daikoansho ato’ bus stop, then walk 2 min.

 EN / 簡 / 繁

26 Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Museum [Former Magistrate’s Office] (石見銀山資料館)

The place was once the estate of Tokugawa Shogunate mine administrators. This museum houses many historical materials ranging from the valuable materials of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, mining and smelting tools which were actually used in the mine, materials representing life and worship of samurai and Tokugawa Shogunate mine administrators, to various ores from various mines across Japan. The current building was built in 1902 as the Nima District Office, but remains being used as a museum today.

 51-1, Ha, Omoricho, Ohda City
 0854-89-0846
http://fish.miracle.ne.jp/silver/english/index.html (EN)
 9am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed between 29 Dec. – 4 Jan

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥450
Elementary/ Junior High/ High School Students: ¥200

Access
 26min via local bus from JR Odashi Sta. to ‘Omori Daikansho ato’ bus stop.

*There are some explanations written in English & Simplified Chinese inside the museum.

27 Nima Sand Museum (仁摩サンドミュージアム)

‘Sand’, ‘Time’ and ‘Environment’ are the three main concepts of this sand museum. The museum, designed by Shin Takamatsu who is a world-famous architect who was born and raised in the town of Nima, consists of six large and small pyramids. The magnificent hourglass set in the middle of the largest pyramid measures the duration of a year and has been recognized as the world’s largest hourglass by the Guinness World Records in 2015. Visitors can enjoy participating in various glass workshops in the neighbouring Fureai Koryu-kan.

Discover.Shimane Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtW7IkBh-NQ

 975, Amagouchi, Nima-cho, Ohda City
 0854-88-3776
http://www.sandmuseum.jp/ (JP/EN/KR/ 簡 / 繁 )
 9am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed every Wed., New Year holidays

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥360
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥170

Access
10 min from JR Nima Sta.
 40 min from Izumo IC. on San-in EXPWY. / 30min from Gotsu IC. on San-in EXPWY.
200 cars

 VISA / MasterCard / CC issued by AEON  *Only at Fureai Koryu-kan
  EN

28 The Shimane Nature Museum of Mt. Sanbe [ Sahimel ](島根県立三瓶自然館)

Located at Mt. Sanbe associated with the Daisen-Oki National Park, this museum provides knowledge and understanding of the surrounding environment, nature of Shimane, the formation of the Japan Sea, and etc. which can then be applied to it’s outdoor workshops. With a full-scale astronomical observatory complete with a planetarium with a theater and a museum for children this museum is sure to make a whole day of fun for the whole family.

 1121-8 Tane, Sanbecho, Ohda City
 0854-86-0500
 http://www.nature-sanbe.jp/sahimel/ (JP)
 9:30am – 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
[Every Sat. during Apr. – Sept.] 9:30am ～ 6pm (Last admission at 5:30pm)
Closed every Tue. (Next weekday if Tue. is a holiday)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥320
Elementary/ Junior High School Students: ¥160
*special exhibition admission fees may vary

Access
 30min from JR Odashi Sta.
 40min from Yoshida-Kakeya IC on Matsue EXPWY.

 EN
 EN

29 The Sanbe-Azukihara Buried Forest Park(三瓶小豆原埋没林公園)

Around 4000 years ago Mt. Sanbe erupted covering the surrounding lands and forests in volcanic ash. In the exhibition hall of Sanbe-Azukihara Buried Forest Park you can view the long trunks of giant trees, that were once buried during the Jomon period (14,000~300 BCE), and were said to have once towered over the surrounding areas. You can understand the threat the volcano posed over the surrounding area and feel  the richness of the forest in those days.

Discover.Shimane Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC_mUgiCcFM

 58-2,Ro, Tane, Sanbecho, Ohda City
 0854-86-9500
 http://www.nature-sanbe.jp/buried_forest/index.htm (EN)
 9am – 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed 5days of Dec. (first Mon. thru Fri.), 12/26 ~ 1/1

Discounted Admission
Exhibition Hall:
Adults: ¥240 
Elementary/ Junior High School Students: ¥80 

Access
 20min from JR Odashi Sta.
 50min from Yoshida Kakeya IC on Matsue EXPWY

 EN
 EN

30 Hamada Children’s Museum of Art (浜田市世界こども美術館)

A hands-on museum for kids where visitors can enjoy experimenting with “seeing” and “creating” things. This museum holds many unique and special exhibitions oriented for kids. Striving to promote cultural exchange with other countries, this museum has collected many arts of kids all over the world. Various workshops where kids can express their ingenuity through creative activities are held every Saturday, Sunday and during public holidays.

From within the museum you can enjoy the grand view of the Sea of Japan, as well as enjoy playing in the surrounding nature.

 859-1 Nobaracho, Hamada City
 0855-23-8451
 http://eng.hamada-kodomo-art.com/ (EN)
 9:30am – 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed every Mon., New Year Holidays, and between exhibitions

Discounted Admission
Adult: ¥400
High School/ University Students : ¥240
Elementary/ Junior High School Students: ¥160
*rates vary from according to exhibition

Access:
 10min via local bus (bound for “Shimane Kenritsu Daigaku”) from JR Hamada Sta. to ‘Kodomo Bijyutsukan-Mae’ bus stop.
 10 min from Hamada IC Hamada EXPWY

31 Iwami Art Museum (Grand Toit) (島根県立石見美術館)

The Shimane Arts Centre, ‘Grand Toit’ has beautiful architecture with its roofs and walls being decorated with ‘sekishu-gawara’ (traditional roof tiles of the Iwami region). There is a basin of 25 sq m in a 45 sq m courtyard surrounded by a glass corridor which is known as a place for visitors to relax. Iwami Art Museum, located in ‘Grand Toit’, has 4 exhibition rooms with permanent and seasonal special exhibitions.

 5-15, Ariakecho, Masuda City
 0856-31-1860
http://www.grandtoit.jp/english/index.html (EN/ 簡 /KR)
10am – 6:30pm (Last admission to the galleries at 6pm)
Closed every Tue. (or Wed. if Tue. is a holiday) , New Year holidays

Discounted Admission
Special Exhibition:
Adults: ¥500 
University Students: ¥300
Elementary/Junior High/High School Students: ¥150

Access
 5min via Iwami Kotsu Bus (bound for Ikou-ji) from JR Masuda Sta. to ‘Grand Toit Mae’ bus stop.
 15min via Hagi-Iwami Airport Bus to JR Masuda Sta.
15min (1km) from JR Masuda Sta.
 6km from Hagi-Iwami Airport.
 50min (40km) from Hamada IC on Hamada EXPWY,
 200 cars
 90min via limited express train from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Sta. to JR Masuda Sta.

VISA / MasterCard / JCB / AMEX / Diners
EN
EN

Discount Information for International Visitors (IZUMO AREA)

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The land of the gods and their meeting place every 10th month of the lunar calendar. Popularly known for Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine where the god of “en” (the ties that bind us together) is enshrined. A local delicacy which also happens to be one of the three major varieties of soba is Izumo soba, which is traditionally eaten in  a three-tier lunch box. Climb to the top of the oldest stone masonry lighthouse in japan which sits overlooking the Sea of Japan.

17 Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo (古代出雲歴史博物館)

Located next to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, this museum introduces the history and culture of ancient Izumo and Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. The collection includes the largest amount of ancient bronze swords and bronze bell-shaped vessels (National Treasures) which were excavated in tremendous scales from two sites in Izumo. It also houses the Uzubashira Pillar, a huge pillar found in the ruins of the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, and a 1/10 scale model of the main hall of ancient Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine that was said to be as high as 48m.

99-4, Kizukihigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo City
 0853-53-8600
http://www.izm.ed.jp/english/ (EN/KR/ 簡 / 繁 )
 [Mar. – Oct.] 9am – 6pm (Last admission at 5:30pm)
 [Nov. – Feb.] 9am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed every third Tue. of the month (or third Wed. if third Tue. is a holiday)

Discounted Admission
Permanent Exhibition:
Adults: ¥310
University Students: ¥200
Elementary/ Junior High/ High School Students: ¥100
Special Exhibitions:
50% discount *rates vary according to exhibition

Access
 25min via Ichibata Bus (bound for Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine/ Hinomisaki) from Bus Stop ① at JR Izumoshi Sta. to ‘Seimon-mae’ bus stop. Then walk 2min.
 10min walk from Ichibata Railway Izumo Taisha-mae Sta.
 244 cars

 EN / KR / 簡 / 繁

18 Tezen Museum (手銭記念館)

Opened in April 1993, Tezen Museum’s main exhibits are art works and traditional crafts from the Izumo region. In the museum collection, hundreds of works are on display ranging from arts and crafts (pottery, lacquer ware, metalwork, woodwork etc.) full of local colours to the more daily living ware. The museum building was a former sake storehouse and rice storehouse built in the Edo period. Enjoy your time here while appreciating the artworks and surrounding garden in the quiet atmosphere between storehouses.

2450-1, Kizukinishi, Taisha-cho, Izumo City
 0853-53-2000
http://www.tezenmuseum.com/index-en.html (EN)
 9am – 4:30pm
Closed every Tue. (or Wed. if Tue. is a holiday), New Year holidays, between exhibitions

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥500
Elementary/ Junior High/ High School Students: ¥300

Access
 30min via Ichibata Bus (bound for Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine/ Hinomisaki) from bus stop ① at JR Izumoshi Sta. to ‘Izumo Taisha Renrakusho’ bus stop. Then walk 10min.
15min walk from Ichibata Railway Izumo Taisha-mae Sta.
30cars

 EN

19 The Izumo Museum of Quilt Art (出雲キルト美術館)

Situated in the middle of Izumo Plain filled with rich nature, the Izumo Museum of Quilt Art opened its door as the first quilt museum in Japan. The museum is set in a 200-year-old Japanese traditional house constructed of Izumo style. Quilt works produced by Mutsuko Yawatagaki who is a leading expert on Japanese style quilting are displayed alongside ‘ikebana’ (flower arrangements), seasonal room decorations and the four seasonal themed exhibitions per year. Passing down the culture of Izumo and the Japanese spirit to the next generation is the main concept of this museum through its space, atmosphere and aesthetic beauty of the setting of the museum.

 330, Fukutomi, Hikawa-cho, Izumo City
 0853-72-7146
http://www.yawatagaki.com/iqm_english/about_iqm.html (EN)
 10am – 5pm
Every Wed. and the third Sun. of the month (open if it is a holiday)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥490
Elementary/ Junior High/ High School Students: ¥350

Access
20min from JR Izumoshi Sta.
10min from JR Naoe Sta.
7min from Izumo Airport.
15 cars

 VISA / MasterCard / JCB / AMEX
 EN

20 Archaeological Museum of Kojindani (荒神谷博物館)

In July of 1984, 358 bronze swords were excavated at the Kojindani Site. The number of swords found in one site exceeds the total number of bronze swords excavated nationwide to date. In the following year, bronze bellshaped vessels and spearheads were also excavated from the site, making a huge impact on the history of ancient times. (These bronze implements are designated as a National Treasure.) It can be said that this museum is a great compilation of the results of surveys and research at the mysterious Kojindani site.

873-8, Kanba, Hikawa-cho, Izumo City
 0853-72-9044
 http://www.kojindani.jp/ (JP)
 9am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed every Tue. (or Wed. if Tue. is a holiday), Dec.29 – Jan. 3

Discounted Admission
Permanent Exhibition:
Adults: ¥102
Special Exhibitions: rates vary according to exhibition

Access
 20min from JR Izumoshi Sta..
 2min from Hikawa IC on San-in EXPWY.
 North Parking (64 cars) or South Parking (126 cars

Discount Information for International Visitors (MATSUE AREA)

2019-11-25 Category - Now Trending, Trip Assistance, What’s New

Squeezed between two lakes, the Sea of Japan and a mountain ridge line, lies the capital of Shimane. Blessed with a natural hot spring, Tamatsukuri Onsen is one of the oldest hot spring areas in Japan and claims to be where the gods themselves to to bathe. Lake Shinji contains seven delicacies with the most popular being shijimi clams which are said to be good for the skin. Matsue has deep roots in tea ceremony culture and you can drink green tea at Meimei-an which overlooks Matsue Castle or experience “wagashi” making at Karakoro Art Studio.

3 Matsue Castle (松江城)

Construced over a period of 5 years from 1607 to 1611 by Yoshiharu Horio, a feudal lord and founder of Matsue. Currently it is one of the only 12 remaining original castles in Japan and the only one in the San’in region. It was designated a National Treasure in 2015. The elegance of the castle’s swooping roofs and décor is often compared to the wings of a ‘chidori’ (plover bird) which has led to the castle’s nickname, ‘Chidori-jo’ (Plover Castle). The castle features and architectural design specifically chosen for battle, but retains a grand majestic appearance.

1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City
0852-21-4030
 http://www.matsue-tourism.or.jp/m_castle/index.html (JP)
 Open 7 days a week
Castle Tower entry
[Apr. – Sep.] 8:30am – 6:30pm (Last admission at 6pm)
[Oct. – Mar.] 8:30am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥330* 
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥140

Access
 10min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta.to ‘Matsue Castle’ bus stop.
 30min (2km) from JR Matsue Sta.
 Otemae Car Parking.

 EN / KR / 簡 / FR

4 Horikawa Sightseeing Boat (堀川遊覧船)

This small passenger boat will take you through the history, nature and the people of Matsue. The moats surround Matsue Castle (National Treasure) remain unchanged from when it was first constructed over 400 years ago. This 50min sightseeing boat guides you along the moasts through the historical Japanese townscape of the castle town Matsue, the places related to Lafcadio Hearn, forests which have been there 400 years since the construction of the castle, charming changes of seasons and the beauty of moats itself.

 507-1 Kurodacho, Matsue City
0852-27-0417
 http://www.matsue-horikawameguri.jp/language/en/index.html (EN/ 簡 /KR)
 Operates 7 days a week (Operation may be cancelled/changed due to bad weather.)
[Mar.1 – Jun. 30] 9am – 5pm [Jul.1 – Aug.31] 9am – 6pm
[Sep.1 – Oct.10] 9am – 5pm [Oct.11 – end of Feb.] 9am – 4pm

Discounted Admission
1 day pass
Adults: ¥1200
Elementary School Students: ¥600

Access
Fureai-hiroba Boat Pier:
 17min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Horikawa Sightseeing Boat Pier’ bus stop.
Jozan-nishi Car Parking.

Otemae Boat Pier:
 13min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Otemae Horikawa Sightseeing Boat Pier’ bus stop.
Otemae Car Parking.

Karakoro Boat Pier:
 10min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Kyo-bashi’ bus stop.

(at Fureai&Otemae Pier)  (at Fureai&Otemae Pier)
 EN / KR / 簡 / 繁

5 Matsue History Museum (松江歴史館)

Designed to resemble a samurai residence, the museum features an in-depth view of the history and culture of the castle town Matsue over its 400 year history. As a museum with national treasures, one of its collections contain the talismans (also designated as a National Treasure), showing the completion year of Matsue Castle’s construction. There is a Japanese style café inside the museum that provides a view of the Japanese garden and visitors can enjoy the tastes of green tea with original wagashi confectionaries. Foreign language audio-guides are available for free in English/Mandarin Chinese/Korean.

 279 Tonomachi, Matsue City
 0852-32-1607
 http://matsu-reki.jp/ (JP)
 [Apr. – Sep.] 8:30am – 6:30pm (Last admission at 6pm)
[Oct. – Mar.] 8:30am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed every Third Thu. of the month (or third Fri. if third Thu. is a holiday)

Discounted Admission
Museum Collection:
Adults: ¥250
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥130
Special Exhibitions: *rates vary according to exhibition

Access
 13min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Otemae Horikawa Sightseeing Boat Pier’ bus stop.Then walk 3min.
Located just east of Matsue Castle. 30min (2km) from JR Matsue Sta.
3min walk from Otemae Car Parking.

 EN / KR / 簡 / 繁

6 Matsue Horan-enya Memorial Hall (松江ホーランエンヤ伝承館)

Taking place only once every ten years, a procession of a hundred luxurious and gorgeously decorated boats with colourful costumes, dances and songs unfold. This is Horan-enya, a colourful Shinto ritual with 360 years of history and one of the three largest boat festivals in Japan. With the aim spread the greatness of this outstanding and significant tradition nationally and pass it down to the next generation, this museum provides information on the origin and history of Horan-enya with exhibits including colourful costumes, a decorated boat, videos, etc.

Discover.Shimane Youtube Video(Museum): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho-aZGxg1AI
Discover.Shimane Youtube Video(Festival): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9AflH7lhLM

 250, Tonomachi, Matsue City
0852-32-1607
 http://matsu-reki.jp/ho-ranenya/ (JP)
 [Apr. – Sep.] 8:30am – 6:30pm (Last admission at 6pm)
[Oct. – Mar.] 8:30am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Closed everyThird Thu. of the month (or third Fri. if third Thu. is a holiday)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥100
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥50

Access
 13min via Matsue Lakeline bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Otemae Horikawa Sightseeing Boat Pier’ bus stop. Then walk 3min.
 Located just east of Matsue Castle. 30min(2.3km) from JR Matsue　Sta.
 3min walk from Otemae Car Parking

EN / KR / 簡 / 繁

7 Former Samurai Residence (武家屋敷)

This former samurai residence was for middle-class samurais of the Matsue clan during the Edo period. Katana drawers, a teeth-blackening dye set, household furniture and living ware are also on display. Compared to the grand structure and interior of the public area (entrance, drawing room and master’s living room), the private area for family was quite simple and modest. One can have a glimpse of the samurai’s way of living; drawing a sharp line between their public and private life.

Discover.Shimane Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLcmfdxsle4

 305 Kitahoricho, Matsue City
 0852-22-2243
 http://www.matsue-tourism.or.jp/buke/ (JP)
 Open 7 days a week
[Apr. – Sep.] 8:30am – 6:30pm (Last admission at 6:10pm)
[Oct. – Mar.] 8:30am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:40pm)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥150
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥80

Access
 16min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum’ bus stop.
 35min (2.5km) from JR Matsue Sta.
 9min walk from Otemae Car Parking or 10min walk from Jozan-nishi Car Parking.

 EN / KR / 簡

8 Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence (小泉八雲旧居)

Lafcadio Hearn, who internationally introduced Japan in the Meiji period, lived in this simple but beautiful samurai residence with his wife, Setsu, for 6 months from June 1891. The house and gardens have been preserved as they were during his time here. The beautiful Japanese garden surrounding the residence was particularly Hearn’s favourite.

315 Kitahoricho, Matsue City
0852-23-0714
http://www.matsue-tourism.or.jp/kyukyo/index.html (JP)
 Open 7 days a week
[Apr. – Sep.] 8:30am – 6:30pm (Last admission at 6:10pm)
[Oct. – Mar.] 8:30am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:40pm)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥150
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥80

Access
 16min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum’ bus stop.
 35min (2.5km) from JR Matsue Sta.
 11min walk from Otemae Car Parking or 9min walk from Jozan-nishi Car Parking.

 EN / KR

9 Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum (小泉八雲記念館)

Lafcadio Hearn, British by birth to Irish and Greek parents, he came to Japan in 1890. He is best known for his books about Japan and introduced Matsue to the world through many writings such as the famous “Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan”. This museum houses more than 1,000 collections such as Hearn’s handwritten drafts, his belongings and the handmade English vocabulary book that Setsu, Hearn’s wife, made etc. His favourite Japanese pipes and desk make visitors imagine the days the literary legend, Lafcadio Hearn, was at work. The museum was renovated in July 2016.

322 Okudanicho, Matsue City
0852-21-2147
http://www.hearn-museum-matsue.jp/english.html (EN)
 Open 7 days a week
[Apr. – Sep.] 8:30am – 6:30pm (Last admission at 6:10pm)
[Oct. – Mar.] 8:30am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:40pm)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥200
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥100

Access
 16min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum’ bus stop.
 35min (2.5km) from JR Matsue Sta.
 11min walk from Otemae Car Parking or 8min walk from Jozan-nishi Car Parking .

EN / KR / 簡 / FR

10 Meimei-an Tea House (明々庵)

Designed to the taste of the 7th feudal lord of Matsue, Harusato Matsudaira (Fumai), Meimei-an Tea House sets on a low hill and is renowned for its thickly thatched East Asian hip-and-gable roof with a superb view of Matsue Castle. Fumai was a famed tea master in the late 18th century and developed the Fumai-ryu style of tea ceremony. Green tea and wagashi(Japanese confectionary) are served in the adjoining tea room while enjoying the view over the tea house and gardens.

 278 Kitahoricho, Matsue City
0852-21-9863
http://www.meimeian.jp/ (JP)
 Open 7 days a week
[Apr. – Sep.] 8:30am – 6:30pm (Last admission at 6:10pm)
[Oct. – Mar.] 8:30am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:40pm)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥200
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥100

Access
 15min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Shiomi Nawate’ bus stop. Then walk 5min.
 35min (2.7km) from JR Matsue Sta.
5 cars

 EN / FR

11 Gesshoji Temple (月照寺)

Gesshoji Temple, the ‘Temple of Moonlight’, is the family temple of the Matsudaira clan, the feudal lords of the Matsue domain during the Edo period. Inside the temple precincts, being designated a national historical site, are many relics and artifacts such as ‘Karamon’ (Chinese-style gate), a large turtle sculpture featured in the writings of Lafcadio Hearn and a tea room that was used by Matsudaira Fumai himself. Gesshoji Temple is popular among people as the temple of history and faith. During mid-June to mid-July, beautiful hydrangeas bloom inside the temple. Many people come to enjoy the flowers in the quiet serene historical atmosphere.

Discover.Shimane Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn10avvMHms

179, Sotonakabaracho, Matsue City
0852-21-6056
http://www.shinbutsu.jp/english/36.html (EN)
 Open 7 days a week
[Apr. – Nov.] 9am – 5pm
[Dec. – Mar.] 9:30am – 4:30pm

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥250
Junior High/High School Students: ¥150
Elementary School Students: ¥125

Access
 20min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Gesshoji Temple’ bus stop.
 40min (3.5km) from JR Matsue Sta.
30 cars

 EN

12 Shimane Art Museum (島根県立美術館)

Located on the shore of Lake Shinji, this museum’s main concept is harmony with water. Many of their collections are related to water and the Museum Collection changes about 40 times a year. Don’t worry if you can’t read Japanese because the new museum app allows visitors to listen or read the explanations in different languages from their phone. The splendid sunset seen from this museum is selected as one of the 100 most beautiful sunsets in Japan. They remain open 30 min. after sunset time during Mar. to Sep. so that visitors can enjoy and admire the marvelous view to their heart’s content.

 1-5, Sodeshicho, Matsue City
0852-55-4700
 http://www.shimane-art-museum.jp (EN / KR)
 [Mar. – Sep.] 10am – 30min after sunset time (times vary depending on day)
[Oct. – Feb.] 10am – 6:30pm (Last admission for galleries is 30min before closing time)
Closed every Tue. , New Year holidays

Discounted Admission
Special Exhibitions:
Adults: ¥500
University Students: ¥300 
Elementary/Junior High/ High School Students: ¥150
*admission fees may vary from exhibition to exhibition

Access
 6min via Matsue City Bus Southern Inside Loop from Bus Stop ① at JR Matsue Sta. to ‘Kenritsu Bijutsukan-mae’ bus stop.
15min via Matsue Lakeline Bus from Ichibata Railway Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Sta. to ‘Kenritsu Bijutsukan-mae’ bus stop.
15min from JR Matsue Sta.
230 cars *located at Route9 Sodeshi Intersection South side (First 3 hrs are free)

 VISA / MasterCard / JCB / AMEX / Diners etc.
 EN / KR / 簡 EN
 EN

13 Lake Shinji Pleasure Cruise (宍道湖遊覧船)

Leisurely watch the grand sunset over beautiful Lake Shinji and have the magnificent view all to yourself. The boat takes you on a one-hour pleasure tour around Lake Shinji from Ohashi River. Passengers can appreciate the mystic scenery of morning Lake Shinji on the refreshing Socho Fresh Cruising. Sunset Cruise is particularly popular which offers the opportunity to watch a beautiful sunset over Lake Shinji – the sunset is listed as one of the top 100 sunsets in Japan. Why don’t you come and enjoy amazing cruise in the water city of Matsue? Beer, soft drinks and coffee are available on board.

150-7, Higashi-asahimachi, Matsue City
0852-24-3218
 http://hakuchougo.jp/english/ (EN/ 簡 )
 9:30am~ / 11am~ / 12:30pm~ / 2pm~ / 3:30pm~ / 5pm~(1 Apr. – 4 Sep. only) / Sunset Cruise (time varies depending on season)
[Mar. – Nov.] operates 7 days a week
[Dec. – Feb.] Operates only Sat., Sun. & public holidays (private bookings of 10ppl or more on weekdays are accepted)
*Cruise may be cancelled due to bad weather.

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥1,000
Elementary School Students: ¥500

Access
(Boarding Point 1)
15min from JR Matsue Sta.
available
(Boarding Point 2)
5min from JR Matsue Sta.
Get off at ‘Lake Shinji Pleasure Cruise Pier’ via Matsue Lakeline Bus

14 Yuushien Garden (由志園)

Yuushien, a ‘miniature garden of Izumo’, featuring landscapes and mythology of Izumo area, is a traditional Japanese-styled walk-through garden around ponds. It is located in the centre of Daikonshima Island. Visitors can enjoy prominent peony flowers which can be viewed all year round as well as the many colours of the various seasonal flowers. Daikonshima is globally renowned as a growing area for Korean ginseng. You can also try a free-tasting of ginseng tea at the ginseng office that was restored from the Edo period. Come and experience the long cultural history of Daikonshima.

Discover.Shimane Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R2-8xulwZY

Japanese Peony and Korean Ginseng Village

1260-2, Hanyu, Yatsuka-cho, Matsue City
0852-76-2255
 http://www.yuushien.com/ (JP)
 Open 7 days a week
9am – 5pm
*Hours change during spring & autumn events.

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥700
Elementary/Junior High/High School Students: ¥350

Access
25min from JR Matsue Sta. or 16min from JR Sakaiminato Sta. via Ichibata Bus (Matsue-Sakaiminato direct route) to ‘Yuushien’.
25min from JR Matsue Sta. / 35min from JR Yonago Sta. / 12min from Nishio IC. on San-in EXPWY.
 300 cars

 VISA / MasterCard / UnionPay(銀聯)
 EN / KR / 簡 / 繁 / FR / RS

15 Matsue Vogel Park (松江フォーゲルパーク)

A paradise of birds and flowers along a beautiful lakeside of Lake Shinji, Matsue Vogel Park offers great fun whether rain or shine with its walking course around the park completely covered by a roof. They have one of the largest flower greenhouses in Japan. Inside the greenhouse, focusing on begonia and fuchsia, about 10,000 flowers are in full bloom all year round. In the bird section, visitors can encounter 400 birds of 90 species such as rare owls, adorable cute penguins and other bright and colourful tropical birds.

 52, Ogakicho, Matsue City
 0852-88-9800
 http://www.ichibata.co.jp/vogelpark/en/index.php (EN)
 Open 7 days a week
[Apr. – Sep.] 9am – 5:30pm (Last admission at 4:45pm)
[Oct. – Mar.] 9am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:15pm)

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥1,050
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥530

Access
 16min via Ichibata Electric Railway from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Sta.to Matsue Vogel Park Sta.
 25min from JR Matsue Sta. or Izumo En-musubi Airport.
250 cars (Free up to 2hrs. After that, 200yen/hr for regular sized vehicles)

 VISA / MasterCard / JCB / AMEX / Diners / Discover
 EN / KR / 簡 / 繁

16 Yakumo-tatsu Fudoki-no-oka [Izumo Ancient Remains] (八雲立つ風土記の丘)

The area around Fudoki-no-oka was the centre of ancient Izumo. There are a lot of cultural assets such as ancient tombs, old shrines and temples, related to ancient Izumo including the Izumo-kokubunji Memorial and Izumo Provincial Office Memorial. The Exhibition and Learning Hall has many materials including ‘Mikaeri-no-shika’ (deer clay figure / Important Cultural Property), a historically valuable sword inscribed ‘Nukatabe-no-omi’ made in 6th century and a detailed diorama of this area in 8th century. Free bicycles are available to explore around historic remains in this area.

456, Obacho, Matsue City
0852-23-2485
http://www.yakumotatu-fudokinooka.jp/ (JP)
 9am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
 Closed every Tue. (or Wed. if Tue. is a holiday) , 29 Dec. ~ 1 Jan.

Discounted Admission
Permanent Exhibition:
Adults: ¥100

Access
18min via Ichibata Bus (bound for Yakumo) from JR Matsue Sta. bus stop ④ to ‘Fudoki-no-oka Iriguchi’ bus stop.
 18min via Matsue City Bus (bound for Kambe-no-sato) from JR Matsue Sta. bus stop ④ to ‘Fudoki-no-oka Iriguchi’ bus stop.
 15min from JR Matsue Sta.
40 cars

EN

Discount Information for International Visitors (YASUGI AREA)

2019-11-25 Category - Now Trending, Trip Assistance, What’s New

Nestled between Matsue and the border of Tottori prefecture you will find Yasugi. While most commonly known as the home of Adachi Museum of Art and its gardens that claim #1 on the list of Japanese gardens, there is so much more to experience than just gardens. Some things to try include traditional indigo dyeing at Hirose Kasuri Center, Buddhist monk food (no meat of fish) at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the humorous “dojo-sukui” dance at Yasugibushi Performance Hall.

1 Adachi Museum of Art ( 足立美術館 )

Conveying the harmonized beauty of Japanese painting and Japanese Gardens is the aim and wish of Adachi Museum of Art, which is best known for having one of the greatest collections of modern to contemporary Japanese arts. Such works of art include numerous masterpieces by the great Japanese painter Yokoyama Taikan, ceramics and 165,000 square-metre Japanese gardens. The museum is listed at two-stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, but its spectacular and immaculately maintained Japanese-styled gardens are listed at three-stars and have been ranked at NO.1 since 2003 by the US magazine Journal of Japanese Gardens. You can appreciate the splendid beauty of their gardens which show a different appearance as time / days/ months/ season change.

 320, Furukawacho, Yasugi City
 0854-28-7111
 http://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/en (EN)
 Open 7 days a week
[Apr. – Sep.] 9am – 5:30pm [Oct. – Mar.] 9am – 5pm
*The Annex closes once every few months to change exhibits.

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥1,150
University Students: ¥900
High School Students: ¥500
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥250

Access
Free Shuttle: 20min from JR Yasugi Sta.
10min from Yasugi IC. on San-in EXPWY.  400 cars

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 EN/ KR / 簡 / 繁 / FR

2 Yasugibushi Performance Hall (安来節演芸館)

Yasugibushi, one of the most popular folk songs in Japan, is still performed everyday at the heart of its origin. You can enjoy live vivid performances of Yasugibushi, Zenidaiko (two decorated bamboo sticks used for performance) and Dojou-sukui (comical and humorous folk dance associated with Yasugibushi). At the end of each show, five people from the audience can join in a Dojou-sukui dance workshop on the stage! All the clothes and props are provided to these five before the show. SO come and join the merry traditional folk dance which will make you leave with jolly and laughter and a happy smile on your face!

 534, Furukawacho, Yasugi City 0854-28-9500
 http://www.y-engeikan.com (JP)
 10am – 5pm          Closed every Wed. (in May, Oct. & Nov. only the first Wed. is closed)
Show timetable (Each show is 30min):
10:30am~ / 11:40am~ / 1:30pm~ / 3:30pm~
*Schedule subject to change due to reserved shows for private groups etc., please inquire in advance.

Discounted Admission
Adults: ¥300
Elementary/Junior High School Students: ¥150

Access
25min via local bus from JR Yasugi Sta.
50min from Yonago Airport
10min from Yasugi IC. on San-in EXPWY
115 cars

 EN / CH / SP