Okuizumo Autumn Tour 2018
Easy access to enjoy autumn in Okuizumo in addition to the open-air sightseeing train!
Enjoy autumn in Okuizumo Town and take a glimpse of the history and culture of good old Japan with the new 4 hour bus/taxi tour! Autumn is the best season to enjoy the open-air sightseeing train called “Okuizumo Orochi-go” on JR Kisuki Line. The bus/taxi service allows you easy access, after arriving by the open-air train, to the popular autumn tourist destinations within Okuizumo such places as the Okuizumo Tatara and Japanese Sword Museum, Orochi Loop Bridge, Maitake Mushroom farm, Oni-no-Shitaburui Gorge, and much more. Okuizumo was an area prominent with Tatara craftsmen who altered the landscape shaping the once mountainous land and it gave birth to the popular Nita-mai brand rice.
Scheduling & Booking
[September 16, 17, 23, 24, 29 ,30]
[October 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 28, 29]
[November 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 25]
Time: 12:15 PM ~ 4:08 PM *finishing time depends on course
Capacity: 20 persons
Minimum: 3 persons
For Reservations or Inquiries
Contact: Okuizumo Tourism Association
https://okuizumo.org/en/inquiry/
*Reservations must be made 7 days prior before 5:00 PM (JST)
*Participants have to be 3 years old or older
*In the case of bad weather or insufficient amount of people, visitors will be notified 7 days prior of cancellation and will not be charged with a cancellation fee
Tour details
Timetable
12:15 Miinohara Station (Start)
12:20 Orochi Loop Roadside Station
12:45 Maitake Mushroom Farm
13:20 Cultural Landscape: Terraced Rice Fields
13:30 Okuizumo Tatara and Japanese Sword Museum
14:20 Izumo-Yokota Station
(End of course for Orochi-go Train riders *14:32 departure)
14:50 Oni-no-Shitaburui Gorge & Suspension Bridge
15:50 Izumo-Minari Station
(Local Market Place)
16:08 Izumo-Minari Station
(Connecting to the local train on JR Kisuki Line *16:08 departure)
Okuizumo Orochi-go Train (Train ticket is not included in this tour)
Maitake Mushrooms
Okuizumo Tatara and Japanese Sword Museum
Oni-no-Shitaburui Gorge
Fees
●Miinohara Station ~ Izumo-Yokota Station Course
(Adult: 1,000 yen / Elementary School Student: 500 yen)
●Miinohara Station ~ Izumo-Minari Station Course
(Adult: 1,500 yen / Elementary School Student: 800 yen)
*prices include admission to Okuizumo Tatara and Japanese Sword Museum and transportation costs (bus/taxi)
*prices to be paid on the day
Cancellation Policy
*no cancellation fee for cancellations due to the weather
*no cancellation fee for cancellations made more than 3 days prior
*cancellation fee of 30% will be applied for cancellations made 2 days prior
*cancellation fee of 40% will be applied for cancellations made 1 day prior
*cancellation fee of 50% will be applied for cancellations made on the day of
For reservations or inquiries contact:
Okuizumo Tourism Association
https://okuizumo.org/en/inquiry/
Discover more of Okuizumo Town
https://okuizumo.org/en/
SHIMANEKKO POP-UP CAFE 22/Aug. – 2/Dec. 2018
Enjoy relaxing cafe time with Shimanekko!
The special pop-up cafe produced by Shimanekko is appealing in Tokyo and Shimane in this autumn! Shimanekko is a much-loved Shimane’s tourism mascot character (yurukyara)!
Produced by Shimanekko, various original menus in collaboration with each shop will be offered for a limited time. You can enjoy the delicious menus at shops wrapped with cute Shimanekko decoration. Visitors can receive an original sticker for each place while the stock lasts. Sometimes you may be lucky enough to come across Shimanekko visiting there! Shimanekko will give you an original badge to say thank you!
shimanekko cafe original stickers and badges
EVENT SCHEDULE
IN TOKYO
● GRILL BURGER CLUB SASA [MAP]
22nd/Aug. – 31st/Aug. 2018
OPEN : 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (L.O. at 9:30 p.m.) *weekdays
11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (L.O. at 8:30 p.m.) *Sat., Sun. & public holidays
http://hijiriya.co.jp/daikanyama/index.html
Shimane’s fried horse mackerel burger
● Shimane Inn AOYAMA [MAP]
Restaurant Coupole
22nd/Aug. – 24th/Sep. 2018
Shimanekko Menu available : 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
http://www.shimane-inn.com/ (JP site)
Shimanekko rice omelet
In Shimane
● Goka Soseikan [MAP]
Cafe Kokage
2nd/Sep. – 30th/Sep. 2018
OPEN : 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (L.O. at 1:45 p.m.) & 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (L.O. at 4:15 p.m.)
http://oki-dougo.info/data01/room/sroom/sroom_museum.html (JP site)
Shimanekko pancake
● Hagi-Iwami Airport [MAP]
Kitchen Sorara
1st/Oct. – 31st/Oct. 2018
OPEN : 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
http://hagiiwami.jp/guide/ (JP site)
Shimanekko pancake set with airport honey
● Shimane Aquarium Aquas [MAP]
Drink House in Hasshi Hiroba
1st/Oct. – 31st/Oct. 2018
OPEN : 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Holiday : Every Tue. (or Wed. if Tue. is a holiday)
https://aquas.or.jp/english/
Cafe inside Aquarium
1st/Oct. – 31st/Oct. 2018
OPEN : 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Holiday : Every Tue.
https://aquas.or.jp/english/
Shimanekko Affogato at Drink House
Shimanekko latte at cafe
● Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo [MAP]
maru cafe
1st/Nov. – 2nd/Dec. 2018
OPEN : 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (L.O. at 4 p.m.)
Holiday : 27th/Nov.
https://www.izm.ed.jp/english/
Shimanekko cappuccino
● Shimane Art Museum [MAP]
Vecchio Rosso
1st/Nov. – 2nd/Dec. 2018
OPEN : 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (L.O. at 6:30 p.m.)
Holiday : Every Tue.
http://www.shimane-art-museum.jp/en/
shimanekko kids plate
*NOTE: Open hours and holidays listed are during this event only. Please check them with each facility for the business hour during other time of the year.
Post your photos at Shimanekko Cafe on #discover_shimane on Instagram !!
< EVENT > UMI KAGURA 15th & 16th 2018
Come and watch this special performance of Iwami Kagura, UMI KAGURA, on a quiet beautiful beach of Iwami!
“Umi Kagura” is a performance of Shimane’s traditional performing art, Iwami Kagura. It is performed on a specially built stage on the beach with the setting sun in the background. Watch the heroic stories unravel at this marvelous location!
Photo Credit : Mika Yamashita
Photo Credit: Mika Yamashita
What is Iwami Kagura?
Iwami Kagura is a traditional performing art that has been passed down in the Iwami region of western Shimane.
Originally it was dedicated to the patron god during the autumn festival every year to show gratitude for the year’s harvest, but slowly evolved into the hero of the Iwami people and the extravagant local performance they have now.
Luxurious costumes made from threads of gold and silver worn along with expressive masks attract people of all ages to the dynamic performances of Iwami Kagura.
Iwami Kagura is not only performed within Japan, but there are also many performances overseas as well.
The Iwami Kagura performance of “Orochi” breathes fire and smoke with a classic ending of good prevailing over evil. An easy to understand plot inviting people into the world of Japanese mythology.
Schedule & Ticketing
Umi Kagura 2018
9/15 (Sat) 4 pm – 8 pm 1000 yen *Iwami Kagura Performance only
9/16 (Sun) 4 pm – 8 pm 5000 yen *Special Performances with Exile ÜSA & Balinese Dance
Tickets go on sale from 7/12. Seats are limited so get them while they are still available.
For more information on reserving your tickets,
E-mail: kanko-inbound@pref.shimane.lg.jp
(*we will be unable to respond to emails from 14-16 Sep as we will be on location. Please contact us via Facebook message! )
Location
Fukumitsu Beach (5min walk from JR Iwami Fukumitsu Station)
Fukumitsu Kaigan, Yunotsu-cho, Ohda City, Shimane Prefecture
Directions to JR Iwami Fukumitsu Station
Example 1 : From Izumo Airport side
[Rapid Service Train]
MATSUE STATION (13:20 departure)
-> IZUMOSHI STATION (14:01 departure)
-> YUNOTSU STATION (14:50 arrival)
transfer
-> [Normal Train] YUNOTSU STATION (15:46 departure)
-> IWAMI FUKUMITSU STATION (15:49 arrival)
Example 2 : From Hagi-Iwami Airport side
[Normal Train] MASUDA STATION (13:30 departure)
-> (14:18 arrival) HAMADA STATION
transfer
[Normal Train] HAMADA STATION (14:37 departure)
-> IWAMI FUKUMITSU STATION (15:21 arrival)
*express trains do not stop at JR Iwami Fukumitsu Station.
Accommodations
There are ryokans located in the area of Yunotsu Onsen near the event. (closest station is JR Yunotsu Station. Please make reservations through online booking sites if necessary. (e.g. booking.com)
▼ Download a brochure from here
ENGLISH umikagura brochure (PDF file)
繁体字 海神樂2018(繁体字) (PDF file)
簡体字 海神乐2018(簡体字） (PDF file)
<Note>
-Pictures/videos will be taken for use at a later time, so please understand that there is a chance that you may appear in the recordings.
-In the event of rain, the performances will be moved indoors. Yunotsu Elementary School (map) Please check our Facebook page or the Ohda City Tourism Association website for information in the case of location changes or cancellations.
-No refunds will be made except for the case in which the event is cancelled. Handling fees will be applied when refunding.
2018 Summer Festivals in Shimane
Rows of food stalls, music performances and fireworks lighting up the night sky is how Japan celebrates summer. From July through August, summer festivals are held all over the country. And in Shimane, like many other areas in Japan, many people get together to enjoy traditional Japanese-style dancing, singing, fireworks and the delicious festival foods. Some of the smaller festivals are mostly enjoyed by locals, and are recommended for those who really want to experience the traditional Japanese countryside.
East Area Central Area West Area Island Area
Summer Festival in Tamatsukuri Onsen
WHERE: Tamatsukuri Onsen Area (Tamayu-cho, Matsue City) [map]
WHEN: July 14th (sat)~ September 1st (sat) 2018 everyday from 8:15 p.m. ~
ABOUT : Tamatsukuri Onsen Area is well known for its long history and highly qualified onsen water. During the summer, while lanterns illuminate the riverside, visitors can enjoy night stalls and various stage events every night. There are night kids stalls offering mini games that children will love to play! Stage events differ every day. Two shows are shown every night – first show, starting at 8:15 pm featuring local artists, differs every day and second show, starting at 9 pm, showcases traditional performances (Yasugibushi or Izumo Kagura)!! Please stay a night here, take a walk along the riverside and enjoy Japanese summer night festival!
Nima-Goise Festival
WHERE : Around the Nima Sand Museum (Nima-cho, Oda City) [map]
WHEN : July 14th (sat) 2018 5:00 p.m. ~ *fireworks (8:30 p.m. ~) 2000 count
Tsuwano Gion Festival, Sagimai Ritual
WHERE : Yasaka Shrine and other spots around central Tsuwano
(Tsuwano Town, Kanoashi-Gun) [map]
WHEN : July 20th (fri) 2018 3:00 p.m. ~ 5:10 p.m.
July 27th (fri) 2018 3:00 p.m. ~ 5:20 p.m.
ABOUT : The Sagimai Ritual in Tsuwano is a ritual that has been designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property with 400 years of history. Wearing costumes that evoke herons, ritual dancers perform to music and drums at several spots around Tsuwano. Originating in Kyoto, Tsuwano is the only location in Japan where the Heron Dance has been continuously held for over 400 years. Performed every year on July 20th(during Yasaka Shrine’s Gion Matsuri) and 27th around Tsuwano town center and Yasaka Shrine.
Hirose Gion Festival
WHERE : Main Street in Hirose-chō (Hirose-cho, Yasugi City) [map]
WHEN : July 19th (thurs) ~ 21st (sat) 2018 *fireworks 7/21 (8:00 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m.) 1600 count
ABOUT : One of the three biggest festivals in Shimane, the Gion Matsuri takes place every year on July 21st. A Mikoshi (portable shrine) and Kanto (lantern pole with a lot of lanterns) parade through the town during the night.
Kisuki Summer Festival
WHERE : Hii-River riverbed (Kisuki-cho, Unnan City) [map]
WHEN : July 20th (fri) 2018 *fireworks (8:00 p.m.) 2000 count
ABOUT : Boasting over two hundred years of history, the festival is host to street stalls that line the main street while Kagura (a traditional dance ritual) is performed. Visitors can enjoy about 2,000 fireworks from a distance of just 120m. Kagura starts at 8:30 p.m.
Shirakata Tenmangu Summer Festival
WHERE : Matsue Castle ~ Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine area (Matsue City) [map]
WHEN : July 24th (tues) 5 p.m. ~ , 25th (wed) ~ 2018
ABOUT : A lot of night stalls stand on the both sides of the main street that leads to Shirakata Tenmangu Shrine. Group of locals bring portable shrines called mikoshi through the main street accompanied by resounding drums and folk music with cheerful and powerful enthusiasm in the heated summer evening air. You can totally soak yourself up in and enjoy the mood of Japanese summer festival!
Mitoya Tenmangu Shrine Summer Festival
WHERE : Mitoya River Bank (Mitoya-cho, Unnan City) [map]
WHEN : July 25th (wed) 2018 *fireworks (8:00 p.m. ~) 2000 count
Eena Matsuri Kawamoto Gonokawa River Fireworks Display
WHERE : Kawamoto Main Street (Kawamoto Town, Ochi-Gun) [map]
WHEN : July 28th (sat) 2018 *fireworks (8:00 p.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.) 2500 count
‘Koi Koi Koi’ Festival in Tsuwano
WHERE : Roadside Station Nagomi-no-Sato (Tsuwano Town, Kanoashi-Gun) [map]
WHEN : July 28th (sat) 2018 4:00 p.m. ~
ABOUT : This festival allows guests to traditional drumming and modern performances in the historic town of Tsuwano.
Kirara Taki Summer Festival
WHERE : Kirara Beach at Kirara Taki Roadside Station (Taki-cho, Izumo City) [map]
WHEN : July 29th (sun) 2018 4:00 p.m. ~ *fireworks
ABOUT : This event takes place on a beautiful beach! It is recommended to come here during the day while the sun is up and have fun at the beach swimming in the shining clear water or having a walk with a great ocean view. The sunset seen from the beach is a must see. At night enjoy the fireworks and night events!
Matsue Suigo-sai Festival
WHERE : Lake Shinji, near the Matsue City Office (Matsue City) [map]
WHEN : August 3rd (fri) 2018 6:00 p.m. ~
August 4th (sat) 2018 1:00 p.m. ~ *fireworks (8:00 p.m. ~) 10000 count
August 5th (sun) 2018 11:00 a.m. ~
ABOUT : One of the biggest festivals in San-in, Matsue Suigo-sai Festival takes place for three days in Matsue this year. Incredible 10 thousand fireworks are to be set off above the Lake Shinji, which reflects the beautiful sparks of fireworks on its glossy surface. Matsue is known as the water city and The Lake Shinji represents it.
*Due to the expected amount of traffic, please use public transportation. If you plan on coming by car please park in the designated parking areas.
Tenryo-san Festival
WHEN : August 4th (sat) 2018 *fireworks (8:00 p.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.) 5000-10000 count
WHERE : Kute Port (Oda City) [map]
*
WHEN : August 5th (sun) 2018
WHERE : near JR Odashi Station (Oda City) [map]
*
WHEN : August 26th (sat) 2018
WHERE : Omori-cho (Oda City) [map]
ABOUT : Tenryo-san festival takes place in 3 days at 3 different venues. On August 4th, more than 5,000 beautiful fireworks are set off at Kute Port. On August 6th, you can enjoy many local folk performance such as Tenryo Dancing, Tenryo Drums and Iwami Kagura etc. around JR Oda-shi Station. Lastly, on the 27th, people parade in traditional costumes along the historic town of Omori, in the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine World Heritage Site!
Lake Jinzai Fireworks Festival
WHERE : around Lake Jinzai & Kohan no Onsen-yado Kunibiki (Koryo-cho, Izumo City) [map]
WHEN : August 4th (sat) 2018 *fireworks (8:30 p.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.) 2500 count
Masuda Suigo-sai Festival
WHERE : Takatsu River Bank (Masuda City) [map]
WHEN : August 4th (sat) 2018 6:00 p.m. ~ *fireworks (8:00 p.m. ~) 3000 count
Hamakko Summer Festival
WHERE : Hamada Port (Hamada City) [map]
WHEN : August 4th (sat) 2018 4:00 p.m. ~ *fireworks (8:30 p.m. ~ 9:15 p.m.) 5000 count
Yunotsu Onsen Summer Festival
WHERE : Yunotsu Port (Oda City) [map]
WHEN : August 11th (sat) 2018 5:00 p.m. ~ *fireworks (7:50 p.m. ~ 8:20 p.m.) 1000 count
ABOUT : Fireworks are displayed over Japan Sea and you will enjoy the dynamic view of beautiful fireworks at close! Awe-taking Kagura performances, local food stalls are also something that you can really enjoy!
Daito Tanabata (Star) Festival
WHERE : Daito Shopping Street (Daito-cho, Unnan City) [map]
WHEN : August 6th (sun) 2018 *fireworks (8:30 p.m. ~) 1500 count
ABOUT : This traditional festival has more than 400 years of history. Bamboo are beautifully decorated with wishing papers, as well as the unique amazing floats with lanterns are a must-see!
Izumo Shinwa (Japanese Myth) Festival
WHERE : Kunibiki-chuou Street (Imaichicho, Izumo City),
Kandachi River Bank Park (Otsu, Izumo City) [map]
WHEN : August 11th (sat) 2018 5:00 p.m. ~ 8:30 p.m.
*fireworks 8000 count, August 12th (sun) 2017 8:00 p.m. ~ 8:50 p.m.
ABOUT : This festival take places over 2 days. Izumo Bon Odori folk dancing on 11th and breathtaking 8,000 fireworks display at the Hiikawa riverbank on 12th . Hiikawa River is the setting of one of the Japanese myths, ‘Yamata-no-orochi’. There will also be many night stalls set up too.
Yasugi Tsuki-no-wa Festival
WHERE : Main street in Yasugi [map] & Yasugi Port (Yasugi City) [map]
WHEN : August 14th (tues) ~ 17th (fri) 2018
*8/14 fireworks (8:00 p.m. ~ 8:45 p.m.) 5000 count
*Japanese festival float parade every night starting at 7:30 p.m. ~ 2:00 a.m.
Tsuwano Nichihara Ayu Summer Festival
WHERE : Takatsugawa River Fisheries Cooperative Nichihara Office (Tsuwano Town, Kanoashi-Gun) [map]
WHEN : August 15th (wed) 2018 6:00 p.m. ~ *fireworks (8:00 p.m. ~ 9:00 p.m.) 2500 count
Gonokawa River Festival
WHERE : Around JR Gotsu Station, Gonokawa River (Gotsu City) [map]
WHEN : August 16th (thurs) 2018 10:00 a.m. ~
*fireworks (8:10 p.m. ~) 6000 count + 4000 lanterns on the river
Kin Nya Monya Festival
WHERE : Hishiura Port (Ama Town, Oki-Gun) [map]
WHEN : August 25th (sat) 2018 1:20 p.m. ~
*parade (6:00 p.m. ~); fireworks (7:30 p.m. ~) 2400 count
Check this amazing video, “Izumo, Japan 4K (Ultra HD) – 出雲” on Youtube!
IZUMO 出雲 – Sunset in the Sacred Land of Izumo
Izumo – 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 style. Climb to the top of the oldest stone masonry lighthouse in Japan which sits overlooking the Sea of Japan.
Check this amazing video on Izumo (4K ULTRA HD) !!
■Learn more about Izumo : http://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/english/
HIROSHIMA – MATSUE 500YEN BUS (4/1/2018 ～ 3/31/2019)
We are proud to announce the continuation of the Hiroshima – Matsue 500 YEN Bus for this upcoming year!!!!
HIROSHIMA 
MATSUE : 3900yen → 500yen (one way)
Take a three-hour express bus trip from Hiroshima and enjoy a lot of tourist attractions in Shimane. Perfect for a day trip to Matsue Castle and surrounding historical areas, or famous spiritual locations including Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. Great news is this special offer will continue until March 31st, 2019!!
How to Use
*Special conditions apply. Please read terms of use.
1. Head to a designated ticket office.
2. Tell them you want to use the 500yen bus between Hiroshima and Matsue.
3. Show them your passport.
4. Tell them your desired time/ location of departure and destination.
5. Receive ticket and survey.
6. Board bus at respective bus stop and time.
7. Complete survey and hand to bus driver at your destination.
Where to Purchase Tickets
HIROSHIMA : Hiroshima Bus Center [map], Swallow Travel Hiroshima (Ticket window near Hiroshima Sta. Shinkansen Exit) [map]
MATSUE : Ichibata Travel service (JR Matsue Sta.) [map]
Departure/Arrival Locations
HIROSHIMA : JR Hiroshima Station(Shinkansen Exit), Hiroshima Bus Center
MATSUE : Kisuki Highway, Shinji, Tamatsukuri, JR Matsue Station, Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station
Terms of Use
*500yen is the one-way fare between Hiroshima and Matsue. (3900yen normal one-way fare)
*Applicable for short-term foreign tourists only.
*No reservations by phone. Purchases can only be made at designated ticket offices on the day of or day before use.
*Passport must be shown at the ticket office to be applicable. No other form of identification will be accepted. (1 ticket per passport)
*Ticket must be purchased at designated ticket counters. Discount is not applicable when paying by cash on the bus.
Please note: All buses are reserved seating, therefore during busy periods seats may be fully booked.
For more info about this 500 yen bus please check here!
Spring Festivals in Shimane 2018
Matsue Castle Spring Festival
Matsue Castle Festival 2018
Where: Matsue Castle [map]
When: March 24th – April 15th 2018 (7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
*(6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.) sakura illumination
About: The Matsue Castle grounds are known as a popular sakura viewing spot and has been selected as one of the 100 top sakura viewing spots in Japan. In combination with the food stalls that fill the lower entrance, visitors and locals alike are welcomed to come to Matsue Castle and partake in “hanami” (sakura viewing picnic).
Matsue Musha Gyoretsu Warrior Parade
“Musha Gyoretsu” Warrior Parade 2018
Where: Central Matsue, Matsue Castle [map]
When: April 7th 2018(sat) (12:30 a.m.~)
About: A parade to celebrate the founder of Matsue, Lord Horie Yoshiharu, which includes hundreds of citizens dressed up as samurai warriors and princesses as they walk through central Matsue to the castle. [read more]
Aofushigaki Ritual
Aofushigaki Ritual
Where: Mihonoseki Harbor, Matsue City
When: April 7th 2018(1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
About: “Aofushigaki” is a Shinto ritual that is held every year on the 7th of April. It is a recreation of the myth of Ebisu hiding himself behind a blue fence in the sea after conceding the lands of Izumo to the sun goddess. “Aofushigaki” means ‘blue fence’, which is what Ebisu is said to have hid himself behind when he retreated into the sea.
Sakura Festival in Unnan City
Sakura Festival in Unnan City 2018
Where: JR Kisuki Station [map]
When: April 7th 2018(sat) (10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) Stage Performances
April 8th 2018(sun) (10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) Stage Performances
Where: Hii River Bank [map]
When: April 7th 2018(sat) (8:00 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.) Fireworks
About: During the sakura season the banks of the Hii river are painted pink with the blossoming of sakura from 50 thousand trees. During the day there are stage performances right in front of JR Kisuki station and when it gets dark a fireworks festival lights up the night sky. In the latter half of April the blossoming of “gyoiko”, which is a rare species of sakura that is green instead of pink, marks the end of the sakura season. [read more]
Washibara Hachimangu Shrine Spring Festival
Washibara Hachimangu Shrine Festival 2018
Where: Washibara-Hachimangu Shrine, Tsuwano Town [map]
When: April 8th 2018(sun) Opening Ceremony (10:00 a.m)
Performance (11:10a.m. – , 2:20 p.m. – )
About: On the second Sunday of April each year, a traditional ceremony involving horseback archery is conducted on the shrine’s grounds. A 270meter-long horseback archery course is specifically built for this event. [read more]
Tulip Festival in Hakuta-cho
Tulip Festival in Hakuta-cho 2018
Where: Yasugi City Hall Hakuta Branch Office [map]
When: April 15th 2018(sun) (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
About: About 600,000 colorful tulips bloom in mid-April. There are stage performances throughout the day along with food/ drink stalls, tulips for sale, and much more.
Yuushien Garden Party
Yuusien Garden Party 2018
Where: Yuushien Garden, Matsue City [map]
When: April 7th(sat) – May 6th(sun) 2018 (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
About: Yuushien Garden is particularly known for having peonies that bloom all year long, but during the last week of this event, (4/29 – 5/6), they will float 30,000 peonies on the waters of their pond. The last day of the event, May 6th, will be marked with Yuushien decorated with all yellow peonies. [read more]
“EN-MUSUBI” PERFECT TICKET
The “En-Musubi” PERFECT TICKET is the perfect way to travel in Matsue and Izumo!
Welcome to Shimane! If you plan on staying in the Matsue and Izumo area for a couple days there is a “perfect ticket” for you. A special promotion on the Perfect Ticket at a new discounted price for foreign tourists will start on April 1st, 2018. The Perfect Ticket gives you free rides on Ichibata trains and buses, also including Matsue city busses for 3 days. This ticket also includes discount privileges at over 30+ tourist spots.
“En-Musubi” Perfect Ticket – discounted price for foreigners
STARTING FROM April 1, 2018
●3,000 yen for Adults → 1,500yen
●1,500 yen for Children 12 ≥ → 1,000yen
*must present passport at time of purchase
Where can I get this ticket?
Ichibata Travel Service (next to JR Matsue Station) [map] ・ Ichibata Train Stations (Matsue Shinjiko Onsen [map], Izumo Taisha-mae [map], Dentetsu Izumo-shi [map]) ・ Izumo Tourist Information Center (Inside JR Izumoshi Station) [map] ・ Izumo En-Musubi Airport Information Counter [map] ・ Yonago Kitaro Airport Information Counter [map] ・ Sakaiminato Tourist Information Center [map]
You will receive a infomation brochure of the ticket written in English / Korean / Simplified Chinese / Traditional Chinese at the ticket office.
Where can I use it?
On any Ichibata busses and trains within Matsue and Izumo. You can also use it on Matsue City busses and the Matsue Lakeline bus. You can also use it on busses bound to/ from Yonago and Izumo airports.
Airport busses include :
●Izumo En-musubi Airport <–> JR Matsue Station / Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station
●Izumo En-musubi Airport <–> JR Izumoshi Station / Dentetsu Izumoshi Station
●Tamatsukuri Onsen <–> Izumo En-musubi Airport <–> Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
●Yonago Kitaro Airport <–> JR Matsue Station
Ichibata Electric Railway English website :
Where can I get my special discounts at?
(1) Matsue Castle (National Treasure) ・ (2) Matsue History Museum ・ (3) Matsue Horan-enya Memorial Hall ・ (4) Former Samurai Residence (*under renovations till April 2018) ・ (5) Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum ・ (6) Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence ・ (7) The Tanabe Museum of Art ・ (8) Horikawa Sightseeing Boat ・ (9) Meimei-an Tea House ・ (10) Gesshoji Temple ・ (11) Fumon-in ・ (12) Lake Shinji Pleasure Cruise ・ (13) Shimane Art Museum ・(14) Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Hotel Ichibata ・ (15) Shimane Bussan-kan (Shimane Local Products Center) ・ (16) Ichibata Dining ・ (17) Matsue Horikawa Local Beer Hall ・ (18) Matsue Shinjiko Shijimi Clam Center ・ (19) Yaegaki Shrine ・ (20) Izumo Kanbe no Sato ・ (21) Yuushien Garden ・ (22) Meteor Plaza ・ (23*) Adachi Museum of Art ・ (24) Matsue Vogel Park ・ (25) Kappo Onsen Yurari ・ (26) Shimane Winery ・ (27) Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo ・ (28) Kanko Center Izumo ・ (29) Tezen Museum ・ (30*) Izumo You-Plaza ・ (31) Izumo Folk Crafts Museum ・ (32) Restaurant Camelia (Izumo) ・ (33) Izumo Tamatsukuri Museum
* Note : transportation fees to these places are not covered by this ticket.
[EVENT] Matsue “Musha Gyoretsu” Warrior Parade 7th April 2018
Watch as citizens dress up in elaborate costumes and parade around Matsue
Click to see brochure (Japanese)
As winter comes to an end, the beginning of spring is marked with the blossoming of sakura. On April 7th 2018, Matsue will be full of brave samurai, princesses, and of course the founder of Matsue. Watch as citizens dress up in elaborate costumes and parade around Matsue as they once did long ago. Meet some of the most influential people of Matsue from 400 years ago, as they make an appearance in this annual event.
Matsue “Musha Gyoretsu” Warrior Parade is a re-enactment of Lord Horie Yoshiharu, the founding father of Matsue, and his troops marching through Matsue. Every year, many citizens dress up as brave warriors or princesses in vivid costumes as they parade around the sakura-filled Matsue as they head to their destination, National Treasure Matsue Castle.
PARADE EVENTS – April 7th (SAT) 2018 *ordered by location
JR Matsue Station
Mini Warrior Parade
When: 10:30 a.m. –
Where: from JR Matsue Sta. (A) to Tenjin Rotary (B)
Shirakatatenmangu-Shrine (B)
Matsue “Musha Gyoretsu” Warrior Parade Starting Ceremony
When: 12:30 p.m. ~
Matsue Ohashi Bridge (C)
Matsue Castle Rifle Squad Performance
Iwakuni Feudal Domain Rifle Squad Performance
When: 1:00 p.m. ~
Armed Forces Performance Exhibition
When: 1:30 p.m. ~
Matsue Kiyomise Shopping District (D)
Drum Performance
When: 1:15 p.m. ~
Shimane Prefectural Meeting Hall (West side)
& Second Castle Keep (Upper Level) (E)
Matsue Castle Rifle Squad Performance
Iwakuni Feudal Domain Rifle Squad Performance
When: 2:00 p.m. ~
Armed Forces Performance Exhibition
When: 2:30 p.m.~
Lord Horio Yoshiharu Victory Speech and Entry to the Castle
When: 3:00 p.m. ~
Where: Otemae
Matsue Castle
Japanese Dance Performance by Shinnosuke Fujima
Amago Drum Demonstration
When: around 3:15 pm ~ *After the Warrior Parade
Where: Umadamari Stage
Visiting Ceremony to Matsue Shrine/ Lord Yoshiharu’s Arrival to Castle Tower
When: around 3:30 pm ~ *After the Warrior Parade
*All above is approximate time. Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to the conditions of the day. The use of flash towards horses, drawn and tripod is prohibited for the safety reasons.
■Watch this promotional video about Samurai in Matsue!
Matsue Musha Gyoretsu Official website (JP)
Two New Routes to Shimane?
Fuji Dream Airlines will be introducing two new routes to Izumo Airport!
The two new routes will connect Izumo to Sendai and Shizuoka!
And with special promotional prices!
[Shizuoka 静岡 = 出雲 Izumo]
5,555 JPY *one-way ticket purchased 45 days in advance for dates 3/25~4/27/2018
Start Date: 3/25/2018
| Flight No. | Shizuoka (depart) | Izumo (arrival) | Flight No. | Izumo (depart) | Shizuoka (arrival) |
| FDA 185 | 16:15 | 17:35 | FDA 184 | 14:30 | 15:40 |
[Sendai 仙台 = 出雲 Izumo]
7,777 JPY *one-way ticket purchased 45 days in advance for dates 4/20 ~ 4/27/2018 , 5/7 ~ 5/31/2018
Start Date: 4/20/2018
| Flight No. | Sendai (depart) | Izumo (arrival) | Flight No. | Izumo (depart) | Shizuoka (arrival) |
| FDA 703 | 12:30 | 14:00 | FDA 702 | 10:30 | 12:00 |
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Explore some of the links below for ideas on planning your trip to Shimane.
International Tourism Group, Tourism Promotion Division, Shimane Prefectural Government
Tel:+81-852-22-5579 Fax:+81-852-22-5580 E-mail : kanko-inbound@pref.shimane.lg.jp
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