The Perfect Ticket for travelers on a budget

Dedicated to the Shinto god of “en” (the ties that binds us together) Okuninushi-no-Okami, Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the oldest and most venerated shrines in Japan. The main hall is constructed in the “taisha-zukuri” style, Japan’s oldest form of shrine architecture, and has been designated as a National Treasure. Each year during the 10th month of the Lunar calendar the gods from throughout Japan congregate at Izumo Taisha for their annual meeting. Only in Izumo is this month known as “The Month With Gods.” The “shimenawa” (sacred straw rope) that hang at Kagura-den Hall in one of the largest in Japan, weighing an impressive 5 tons.

On the westernmost tip of the Shimane Peninsula, located in the midst of a Black Tailed Gull breeding ground, the Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse (43.65m) is the largest masonry lighthouse in East Asia. The view from the observatory is unparalleled and the lighthouse is considered among the top 100 historic lighthouses in the world.

One of the oldest onsens in Japan, Tamatsukuri Onsen has a history dating back to at least 733 AD, where it was introduced as “The Bath of The Gods” in the Ancient Chronicles of Izumo. You can stay at any of the 22 traditional Japanese inns that lie the banks of the Tamayu River, which runs through the heart of this picturesque onsen, or if you prefer, there are luxury hotels available which can accommodate up to 700 guests.

Tamatsukuriyu Shrine enshrines the guardian deity of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, which has a 1,300-year history and is said to be both the “hot spring of the gods” and the “hot spring of beautiful skin.” The shrine’s location within the hot spring district means it is possible to drop by as you take a stroll. Within the shrine itself, you will find a “wishing stone.” It is said that your wishes will be granted if you touch the stone and pray, and the shrine attracts a large number of visitors from around the world. Additionally, the shrine bridge with red balustrades that spans the clear stream of the Tamayu River in front of the shrine is also a popular spot for taking photos.

Take a 70 minute tour of Matsue’s most famous tourist attractions in this vintage bus and receive discount admission coupons with the purchase of a one-day pass. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes.

*Currently Closed for Renovations until September 2024*

Karakoro Art Studio is located in a historical building that sits alongside a canal in the castle of Matsue. It is an integrated manufacturing and retailing craft gallery with an artisan theme. The central square contains a wishing well, a pink post box, and heart-shaped votive picture tablets. The pink post box is popular for reportedly attracting good fortune. The studio also holds events in each season, including the Umbrella Sky event in the rainy season, when the ceiling of the square is completely covered with colorful umbrellas. In addition to workshop classrooms and artists’ brand shops selling spiritual stones, silver, glass, ceramics, recycled cloth, woodwork, and other accessory items, the building also has abundant food options, including cafes and restaurants. With a complete lineup of classrooms, galleries, shops and other facilities, Karakoro Art Studio is a place where you can revel in Japanese handicrafts.

This small passenger boat will take you through the history, nature and people of Matsue. The moats surrounding Matsue Castle (National Treasure) remain unchanged from when it was first constructed over 400 years ago. This 50 min sightseeing boat guides you along the moats through the historical Japanesescape of the castle 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.

Constructed 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 National Treasure in 2015. The elegance of the castle’s swooping roofs and decor 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 an architectural design specifically chosen for battle, but retains a grand majestic appearance.

This former samurai residence was for middle-class samurais of the Matsue clan during the Edo period. Katana drawers, a teethblackening dye set, household furniture and livingware 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.

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.

A railway station located in Matsue city and operated by Japan Railways. To the south side of the station is a car rental agency where you can rent a car for your travels within Shimane. And the north side of the station is serviced by many busses that can take you all over the city or even to the nearby airports (Izumo Airport, Yonago Airport), and is also one of the bus stops for overnight and express busses. While waiting for your train or bus you can browse Shamine, the shopping center within the station, and check out its clothing stores and souvenir shops or take a break in the restaurants and cafes.  

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. Japanese Peony and Korean Ginseng Village.