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Useful travel information

The Shimanean: Stories from our CIR’s

Shimanean magazine spread

Twice a year, spring/summer and autumn/winter, CIRs (Coordinators for International Relations) visit places throughout Shimane and write about their experiences in their bi-annual magazine Shimanean. The CIRs represent their different countries and through their articles offer their own perspective to unfamiliar cultural experiences.

The bi-annual magazine is also translated into Korean, Chinese, Portuguese and Russian. You can find them here → [link] or click on the languages below to read them in their respective languages.
*Japanese text version is also included w/ each article 

Each issue features 4 articles. Information on places and activities in the articles may have changed since the time of publication.

2023
Winter/Spring

Walking with Guides Vol. 84

Living History! A Samurai’s View of Matsue
A Walk Through the Forest with a Guide ~Arifuku Moss Land~
A Tatami Mat of Fossils at “Iwami Tatamigaura”


[English] [한국어] [簡体字] [português] [русский]


2022

Winter/Spring

A Handcrafted Experience in Matsue Vol. 83
Enchanting Pottery
Matsue’s Original Temari
Experience “Izumo” Through Washi Paper Making
A Hands-On Experience with “Yakumo-Nuri”

[English] [한국어] [簡体字] [português] [русский]


2021
Summer/Autumn

Shimanean Vol. 82

Sweet Shimane Vol. 82
Raw Experience with Raw Honey
A Healthy Habit! Why Not Try Some Amazake?
Sweet Ice Cream at Izumo Norin High School
Kiyomizu Yokan

[English] [한국어] [簡体字] [português] [русский]

2021
Winter/Spring

Shimanean Vol. 81

The Gifts of Lake Shinji and Nakaumi Vol. 81

The Treasure of Lake Shinji- Yamato Shijimi
An Experience of Nature- and an Aquarium with “Gogi”
Strawberry Picking
Swans of Shimane

[English] [한국어] [簡体字] [português] [русский]


2020
Summer/Autumn

Shimanean Vol.80

Mt. Sanbe Vol. 80

The Ancient Treasure that Mt. Sanbe Buried
The Museum I Wanted to Visit as a Kid
Health Tourism
Having Fun at Mt. Sanbe 

[English] [한국어] [簡体字] [português] [русский]

Winter/Spring

Shimanean Vol.79

Momenkaido – Where Old Meets New Vol. 79

Memories of Momenkaido
Tastes of Tradition in Momenkaido
Momenkaido Hereafter
Umi Shrine: Meeting the Deity of Separation

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]


2019
Summer/Autumn

Shimanean Vol.78

Come to Masuda! Wasabi, Kagura, and Friendly Locals Vol. 78

Masuda: One City, Many Journeys
Michikawa Kagura
Wasabi Cultivated by Nature
The Charming Points of a Japanese Guesthouse 

[English] [한국어] [簡体字] 

Winter/Spring

Shimanean Vol.77

The Yama Kujira and a Lively Town Vol. 77

The Mountain Whales of Misato
“Through Yamakujira, the Community of a Widespread Area” – Creative Space of Hand-Stitched Wild Boar Leather Crafts at Aozora Craft
A Bright Person in Misato Town
Aozora Salon

[English] [한국어] [簡体字] 


2018
Summer/Autumn

Shimanean Vol.76

Oki Islands Vol. 76

Hassaku Bull Sumo
Oki – A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
On an Island, Surrounded by Stunning Views
Where Time Stands Still, Kuniga Coastline

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]

Winter/Spring

Shimanean Vol.75

Shimane’s World Heritage Selection – 10 Years On Vol. 75

A Blend of Tradition and Modernity in the Streets of Omori
Welcome to Okubo Mabu Mineshaft: A Wild Adventure in the Historic Remains of Iwami Ginzan
From the Town, a Taste of the World
Finding the “Perfect” Onsen in Yunotsu

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]


2017
Summer/Autumn

Shimanean Vol.74

Bringing Shimane’s Traditional Crafts to the World Vol. 74

Looking Through Traditions to a Clear Future Zap Glass Studio
The Harmony of Tradition and Modernity The Birthplace of Kumiko and the Yoshihara Wood Workshop
Hiromitsu Blacksmith Workshop: Flickering of Flames and Passion
Sekishu Washi・A Powerful Tradition

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]

Winter/Spring

Shimanean Vol.73

What I Discovered Living in the Countryside of Shimane. Vol. 73

The Place I Decided to Live From Now On
New York and Shimane: Small Community, Big Heart
Matsue is the Countryside?
Did You Say The Countryside??

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]


2016
Summer/Autumn

Shimanean Vol.72

Creating Togethor: The people of Shimane engage in the Arts! Vol. 72

A Stroke of the Brush, the Pouring of the Soul
The Mysterious World of “Rice Paddy Art”
The Ashibue Performance Group: Food for Connected Hearts
Taiko and Community

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]

Winter/Spring

Shimanean Vol.71

Learning Experiences in Shimane Vol. 71

Conveying the Simple Humanity in us All: The Yasugi-bushi and Dojo-sukui Experience
The Izumo Soba Making Challenge Report!
Experience Zen at Yasugi’s Kyomizudera Temple
You Should Learn It! -The Unshuu Soroban-

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]


2015
Summer/Autumn

Shimanean Vol.70

Kimachi Stone – A Stone Inseparable from Life in Shimane Vol. 70

Kimachi Stone Museum and the Stone that Lives with Nature
Carving the Soul of the Kimachi Stone
Kimachi Stone and Izumo-Nankin: Shimane’s Original Brand
The Connection between Kimachi Stone and the Home

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]

Winter/Spring

Shimanean Vol.69

A Way To Enjoy Matsue  Wear a kimono and take a stroll Vol. 69

Japanese Beauty, Breadth of Mind -The Charm of Japanese Clothing-
The Tea Culture of Matsue
Kimono and Sweets: Experiencing Matsue’s Traditional Tastes
The Round Dango are Art

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]


2014
Summer/Autumn

Shimanean Vol.68

My Favorite Color of Shimane Vol. 68

‘Lake Shinji Sunset’ – A Stunning Sunset Spot
Colours of the Earth
Treasured Views of a Mountain Village
The Riches of Lake Shinji

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]

Winter/Spring

Shimanean Vol.67

Washoku: The Traditional Food Culture of Shimane’s Citizens Vol. 67

The Power of Humans & Nature Combined
Appreciating The Craft & Beauty of Kamaboko Fish Cakes
Chopsticks of Love
Learning Tea Ceremony Culture

[English] [한국어] [簡体字]


2013

Summer/Autumn International Exchange Programs In Shimane Vol. 66
Cultural Exchange in the Grass: A Japanese & North American Story
・The Road of Flowers ~Russia and Shimane~
・Youths Pouring Passions Into Their Dreams & Futures
・Give Me Wings – Youth Exchange Programs in Ningxia
・Protecting The Ocean – Coastal Cleanup Works

[English] [한국어] [簡体字

Winter/Spring The People Living in a World Heritage Town Vol. 65
Learn History with an English Guide!
・Taking Pride in your Hometown: A Resident of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
・Why Not Try a Meal at an Old Samurai House
・Memories of History  The Oil Lamps of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine


2012

Summer/Autumn Culture Born from Water & Iron: Okuizumo Town Vol. 64
・Learning Traditional Japanese Ironwork: The Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum
・If You Are Fond of Japanese Swords…
・Harmony Between History, Culture and Nature at the Itohara Memorial Museum
・The Gourmet Food of Okuizumo