- 2024.06.01
- Winter
Even in the depths of winter there is something for everyone to enjoy in Shimane, from hot springs to delicious food and winter sports
Shimane is home to many of Japan’s famous hot spring resorts. One of the best things about a visit to Shimane in winter is the chance to stay at a hot spring hotel and savor the flavors crab, fresh seafood and other winter delights of Japanese cuisine. Winter sports are also a must-try experience in the mountains, where you can glide across the ultimate powder snow.
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Hot springs
There are more than 60 hot spring areas in Shimane, including Tamatsukuri Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot springs, and Hinokami Onsen, one of Japan’s three famous “beautifying hot springs.” These areas are popular with visitors from Japan and around the world, who come to the “prefecture of beautiful complexions” to sooth mind and body. A unique aspect of a mid-winter trip to Shimane is being able to luxuriate in a “Yukimi-buro” (snow-viewing bath), looking out from an open-air bath on a silvery-white world as snow falls around you.
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Flavors of winter (Crab and other seafood delights)
Cold and warm currents collide in the Sea of Japan off Shimane, making this an excellent fishing ground for many different kinds of sea life. Here you can enjoy sashimi and sushi all made from the freshest fish sent straight from the fishing port. Crab is a famed dish of winter in the San’in region, and the season runs from November through to March, when many tourists come to Shimane looking to enjoy crab cuisine. The crabs caught off the San’in coast are known as “Matsuba-gani” (snow crab), and have plenty of meat with intense umami flavors. Shimane snow crabs are highly prized as a luxury brand.
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Winter sports
High-quality snow falls on the mountains of Shimane, making it an ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders. There are various courses to suit all levels of ability, and another popular choice is to put on snow shoes for a walk across the snowy mountain scenery. After a day of sporting activities in the mountains, what better way to relax than with a soak in a hot spring bath?