Shimane is known as one of Japan’s most spiritual destinations, and the prefecture is filled with unspoiled landscapes and rich historical sites. Located in the southwest of Japan’s main island of Honshu, it is especially appealing to travelers with an interest in sustainability and the preservation of culture.

The city of Yasugi was once the center of an ancient kingdom and, in the Edo Era, it became an important trading port, especially in relation to shipping locally produced iron. Traditional iron making techniques were passed down from generation to generation. Yasugi is still known for its high-grade specialty steel brand, Yasugi-Hagane, from which stunning kitchen knives and blades are made.

As Yasugi prospered, another unique artistic culture was created. Originating among boatmen who sang in story form as they navigated the local waters, Yasugi-bushi is a traditional Japanese folk song and dance form that continues to entertain people to this day. Locals who perform the most famous dance, Dojo-sukui, use exaggerated humorous expressions and movements to convey the catching of loaches (dojo fish) with bare hands.

Yasugi-bus hi

Visitors can enjoy these wonderful performances in private venues and theaters – including the Yasugi-bushi Engeikan, which sits beside the world famous Adachi Art Museum and Gardens.

Adachi Museum

Not far from Yasugi, in the city of Izumo, is the Momen Kaido or ‘Cotton Road’, so named due to the cultivation and distribution of high quality cotton that took place here in the early 1700’s.  During the Meiji Era, the district switched to producing raw silk and subsequently thrived as a town of trade.  Stores and homes of wealthy merchants lined the streets and canals.  Many historic building still remain, some contain long-established shops that continue to carry on the traditions of their ancestors.

Momen Kaido

Try some ginger candy from Kuramaya, a confectioneray shop founded 300 years ago.  Do some sake tasting and enjoy a soy sauce flavored soft serve ice cream!  There are also wonderful dining establishments to choose from, so be sure to save some room for lunch!  Be sure to also have some money on hand for locally made souvenirs.

About 30 minutes by car from the Momen Kaido is Sagiura, a quaint, yet very special fishing village.  Historically, as a stop for merchant vessels, Sagiura was an important trading port. As a result, the traditional homes here are well built and very attractive.  Wandering around Sagiura is like traveling back in time, fortunately, the village has not been spoiled with convenience stores and other unattractive modern structures.  

What makes Sagiura truly special, however, are its inhabitants.  Some of the locals are doing all they can to attract tourists to their village.  They are renovating historic properties, turning them into beautiful rental properties, some of which sit directly beside the sea.  They also offer walking tours and unique experiences – like making salt!  

Sagiura feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but it is only about 20 minutes from one of Japan’s most important shrines, Izumo Taisha.  It is also a short drive to Hinomisaki, home to another incredible shrine – one that is almost completely off the radar of most tourists. 

The design of vermillion-colored Hinomisaki Jinja is impressive. 

Sitting majestically surrounded by dense forest on three sides, as home to deities that are related to the setting of the sun, the fourth side is open to the sea.  Visitors can walk along a lovely cliff side promenade, passing the tallest lighthouse in Japan.  The seafood here is fresh and delicious too.

All of these wonderful locations can be easily enjoyed on a trip with Heartland Japan.  Working closely with local businesses to preserve the culture and traditions of Shimane, Heartland invites visitors to experience a truly unique part of Japan!

Getting there:  Guests can fly into Izumo or Yonago Airport.  Shimane is also accessible by train or bus from a variety of major Japanese cities.  

Extend your stay and visit Matsue – with its lovely castle and impressive museums – including an excellent one dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn and run by his very forward-thinking descendant.  As mentioned, Izumo Taisha and the Adachi Museum of Art and Gardens are also nearby.  

Izumo Taisha

Matsue Castle