Tsuwano, Masuda, and Hamada offer tourist attractions such as Takashima, sightseeing events such as Manzairaku, and local delicacies such as taro stew.
The town of Tsuwano is located in the southwestern part of Shimane Prefecture. Before the Meiji Restoration, it was a castle town under the jurisdiction of the Kamei clan, which was the Tsuwano clan. The town, spread out in a small basin, is known as "Little Kyoto." In addition, Tsuwano Station is the terminus for the SL train, which attracts a large number of tourists who visit the town on excursions to Yamaguchi City and Hagi.
Also, since the town is within driving distance of Iwakuni, where the U.S. military base in Japan is located, many foreigners, such as base personnel and U.S. soldiers, can be seen here.
In 2005, the town merged with the neighboring town of Hihara to form the town of Tsuwano. The town office is now located in Hihara Town Hall.
The Sagimai (heron dance) parade through the town during the annual Gion Festival is a typical Tswano tradition and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the national government.
Masuda City is part of Shimane Prefecture and, along with Hamada City, is located in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, in the center of the Ishinishi region. Together with Hamada and Ota, it is known as Iwami Sanda. Located in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, the city borders the Sea of Japan.
The center of the city is a delta in the Masuda Plain, which extends downstream of the Takatsu River. As for the central area of the city, which has existed since the Meiji Era, it is located around the Uda Sake Brewery, east of the Masuda Station. The southern part of Masuda City lies to the west of the Chugoku Mountains and is lined with 1,000-meter-high mountains.
In particular, the Bito and Hittomi districts, which were merged into the city in 2004, are almost entirely covered with mountains and forests. The area of Masuda City is the largest in Shimane Prefecture.
Hamada City refers to the area bordering the Sea of Japan in the western part of Shimane Prefecture. It is the center of the former Iwami Province and is a representative area in the western part of Shimane Prefecture. Together with Masuda City and Ota City, it is collectively known as Iwami Sanda.
It was once a military base representing the San'in area, where the 21st Infantry Regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army was established. Currently, the city is developing as one of the leading fisheries cities in the San'in region.
Taikodani Inari Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture. Known affectionately as the “Inari Shrine of Tsuwano,” it stands on a hillside overlooking the historic castle town, with brilliant vermilion torii gates climbing the mountain behind the town. Tsuwano is often called the “Little Kyoto of San'in” because of its well-preserved traditional streets and historic a...»
Standing along Tonomachi Street in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture, Tsuwano Catholic Church is one of the town’s most distinctive historic buildings. Its white walls and pointed Gothic-style tower create a striking contrast with the traditional Japanese streetscape of the former castle town. The church was built in 1931 under the direction of Father W. Schaefer, a German missionary. The wooden buildi...»
Wani Sashimi is a traditional local dish enjoyed in the mountainous areas of southern Shimane Prefecture and northern Hiroshima Prefecture. Despite its name, “wani” does not refer to a crocodile or alligator. In this region, the word “wani” is a traditional name for shark. The custom of eating shark as sashimi has been passed down in this part of western Japan for generations. Sharks caught in th...»
Uzume Meshi is a traditional local dish from the Iwami region of Shimane Prefecture, especially associated with the historic town of Tsuwano. At first glance, it may look like a simple bowl of white rice or Japanese rice porridge. However, various ingredients are hidden underneath the rice, including shiitake mushrooms, carrots, tofu, and fish cake. As you begin eating, the hidden ingredients gra...»
Mackerel Sushi is a traditional local dish enjoyed in Shimane Prefecture. It has long been prepared for autumn festivals and other special occasions celebrating a successful harvest. The dish combines mackerel caught in the waters of the San'in region with rice grown in Shimane's fertile countryside. Bringing together the bounty of the sea and the harvest of the land, Mackerel Sushi offers a deli...»
Melon Kasuzuke is a distinctive traditional pickled food from Shimane Prefecture made with the locally grown Amus melon. Instead of being enjoyed as a sweet and juicy fruit, the melon is preserved in sake lees, giving it a rich aroma and a deeper, more complex flavor. Pickling melon may sound unusual, but the result is surprisingly enjoyable. The melon develops a distinctive crisp, crunchy textur...»
Imoni is a traditional Japanese dish enjoyed in various parts of the country. The Imoni of Tsuwano Town in Shimane Prefecture is known as one of the “Three Great Imoni” of Japan, alongside the Imoni of Nakayama Town in Yamagata Prefecture and the Imotaki of Ozu City in Ehime Prefecture. While many regional versions of Imoni feature rich seasonings and hearty flavors, Tsuwano’s version is characte...»
Donchicchi Horse Mackerel is a premium brand of Japanese horse mackerel caught in the waters off western Shimane Prefecture and landed at Hamada Port. Only fish that meet specific quality standards can be sold under this brand name. Horse mackerel from western Shimane has long been known for its rich fat content, and during the peak season, its flavor has been prized as being comparable to that of...»
Nodoguro is one of Shimane Prefecture’s most prized luxury fish. Its official Japanese name is akamutsu, or blackthroat seaperch. It is characterized by its beautiful reddish body, large eyes, and wide mouth. The inside of its throat appears black, which is believed to be the reason it came to be commonly known as “nodoguro,” meaning “black throat.” Growing to around 30 cm in length, nodoguro mai...»
Hamada flounder is one of the signature seafood specialties of Hamada City in Shimane Prefecture. A wide variety of flounder species are caught along the Shimane coast, and in Hamada, flounder has long been a familiar and much-loved part of the local diet. Flounder has such a strong connection with the region that Hamada City has designated it as “the fish of Hamada.” Three varieties are particul...»
Tsuwano Town, located in a mountain basin in southwestern Shimane Prefecture, is a beautifully preserved castle town known throughout Japan as the “Little Kyoto of San'in.” Surrounded by mountains, the town retains much of the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868), creating a peaceful and nostalgic setting for visitors. The historic center has been designated as an Important Preservation Distr...»
Tsuwano Onsen Nagomi-no-Sato Roadside Station is a popular leisure and tourism complex in Tsuwano Town, Kagashima District, Shimane Prefecture. Known as the “Little Kyoto of San'in,” Tsuwano is famous for its beautifully preserved castle-town streets, and Nagomi-no-Sato offers a convenient place to relax after exploring the historic town. Located in a peaceful natural setting slightly away from t...»
Silk Way Nichihara Roadside Station is a popular roadside facility located along National Route 9 in Ikemura, Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. Built around the theme of enjoying and connecting with nature, it stands beside the Takatsu River, one of the clearest rivers in the Chugoku region. The Takatsu River is known as the only major river in the Chugoku region without a dam and has been select...»
Karaku-en Garden is a historic garden and park in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, located on the former site of the residence of the Kamei family, the lords of the Tsuwano Domain. Today, it is a peaceful place where local residents and visitors can relax while experiencing the history and natural beauty of the former castle town. The area on the western bank of the Tsuwano River, around what is...»
Tsuwano Hometown Museum is a local history museum in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, dedicated to preserving and introducing the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. Since its opening in 1921, the museum has played an important role in passing the history of Tsuwano on to future generations. Today, the museum houses and displays a wide range of materials covering the history of the area...»
Yomei-ji Temple is a historic temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kakuozan. Founded in 1420 by Yoshimi Yorihiro, the lord of Tsuwano Castle, the temple invited the monk Getsuin, a Dharma descendant of Zen master Dogen, as its founding priest. For more than 600 years, Yomei-ji has continued to develop alongside the history of Tsuwano....»
Tsuwano Castle is a historic Japanese mountain castle built on the summit of Mount Reikizan in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. Also known as Sanbonmatsu Castle and Fuki Castle, it stands at an elevation of approximately 362 meters above sea level. From the castle ruins, visitors can look out over the historic town of Tsuwano below. The impressive stone walls rising among the surrounding mountai...»
Tsuwano Castle stands on Mount Reigizan in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. Known as one of the historic mountain castles of Japan, it offers spectacular views over the traditional townscape of Tsuwano, often called the “Little Kyoto of the San'in Region.” The Tsuwano Castle Ruins Sightseeing Lift provides an easy and enjoyable way to reach the area near the summit. Combining a leisurely ride th...»
Mori Ogai Memorial Museum is located in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, the birthplace and childhood home of Mori Ogai, one of the leading figures in modern Japanese literature. Ogai was not only a celebrated writer but also a military doctor who played an important role in Japan's medical and intellectual history. The museum introduces his life, literary achievements, medical career, and conne...»
Yasaka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Ushiroda, Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. Located along the Tsuwano River near the western end of Tsuwano Ohashi Bridge, the shrine has a history of approximately 600 years and has long been revered as a guardian shrine closely connected with the lives and traditions of the local community. Tsuwano is a peaceful castle town surrounded by mountains an...»
Tonomachi Street is one of the most iconic streets in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, a historic castle town often known as the “Little Kyoto of the San'in Region.” The street preserves the atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town, with white earthen walls, stone paving, traditional buildings, and waterways where colorful carp glide through the clear water. Located approximately 10 minutes on fo...»
Sagi-mai is one of the traditional performing arts that best represents the history and culture of Tsuwano, a peaceful castle town in Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains and known as the “Little Kyoto of the San'in Region,” Tsuwano is famous for its historic streets, red-tiled buildings, waterways, and colorful carp swimming through the canals. At the heart of this cultural landscape is Y...»
Mori Ogai's Former Residence in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, is the historic home where one of Japan's most influential modern writers was born and spent his childhood. Located within the beautifully preserved castle town of Tsuwano, the residence is an important historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into the early life of a man who later became a celebrated novelist, critic, translato...»
Otome Pass Maria Chapel stands quietly in the mountains of Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and peaceful natural scenery, the chapel preserves the memory of the persecution of Christians during Japan's early modern period and offers a place for quiet reflection and prayer. Located in the mountains west of Tsuwano Station, the chapel is more than a beautiful religious site. ...»
In the mountain countryside of Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture, a remarkable cultural site brings together the history of modern medicine, traditional architecture, Japanese garden design, and local food culture. Ishoku-no-Manabiya (Former Hatagasako Hospital) and the neighboring Hori Garden (Former Hori Family Garden) preserve the legacy of the Hori family, whose activities contributed to the develop...»
Nichihara Astronomical Observatory is a public observatory located in the former Nichihara area of Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. It stands on the summit of Mount Makuraseyama at an elevation of 255 meters, overlooking the area where the Tsuwano River and Takatsu River meet. Since opening in 1985 as Japan's first public observatory designed for general visitors, Nichihara Astronomical Observat...»
Washibara Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the Washibara district of Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. It stands at the southwestern foot of the former Tsuwano Castle site, beside the peaceful Tsuwano River and surrounded by rich natural scenery. The shrine has long been an important place of worship for local residents and was also deeply revered by successive lords of th...»
Hori Garden (Former Hori Family Garden) is a historic Japanese garden nestled in the mountains of Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. With a history spanning approximately 300 years, the garden is recognized as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and is an important cultural heritage site. Located about 8 kilometers from central Tsuwano, the garden forms part of the former residence of the Hori famil...»
Nishi Amane's Former Residence is a historic home in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, where the influential thinker Nishi Amane lived from childhood through his early adult years. Nishi played a pioneering role in introducing Western philosophy and modern academic thought to Japan. The residence stands across the Tsuwano River from the former home of literary figure Mori Ogai. Together, these hi...»
Tsuwano Domain School Yōrōkan is the former domain school of Tsuwano, located along the historic Tonomachi Street in the castle town of Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture. It was established in 1786 by Kamei Norikata, the eighth lord of the Tsuwano domain, and played an important role in educating generations of samurai families. Today, part of the original school buildings remains and is preserved as a...»
The Tsuwano Traditional Buildings Preservation District is a historic area in Tsuwano Town, Kanoashi District, Shimane Prefecture, where the character of an old Japanese castle town has been carefully preserved. The district retains the basic street layout established in the early Edo period and brings together former samurai residences, merchant houses, and Western-style buildings from later peri...»
The Anno Mitsumasa Museum is a museum in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, dedicated to the works of Anno Mitsumasa, one of Japan's internationally acclaimed picture-book artists and painters. Anno received the Hans Christian Andersen Award and was also recognized as a Person of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government. More than simply a place to view artworks, the museum invites visitors into ...»
Kuwabara Shisei Photography Museum is a documentary photography gallery in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture, and the first museum of its kind in the town. It is located immediately to the right after exiting JR Tsuwano Station, making it an especially convenient place to visit at the beginning or end of a sightseeing walk. The Tsuwano Town Tourism Association is also located within the same facility. ...»
The Stars and Forest Science Museum is a science museum surrounded by the rich natural environment of Mount Makuraseyama in the Nichihara area of Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture. Together with the neighboring Nichihara Astronomical Observatory, it serves as an educational facility where visitors can learn about both the universe and the Earth's natural environment. Opened in 1994, the museum introduc...»
Morijuku Museum of Art is a charming art museum in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture. The museum was created by restoring and renovating a historic residence that once belonged to the head village official of the Tsuwano Domain. The building's traditional Japanese architecture provides a beautiful setting for the artworks displayed inside. Located about a 15-minute walk from JR Tsuwano Station, the mus...»
Masuda City is located in the Iwami region of western Shimane Prefecture, where abundant nature and a rich history come together. Along with Ōda and Hamada, Masuda is one of the three important cities of the Iwami region, sometimes collectively referred to as the “Iwami Sanda.” Because of its location near the borders of Yamaguchi and Hiroshima prefectures, Masuda has long served as an important ...»
Michi-no-Eki Hikimi Gorge Roadside Station is a roadside rest and tourism facility located along National Route 191 in Hikimi Town, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Chugoku region, it serves as a convenient gateway to the scenic Hikimi Gorge, a renowned natural attraction in western Shimane. The surrounding mountains are especially beautiful in spring,...»
Sun Eight Mito Roadside Station is a popular roadside rest and tourism facility in Mito Town, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Located along National Route 191 at the entrance to Mito Onsen, it is a convenient place to take a break while driving and a gateway to the area's rich natural environment, local cuisine, and traditional culture. Surrounded by the mountains of the Chugoku region, the area...»
Hikimi Wasabi is a rare, high-quality variety of Japanese wasabi cultivated in the pristine natural environment of Hikimi Town, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. The growing areas are surrounded by broadleaf forests in the upper reaches of the Hikimi River, a tributary of the Takatsu River system, which is renowned for its clear, clean water. The combination of exceptionally pure water, a cool mou...»
Hikimi Gorge is a vast collection of scenic valleys extending through Hikimi Town in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by the rich natural environment of the West Chugoku Mountains, it is one of the region's most impressive natural attractions. The gorge was gradually carved by the Hikimi River, a tributary of the Takatsu River, as flowing water eroded the mountains over countless years...»
Iko-ji Temple is a historic temple of the Tōfuku-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Someha-cho, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. The temple is known by the mountain name Takuzōzan and enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha traditionally associated with healing and medicine. What makes Iko-ji particularly special is its connection with Sesshū Tōyō, the celebrated Muromachi-period ink paint...»
Iko-ji Garden is a celebrated Japanese garden located within Iko-ji Temple in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. The temple is a Rinzai Zen temple of the Tōfuku-ji school and is closely associated with Sesshū Tōyō, one of Japan's most renowned Muromachi-period ink painters and Zen monks. The garden is traditionally said to have been designed by Sesshū and is regarded as an important example of Japa...»
Hikimi Gorge Onsen is a peaceful hot spring destination in Hikimi Town, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by the rich natural environment of the western Chugoku Mountains, it lies near the upper reaches of the Hikimi River, a tributary of the Takatsu River. The area is part of the scenic Hikimi Gorge, a group of spectacular valleys shaped over time by the erosion of the Hikimi River. He...»
Hikimi Gorge Onsen “Yasuragi-no-Yu” is a relaxing hot spring facility in Hikimi Town, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by clear mountain streams and abundant forests, it offers visitors a chance to unwind in a peaceful natural setting. The Hikimi Gorge area lies along the upper reaches of the Hikimi River, a tributary of the clear-flowing Takatsu River. The gorge consists of four sceni...»
Manpuku-ji Temple, located in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture, is a historic temple of the Jishu school of Japanese Buddhism. Known by its mountain name, Seiryuzan, the temple has long been associated with the powerful Masuda clan, who once ruled the region, and served as their family temple. One of Manpuku-ji’s greatest attractions is its elegant garden, traditionally attributed to Sesshu Toyo, ...»
Nanao Castle was a mountain castle that once stood in Nanao-cho, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. It served as an important stronghold supporting the Masuda clan, a powerful family that held considerable influence in the medieval province of Iwami. Today, the site has been preserved as the Nanao Castle Ruins. Together with the nearby Miyake Odoi Ruins in Miyake-cho, it forms part of the nationall...»
The Miyake Odoi Residence Ruins are the remains of a medieval fortified residence in Miyake-cho, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Together with the Nanao Castle Ruins, the site forms part of the nationally designated historic site known as the Masuda Clan Castle and Residence Sites. The site was once the main base of the Masuda clan, one of the leading warrior families of Iwami Province. Unlike a...»
Takatsu Kakinomoto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Takatsu-cho, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, one of the greatest poets of the Man’yōshū, Japan’s oldest major anthology of poetry. Its official name is simply Kakinomoto Shrine, and among the many Kakinomoto Shrines found throughout Japan, Takatsu Kakinomoto Shrine is widely regard...»
Sukumozuka Kofun is a nationally designated historic site in Kushiro-cho, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. This impressive ancient burial mound offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of early Japan and the powerful local leaders who shaped the region more than 1,500 years ago. Since its discovery in 1939, the kofun has been the subject of archaeological research and investigation. Its size...»
Kushishiro Kahime Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on Mount Myojo in Kushirocho, Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Known locally as Hama Hachimangu or Hama no Hachiman, the shrine has long been an important place of worship and is considered one of the area's historic shrines. The shrine is recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, an ancient register of officially recognized Shinto shrines c...»
Myogiji Temple is a historic Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Quietly situated at the western foot of the ruins of Nananao Castle, the temple has a long connection with the Masuda clan, who once ruled this area. For centuries, Myogiji served as the family temple of the Masuda clan and played an important role in the history of the region from the Sengoku period through...»
The “Mont Saint-Michel of San'in” Ebisu Shrine is a picturesque Shinto shrine located on the beautiful coast of Kohama in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine stands on a small rocky island called Miyagashima, surrounded by the Sea of Japan. Its most distinctive feature is the way its appearance changes with the tides. At low tide, a natural sandy pathway emerges between the mainland and ...»
Bannryuko Prefectural Natural Park is a scenic natural park on the outskirts of Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. The park is centered around Lake Bannryuko, a beautiful lake formed through a rare natural process in which sand carried inland from the Sea of Japan gradually blocked a valley. Surrounded by forests and peaceful waters, the park offers a relaxing setting where visitors can enjoy natur...»
Mochiishi Beach, also known as Sanrigahama, is a beautiful coastal area in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. It forms part of an approximately 13-kilometer-long crescent-shaped coastline stretching from Tōda Beach to Kohama Beach. The coastline was formed by sand carried from the Takatsu and Masuda Rivers and gradually deposited by seasonal winds and waves from the Sea of Japan. The result is a di...»
Roadside Station Kakinoki Mura is a popular stop in Kakinoki, Yoshika Town, in the district of Kanoashi, Shimane Prefecture. Located along National Route 187 in a beautiful natural setting beside the clear Takatsu River, it is a convenient place to take a break while traveling between Iwakuni and Tsuwano. More than just a roadside rest area, Kakinoki Mura offers visitors an opportunity to experie...»
Someba Amenoiwakatsu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. It is traditionally said to have been founded in 725, during the Jinki era, and is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, an ancient record of officially recognized Shinto shrines compiled in the 10th century. For centuries, the shrine has been deeply respected by the local community. Its principal deity is Am...»
Lake Bannryuko is a beautiful freshwater lake set among the hills to the west of Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Its distinctive name comes from the intricate shape of its shoreline, which is said to resemble a dragon coiled around itself. Surrounded by forests and calm waters, the lake offers a peaceful escape where visitors can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature. The quiet atmosphere a...»
Ishimomiji-en is a beautiful garden and park covering approximately 9,000 square meters in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. The grounds combine a carefully designed stone garden with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a peaceful setting that feels like a work of art created in harmony with nature. Approximately 1,300 stones of various sizes are arranged throughout the garden, with a comb...»
Karaoto Narcissus Park is one of the best-known places in the Chugoku region for viewing narcissus flowers. Located along Kamate Coast in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture, the park offers a remarkable winter landscape where delicate white flowers bloom against the dramatic backdrop of the Sea of Japan. Narcissus is the official city flower of Masuda, and the slopes of Karaoto are transformed each ...»
Yoshika Town is located in the southwestern part of Shimane Prefecture, at the southernmost edge of the prefecture. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of the western Chugoku Mountains, the town is blessed with rich natural scenery, clear streams, traditional culture, and a long history. Yoshika covers an area of approximately 336.29 square kilometers, with much of the town covered by forest....»
The Masuda City History and Cultural Exchange Center “Rekishina” is a cultural facility in Masuda, Shimane Prefecture, where visitors can learn about the region’s history and culture while connecting with the local community. The building was formerly known as the Masuda City Museum of History and Folklore and was originally the former Mino District Government Office. After extensive renovation, i...»
Senkoji Temple is a temple of the Honganji-ha branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in Masuda, Shimane Prefecture. The temple has deep historical ties to the Masuda clan, who ruled this region from the medieval period into the early modern era. For centuries, Senkoji stood at the heart of the Miyake Odoi, the former fortified residence of the Masuda clan. Although the temple was later relocated to allo...»
Kyo-onji Temple is a temple of the Chion-in branch of Jodo Buddhism in Masuda, Shimane Prefecture. Set against the backdrop of Mount Nanao, the temple is known for the picturesque view of its traditional gate and bell tower. It is also an important place for discovering the history of Masuda’s medieval castle town. Kyo-onji is more than a place of Buddhist worship. Its surroundings preserve trace...»
Sumiyoshi Shrine stands on the mountainside of Mount Nanao in Masuda, Shimane Prefecture. The shrine is located within the historic grounds of the Nanao Castle Site, the former mountain fortress of the Masuda clan, who ruled this region during the medieval period. The Nanao Castle Site is now part of the Masuda Clan Castle and Residence Sites, designated as a National Historic Site of Japan. Near...»
Roadside Station Muikaichi Onsen is a popular tourist and rest stop in Yoshika Town, Kanoashi District, Shimane Prefecture. Located along Shimane Prefectural Route 16, it is only about 2 minutes by car from the Muikaichi Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway, making it an especially convenient gateway to western Shimane. The facility consists of two main areas: the renovated Yakuro Direct Sales a...»
A Beautiful Landscape of Stone-Walled Rice Terraces The Ōitani Rice Terraces spread across the mountain slopes of Yoshika Town in Shimane Prefecture. Recognized as one of Japan’s 100 Best Rice Terraces, they are a remarkable example of a traditional Japanese rural landscape shaped by generations of farming. The terraces cover an area of approximately 10 hectares, with hundreds of rice paddies ca...»
A Dramatic Valley Surrounded by Mountain Wilderness Nagase Gorge is a beautiful mountain gorge located at the northeastern edge of Yoshika Town in Shimane Prefecture, near the border with Yamaguchi Prefecture. It forms part of the West Chugoku Mountains Quasi-National Park and stretches for approximately 14 kilometers. The gorge was carved by the Fukatani River, creating a dramatic V-shaped vall...»
Suigen Hall — A Museum Telling the Story of Water and People Suigen Hall stands beside Ōjagaike Pond, the source of the Takatsu River, a major river flowing through western Shimane. The beautiful wooden building was created as a kind of museum of water, introducing the relationship between water, nature, and the people who have lived alongside the river for generations. Inside, visitors can lear...»