Gotsu City is located in the Iwami region of western Shimane Prefecture, where the Sea of Japan, the Chugoku Mountains, and the Gōnokawa River come together. The Gōnokawa is the largest river in the Chugoku region, and its broad flow has shaped the landscape and supported local life for centuries.
Gotsu is the smallest municipality in Shimane Prefecture by area and is also known for having the prefecture’s smallest population. Despite its size, the city has a long history as an important center of transportation, industry, trade, and culture.
The name “Gotsu” is said to mean “the port of the river,” reflecting the city’s historic role as a place where river and maritime transportation came together. From ancient times, the Gōnokawa served as an important route for moving goods, while the Sea of Japan connected Gotsu with ports throughout the region.
Today, Gotsu offers a rich variety of attractions, from spectacular natural scenery and hot springs to traditional performing arts and crafts. Iwami Kagura, Ōmoto Kagura, Sekishū roof tiles, Iwami ware, historic townscapes, and beautiful beaches all contribute to the distinctive character of this part of Iwami.
Gotsu is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the north and the Chugoku Mountains to the south. Beautiful coastal terraces stretch along the shoreline, while green hills and mountainous landscapes spread across the inland areas.
Although there are relatively few broad plains, the land along the Gōnokawa River provides open areas where communities have developed since ancient times.
The Gōnokawa is one of the defining features of Gotsu. As the largest river in the Chugoku region, it once served as a major waterway for transporting timber, iron, paper, and agricultural products from the mountains toward the coast.
The river remains an impressive sight today, while the city’s coastline and valleys offer opportunities to enjoy nature in every season. Fresh green foliage in spring, cool streams in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter each create a different atmosphere.
Senjōkei Gorge is one of Gotsu’s most impressive natural attractions. The gorge was formed over countless years as the Hiyori River, a tributary of the Ya-to River, gradually eroded the surrounding rock.
The gorge stretches for approximately 4.8 kilometers and contains numerous scenic features collectively known as the “24 Views of Senjōkei.”
Among the highlights is Shirataki Waterfall, which is approximately 40 meters high and 8 meters wide. Strange rock formations, deep pools, and cascading waterfalls create a dramatic landscape that feels far removed from the bustle of the city.
The gorge is particularly beautiful during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage. Walking along the valley provides an opportunity to enjoy the sounds of flowing water and the changing colors of the forest.
Gotsu developed as an important transportation hub where river shipping along the Gōnokawa connected with maritime trade on the Sea of Japan.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), the city also prospered as a port of call for Kitamaebune merchant ships, traditional Japanese cargo vessels that traveled along the Sea of Japan. Shipping agents, warehouses, and merchants gathered along the riverbanks, creating a thriving commercial center.
After the western sea route was established during the Kanbun era in the 17th century, Gotsu became increasingly connected to markets throughout Japan. Iron, timber, washi paper, and agricultural products from the Gōnokawa basin were transported by boat and shipped to destinations across the country.
The prosperity of this period can still be experienced along Gotsu Honmachi Iraka Kaidō. Traditional merchant houses and historic buildings with distinctive red Sekishū roof tiles line the streets, preserving the atmosphere of the old port town.
Walking through the neighborhood can feel like stepping back into the Edo and Meiji periods. Traditional houses, warehouses, and the characteristic red roofs of Iwami create a landscape that is closely connected to the region’s history.
During the Edo period, parts of Gotsu were governed as tenryō, territories directly administered by the Tokugawa shogunate. The San’in Road passed through the town, linking important destinations such as Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine to the east and Hamada to the west.
Gotsu also became involved in the conflicts of the late Edo period. During the Second Chōshū Expedition, Chōshū forces established their headquarters in Gotsu Honmachi. The military scholar Ōmura Masujirō is also said to have stayed in the area.
Following the Meiji Restoration, Gotsu gradually developed into an industrial center. Pulp and silk factories were established, while the production of Sekishū roof tiles helped give the city a reputation as one of the major industrial centers of the San’in region.
One of the cultural traditions most strongly associated with Gotsu is Iwami Kagura, a traditional sacred performing art from the Iwami region. Known for its colorful costumes, dramatic masks, powerful movements, and energetic performances, Iwami Kagura is one of Shimane’s best-known traditional performing arts.
Among the traditions preserved in Gotsu, Ōmoto Kagura has a particularly important place. Passed down in Sakurae Town, it is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is regarded as one of the traditions that preserves elements of the origins of Iwami Kagura.
Ōmoto Kagura is a sacred performing tradition held to welcome Ōmoto-no-kami, a deity associated with agriculture. Performances are held during periodic festivals at intervals of four, five, or seven years, depending on the local tradition.
The performances are characterized by the relatively slow Rokuchōshi rhythm. Another especially important element is takumai, an ancient ritual dance associated with divine possession.
Although the tradition was temporarily prohibited during Japan’s modernization, it survived quietly in mountain communities and has been carefully passed down to the present day.
Located in Ichiyama, Sakurae Town, the Ōmoto Kagura Heritage Museum introduces visitors to this important traditional performing art.
Inside the museum, a reconstructed eight-tatami-mat dance hall, the space where Kagura performances are traditionally held, is displayed along with valuable materials including Kagura masks, ritual paper streamers, and models of traditional ceremonial objects.
The museum also has extensive video materials, allowing visitors to see performances that are rarely performed today.
Displays of ceremonial canopies and altars explain the influence of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, as well as local religious beliefs. The exhibits help visitors understand that Kagura is not simply entertainment but a deeply rooted religious and community ritual.
Arifuku Onsen is one of the San’in region’s historic hot spring resorts, with a history of more than 1,300 years. Located in the mountains of Gotsu, it has long been known as a place where people came to enjoy hot spring bathing and rest.
The narrow streets and stone steps of the traditional resort are lined with inns, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. After dark, lights illuminate the streets, giving the small hot spring town a particularly atmospheric appearance.
The spring water is known for its soft feel and gentle bathing experience. Three public bathhouses—Gozen-yu, Satsuki-yu, and Yayoi-yu—offer opportunities to enjoy traditional Japanese hot spring culture.
In recent years, renovated traditional houses have also been transformed into cafés and accommodations, creating an appealing combination of historic atmosphere and contemporary style.
Shimane AQUAS Aquarium is one of the major attractions in the Gotsu area. Located near the border between Gotsu and Hamada, the aquarium is known as one of the largest aquariums on the Sea of Japan coast.
The exhibits introduce a wide variety of marine life, including fish from the Sea of Japan, penguins, sea lions, and beluga whales. One of the most popular attractions is the belugas’ famous “Happy Bubble Ring”, in which they create beautiful rings of bubbles underwater.
The spacious aquarium is suitable for visitors of all ages. Families can take their time exploring the exhibits, while the surrounding park and viewing areas provide opportunities to enjoy the coastal scenery.
For travelers interested in history, Gotsu Honmachi Iraka Kaidō offers a pleasant way to explore the city’s historic streets.
The area developed as a meeting point between river transportation on the Gōnokawa and maritime shipping on the Sea of Japan. Merchant shipping businesses and warehouses once stood here, and many traditional buildings remain today.
The continuous rows of red Sekishū roof tiles create a distinctive landscape characteristic of the Iwami region. Traditional houses have also been adapted into cafés and galleries, making the area enjoyable for a leisurely walk.
Ogawa Family Sesshū Garden is a destination for visitors interested in traditional Japanese gardens. The garden is said to have been remodeled by Sesshū, the celebrated Muromachi-period Zen monk and ink-painting artist, and is designated as a cultural property of Shimane Prefecture.
Designed as a pond-viewing garden, it makes skillful use of the natural slope of the mountain to create a layered composition. The arrangement of stones centered around a group of three sacred stones evokes the quiet depth of a traditional ink painting.
The garden changes character with the seasons, offering visitors a peaceful setting in which to appreciate the subtle beauty of Japanese landscape design.
Imai Art Museum offers a quiet setting for appreciating art. Its exhibitions include works by artists connected with Shimane, as well as Japanese paintings, Western-style paintings, ceramics, and other forms of art.
Special exhibitions are held regularly, providing opportunities to encounter different works on each visit. The calm gallery environment makes it a pleasant place to slow down and spend time with art.
Hashiko Beach is an attractive destination for enjoying the clear waters of the Sea of Japan. Its white sandy shoreline and transparent blue water become especially lively during the summer swimming season.
At sunset, visitors can watch the sun descend over the Sea of Japan, making the beach a popular spot for scenic views and photography. Its proximity to Shimane AQUAS Aquarium also makes it easy to combine the two attractions in a single outing.
For panoramic views, Kojoyama Observatory sits on a small hill overlooking the Sea of Japan and the town’s distinctive red-roofed buildings.
The approach to the observatory features traditional Iwami elements, including “handō” water jars made from Iwami ware and stairways decorated with red roof tiles. On clear days, visitors can enjoy sweeping views along the coastline.
The Ōmoto Kagura Heritage Museum is an essential stop for anyone interested in Gotsu’s traditional culture. Exhibits and video materials introduce the history and ritual world of Ōmoto Kagura, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The reconstructed dance hall, Kagura masks, ritual objects, and other displays offer an accessible introduction to a tradition that remains deeply connected to the religious and cultural life of the Iwami region.
Gotsu is famous as a production center for Sekishū roof tiles, one of Japan’s three major traditional roof-tile traditions. Their distinctive reddish-brown color is known as “Kimachi color”.
Fired at temperatures exceeding 1,300°C, Sekishū tiles are highly durable and resistant to snow and salt damage. They have therefore been used on buildings throughout Japan.
The characteristic red roofs can still be seen throughout Gotsu and neighboring areas, creating one of the defining visual features of the Iwami landscape.
Iwami ware is a traditional form of pottery that dates back to around the 18th century. Known for its durability, it was once widely shipped throughout Japan in large water jars called “handō.”
Today, local kilns produce a wide range of items, including teacups, tableware, and flower vases. Some workshops also offer pottery-making experiences, giving visitors the chance to create their own piece of Iwami craftsmanship.
Katsuchi Hanshi is a traditional handmade paper associated with Sakurae Town and a papermaking culture that dates back to the Muromachi period.
Made from locally grown kōzo paper mulberry, the paper is known for its strength and beautiful texture. Today, traditional techniques are also being applied to contemporary products such as lampshades and small decorative items.
Gotsu’s location between the Sea of Japan, the Gōnokawa River, and the Chugoku Mountains gives the city an exceptional variety of local ingredients.
The Sea of Japan provides fresh seafood, including the prized Masaba-style horse mackerel known locally as “Man’aji,” while wild ayu sweetfish can be caught in the Gōnokawa. Mountain areas provide wild boar meat and a wide selection of fresh vegetables.
Gotsu Maruhime Pork is a local branded pork known for its tender texture and naturally sweet fat. The pigs are raised in the fresh environment influenced by the sea breezes of the region.
Sakurae burdock, grown in the fertile soil along the Gōnokawa River, is valued for its rich flavor and tender texture.
Green onions harvested in winter are also popular for their high natural sweetness and are particularly well suited to hot pot dishes and other winter meals.
Gotsu offers a quieter and more intimate experience than the famous sightseeing destinations of Japan. Its appeal lies in the traditions that have been passed down through generations, the landscapes shaped by nature, and the everyday culture of communities living alongside the sea, mountains, and river.
The powerful flow of the Gōnokawa, sunsets over the Sea of Japan, rows of red-tiled roofs, historic port streets, and peaceful hot spring towns all reveal different aspects of Gotsu’s character.
For travelers seeking a deeper connection with regional Japan, Gotsu provides an opportunity to experience the history, traditional culture, crafts, food, and natural beauty of the Iwami region at a relaxed pace.
Take your time exploring this welcoming town, and discover the distinctive atmosphere of Iwami through its rivers, coastlines, historic streets, traditional arts, and local flavors.