Japan Tourism - The Heart of the San'in Region - Shimane & Tottori

Japan Tourism - The Heart of the San'in Region - Shimane & Tottori Official page of the Tourism Office of Lake Nakaumi, Lake Shinji, and Mt. Daisen Area

Yasugi’s Gassan-Toda Castle — The legendary stronghold of the Amago clan 🏯✨Once the seat of the powerful Amago clan (尼子氏...
30/06/2025

Yasugi’s Gassan-Toda Castle — The legendary stronghold of the Amago clan 🏯✨

Once the seat of the powerful Amago clan (尼子氏) during Japan’s Sengoku period, Gassan-Toda Castle (月山富田城) stands atop Mt. Gassan in today’s Yasugi City's Toda area. It is considered one of Japan’s five greatest medieval mountain castles.

🗺️ The historic map shows the castle in its former glory—a mighty fortress protected by steep ridges, layered defenses, and a network of rivers and valleys. A stunning diorama model recreating the castle town is on display at the Yasugi Municipal Museum of History (安来市立歴史資料館), located at the base of the castle ruins.

🏯 First constructed in the 14th century, the castle reached its height under Amago Tsunehisa (尼子経久), a brilliant warlord born in nearby Izumo. Under his leadership, the Amago clan expanded its power across the San’in region. Today, a statue of Tsunehisa stands beside the Iinashi River, gazing up toward his former stronghold.

🦌 The castle is also tied to the legendary samurai Shikanosuke Yamanaka (山中鹿介), renowned for his unwavering loyalty to the Amago family. His heroic—and tragic—story is deeply woven into local history and is still honored in Yasugi.

⚔️ After fierce clashes with the advancing Mōri clan, the Amago fell, and Gassan-Toda Castle was eventually taken. In 1600, Horio Yoshiharu (堀尾吉晴) took over the site briefly before moving to Matsue, where he began building Matsue Castle, completed in 1611. With the power center relocated, Gassan-Toda Castle was abandoned and later dismantled.

🥾 Today, visitors can hike to the castle ruins (20–30 minutes on foot), where breathtaking views of the Hii River and the town of Hirose await. The site offers a peaceful, reflective atmosphere—ideal for history lovers and hikers alike.

▼ Nearby sites:

👉 Adachi Museum of Art (足立美術館) - Ranked as Japan's best Japanese Garden www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/142243157266998

👉 Kiyomizu-dera Temple of Yasugi (安来清水寺)
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/161724571985523

Step into summer with a fresh start!💫🌿On the last day of June, Shinto shrines across Japan hold the Half-Year Purificati...
27/06/2025

Step into summer with a fresh start!💫🌿

On the last day of June, Shinto shrines across Japan hold the Half-Year Purification Ritual, known as Nagoshi no Harae (夏越しの祓) . This ancient tradition invites visitors to walk through a large ring made of miscanthus reeds, called a Chinowa (茅の輪), to cleanse themselves of misfortunes, impurities, and misdeeds from the first half of the year. The simple act of passing through the ring symbolizes a spiritual reset—welcoming the next six months with renewed energy and peace of mind.

Here are some beautiful moments from this ritual as seen at various shrines in the Matsue area. Tap the photos for more details.

Step into Japan’s ancient past at the Mukibanda Archaeological Park 🏺🌄Located on the gentle foothills of Mt. Daisen with...
26/06/2025

Step into Japan’s ancient past at the Mukibanda Archaeological Park 🏺🌄

Located on the gentle foothills of Mt. Daisen with sweeping views of the Yumigahama Peninsula, Mukibanda is the largest Yayoi-period site in Japan, dating back to around 300 BC–300 AD.

Explore reconstructed dwellings and life-size models that bring the Yayoi era to life—all open to the public year-round. This vast historic park is not only a designated historic site, but also recognized for its natural beauty and cultural significance.

Seasonal workshops let visitors try fire-making, create jewel-like magatama beads, carve miniature stone sickles, weaving decorative cords using traditional braiding techniques, and creating a Yayoi-style bronze mirror!

More info on the page (むきばんだ史跡公園) and on the official Mukibanda website available in English.

📖 Japanese pronunciation: Mukibanda-iseki (妻木晩田遺跡)
📍 Access: Just a 5-minute drive from JR Yodoe Station, or 15 min by bus from JR Yonago Station.
📅 Free admission, with opening hours from 9 AM to 5 PM (entry until 4:30 PM). Closed on the 4th Monday of each month and during New Year holidays .

With no entrance fee, Matsue English Garden is a must-see at this time of the year. It is located along the north side o...
26/06/2025

With no entrance fee, Matsue English Garden is a must-see at this time of the year. It is located along the north side of Lake Shinji and is really easy to reach - just one stop out on the private Ichibata railway from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station. It is also home to the trendy restaurant Laut.

Also nearby on the Ichibata line is Matsue Vogel Park, a beautiful bird park which boasts one of the largest greenhouses in the world, is also located nearby on the Ichibata line😍

More info here:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/274473427377303

The port city of Sakaiminato has long prospered thanks to its ideal location between Lake Nakaumi and the Sea of Japan. ...
24/06/2025

The port city of Sakaiminato has long prospered thanks to its ideal location between Lake Nakaumi and the Sea of Japan. Shaped like a narrow peninsula, the city extends into the water like a protective arm, with stunning views on all sides—something beautifully illustrated in these two images: a historical bird’s-eye drawing, and a recent aerial photo featuring majestic Mt. Daisen in the background.

This unique geography made Sakaiminato a natural gateway for trade and fishing since ancient times. Today, it’s also a gateway to Japanese folklore and coastal charm:

👻 Hop on the whimsical Yokai Train and stroll down Mizuki Shigeru Road, where hundreds of bronze statues bring to life the fantastical creatures of local-born manga legend Shigeru Mizuki.

🦑 Don’t miss Nakaura Fish Market, one of the best spots to taste local delicacies like crab, squid, and sea bream.
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/595397336198166

🐟 Learn about sea culture at the Sea and Life Museum.
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/278677280290251

🌸 Stroll to Daiba Park Lighthouse, built on an old gunnery site and now one of the area's top cherry blossom spots.
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/159944938830153

🌉 And of course, take in the view from Eshima Ohashi Bridge, Japan’s steepest-looking bridge!
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/717960037275228

Make your trip even more memorable by renting a traditional kimono or yukata during your visit to the San'in region! 👘✨ ...
21/06/2025

Make your trip even more memorable by renting a traditional kimono or yukata during your visit to the San'in region! 👘✨ Whether you’re exploring the historic streets around Matsue Castle or strolling through the sacred grounds of Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, dressing in traditional attire adds a magical touch to the experience—and makes for stunning photos!

Here are two popular and conveniently located rental shops which offer detailed information in English on their official websites

▼ Horikawa Komachi – just a short walk from Matsue Castle
松江着物レンタル 堀川小町

▼ Goen Style – right near Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
出雲大社 ご縁スタイル　レンタル着物　島根県出雲市

Ancient treasures & sacred lotuses: Kojindani Archaeological Museum🌸⚔️Next to a serene pond where ancient lotus flowers ...
19/06/2025

Ancient treasures & sacred lotuses: Kojindani Archaeological Museum🌸⚔️

Next to a serene pond where ancient lotus flowers bloom every early summer, the Kojindani Archaeological Museum offers a unique journey into Japan’s distant past. These lotuses were grown from seeds discovered by renowned paleo-botanist Ichiro Oga (1883–1965), famous for reviving lotus seeds over 2,000 years old.

Kojindani Ancient Lotus Festival (荒神谷古代ハスまつり）will be held between 9:30am~3pm on June 29th, 2025.

Inside the museum, visitors can explore replicas of bronze swords, bells, and spearheads unearthed nearby in 1984 at the Kojindani Site—one of the most significant archaeological finds in Japan. Dating from the Yayoi period (c. 300 BC – 300 AD), the 358 swords discovered here shocked the nation, as their number alone exceeded all previous sword discoveries across Japan up to that time. These findings revealed surprising insights into the political and spiritual power of the Izumo region in ancient times.

The original artifacts, now designated National Treasures, can be viewed at the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, located near Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. More info here:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/358685955622716

▼ 荒神谷博物館 / Archaeological Museum Kojindani

🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
❌ Closed Tuesdays
🎫 Discount available for international visitors
🚗 5 minutes by car from JR Shōbara Station
🚗 20 minutes by car from JR Izumoshi Station

Don’t miss this chance to walk among lotus blossoms and uncover the secrets of ancient Izumo!

Witness a rare natural spectacle in Nichinan: The Firefly Kingdom of Fukumaki✨Deep in the mountains of Nichinan (日南町), t...
18/06/2025

Witness a rare natural spectacle in Nichinan: The Firefly Kingdom of Fukumaki✨

Deep in the mountains of Nichinan (日南町), the Fukumaki area is one of the few places in Japan where you can see two species of fireflies—Genji-botaru and Hime-botaru—glowing together in large numbers🌌

The larger Genji-botaru drift slowly along the riverbanks, their soft lights glowing for longer intervals, while the smaller, faster-flashing Hime-botaru twinkle from the nearby forest. This magical contrast creates a dreamlike landscape of dancing lights.

The best time to see this natural wonder is during "The Firefly Kingdom in Fukumaki" (福万来ホタル乃国), held this year from June 27 to July 9, 2025. 🪄

To make your visit easy and eco-friendly, a free shuttle bus will run between “Nichinan Hinogawa no Sato” Roadside Station and the viewing site during the event period.

Fun fact: “Fukumaki” (福万来) means “a myriad of fortunes will come.” In Japanese, fireflies are called Hotaru (蛍).

📍 More info on shuttle times and event details is available on the Nichinan Trip website.

📸 More pictures of fireflies in the area in our previous post:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/362961035195208

From late May to mid-June, irises bloom beautifully across the San'in region, adding a splash of purple elegance to some...
03/06/2025

From late May to mid-June, irises bloom beautifully across the San'in region, adding a splash of purple elegance to some of its most scenic spots 😍✨ Whether you're strolling through gardens or exploring historic districts, you're sure to find these graceful flowers in full bloom.

▼ Top Spots to enjoy irises:

👉 Yuushien Japanese Garden
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/173239294167384

👉 Canals around Matsue Castle
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/677739157050726

👉 Samurai residence near Matsue Castle
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👉 Inside the precincts of Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/171448441013136

Step into a dreamlike world of sand, surrealism, and striking design 📸The Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography (植田正治写真美術館) c...
29/05/2025

Step into a dreamlike world of sand, surrealism, and striking design 📸

The Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography (植田正治写真美術館) celebrates the work of Shoji Ueda (1913–2000), the internationally acclaimed photographer from Sakaiminato known for his bold, imaginative compositions set against the otherworldly backdrop of the Tottori Sand Dunes.

But this museum is more than a gallery—it’s an experience. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Daisen and designed by Shin Takamatsu, the building’s architecture is a work of art in itself, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and perfectly framing the mountain. It’s no wonder this place is beloved by photographers and architecture fans alike.

📍 Located in Hōki Town (伯耆町), about 2 miles from JR Kishimoto Station (岸本駅) and not far from Tottori Flower Park (とっとり花回廊) which can be access by free shuttles buses from JR Yonago Station. More info here:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/202176254607021
🚕 25 min by taxi or seasonal Daisen Loop Bus from JR Yonago Station

🕙 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
❌ Closed: Every Tuesday and from early December to the end of February
💴 Admission (Cash Only):
・Adults: ¥1,000
・College & High School Students: ¥500
・Junior High & Elementary Students: ¥300

Tucked away in the Hirata district of Izumo City, Kōkoku-ji Temple (康国寺) is home to one of Japan’s most beautiful tradit...
28/05/2025

Tucked away in the Hirata district of Izumo City, Kōkoku-ji Temple (康国寺) is home to one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens—ranked by the American Journal of Japanese Gardening.

This elegant garden was created over three years starting in 1830 by master gardener Gentan Sawa, who served under Matsudaira Harusato, the lord of the Matsue domain and renowned tea ceremony master known as Fumai.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful tea ceremony experience while admiring the carefully crafted landscape, which reflects the refined aesthetic of the Edo period.🍵

📍 Getting there:

Kōkoku-ji Temple is about a 20-minute walk from Tabushi Station (旅伏駅) on the Ichibata Electric Railway—connecting Izumo’s Dentetsu-Izumoshi Station and Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station.

🚲 Travel tip: Rent a bicycle at nearby Unshu-Hirata Station (雲州平田駅) and explore the charming Hirata area at your own pace!

▼ Nearby attractions:

👉 Gakuen-ji Temple (鰐淵寺) – Famous for its dramatic autumn leaves

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/221313926026587

👉 Hirata Honjin Memorial Museum (平田本陣記念館) – A glimpse into Edo-period accommodations for VIPs

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/353347666156545

👉 Isshiki Kazari (一式飾り) – Local folk art traditions of the Hirata area

https://www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/579421570215819

📷Edison Takagaki

🌾🎶 Step into the rhythm of tradition in Yasugi City!Every year in late May, the quiet fields of Hirose-cho’s Hida distri...
22/05/2025

🌾🎶 Step into the rhythm of tradition in Yasugi City!

Every year in late May, the quiet fields of Hirose-cho’s Hida district come alive with music, color, and centuries-old customs during the Hida no Hanataue (比田の花田植え) rice planting festival.

On May 25, 2025, fifteen young women (called "saotome" 早乙女) dressed in vibrant kasuri kimono and sedge hats, will plant rice seedlings by hand, keeping time with the sounds of traditional drums and flutes, and singing age-old planting songs.

This beautiful blend of agricultural ritual and performing arts is a celebration of gratitude for the land and hope for a bountiful harvest. It’s a rare chance to witness living history in one of Japan’s most scenic rural areas.

📍 Location: Nishihida, Hirose-cho, Yasugi City (安来市広瀬町西比田 えーひだ市場)
🗓️ Date: May 25, 2025 11am

Come witness this living legacy of gratitude, culture, and community spirit!

▼ Learn more about the rice planting season in our previous article:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/559497075541602

▼ Nearby sites

Kamedake Onsen (亀嵩温泉)
Kanakayo Shrine (金屋子神社)

📷Yasuhiro Ishihara

住所

Matsue-shi, Shimane

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Overview

The heart of the San'in region, where the prefectures of Shimane and Tottori meet, is blessed with many of the best spots that Japan has to offer. The area consists of 5 cities around Lake Nakaumi and Lake Shinji (Izumo, Matsue, Yasugi, Yonago and Sakai-minato) as well as 6 other towns and a village around Mt. Daisen.

Many tourist facilities offer generous discounts for international visitors in the area.

Please find more info on our website and in the overview below: https://www.nakaumi.jp/sanin-japan/

🔸 Izumo (出雲) – Home of Izumo Taisha, one of the most important shrines in Japan