Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Shimane Prefecture (島根県)
Shimane Prefecture (島根県) is located in the Chugoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Matsue and primary transport gateway at Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express). Spanning 19 cities, towns, and villages, Shimane is renowned for Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano.
| Shimane Prefecture (島根県) Quick Facts | 2026/2027 Travel Reference |
|---|---|
| Region & Capital | Chugoku · Capital: Matsue |
| Primary Rail / Transit Hub | Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express) |
| Municipalities Covered | 19 cities, towns, wards & villages |
| Top Sightseeing Bases | Matsue (松江市), Izumo (出雲市), Hamada (浜田市), Masuda (益田市), Unnan (雲南市) |
| Best Season to Visit | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov) |
| Signature Regional Food | Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes), Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup, Shimane wagyu, Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha |
Top Cities, Towns & Sightseeing Bases in Shimane Prefecture
Whether you are basing in the prefectural capital of Matsue or planning regional day trips from Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express), these top municipalities in Shimane Prefecture offer the richest concentration of cultural landmarks, rail links, and dining:
- Matsue (松江市) — Core city (pop. 195,875, 530.27 km²) served by Matsue Station (松江駅) (1.5 km); key local sights include Izumo Kokubun-ji ruins, a National Historic Site., Kamosu Jinja, Kumano Taisha, ichinomiya of Izumo Province.
- Izumo (出雲市) — City (pop. 146,115, 543.48 km²) served by Izumo-Imaichi Station (0.4 km); key local sights include Shimane Winery is known for its super-sweet wines., Hanataka Sen (5.6 km), Mi Sen (6.2 km).
- Hamada (浜田市) — City (pop. 61,325, 689.60 km²) served by Hamada Station (浜田駅) (0.8 km); key local sights include Yana Shima (4.1 km), Uma Shima (4.4 km), Sankai Zan (3.8 km).
- Masuda (益田市) — City (pop. 50,980, 733.16 km²) served by Masuda Railway Station (益田駅) (0.5 km); key local sights include Iwami Art Museum, Nakazu-Higashihara Site, National Historic Site, Nanao Castle ruins, National Historic Site.
- Unnan (雲南市) — City (pop. 43,269, 553.37 km²) served by Kisuki Station (木次駅) (1.5 km); key local sights include Akagawahotaru Park,, Hikawabijin Hot Spring, Historical Museum of Iron.
- Yasugi (安来市) — City (pop. 42,997, 420.97 km²) served by Yasugi Station (安来駅) (0.9 km); key local sights include Gassantoda Castle ruins, National Historic Site, Kan Saki (8.4 km), Yumiga-hama (9.4 km).
How to get to Shimane Prefecture
2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO). Once at Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express), JR regional lines, private commuter railways, and local highway buses connect travelers across all 19 municipalities in Shimane. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Shimane
When visiting cities across Shimane, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes) — regional culinary specialty across Shimane Prefecture (島根県).
- Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup — regional culinary specialty across Shimane Prefecture (島根県).
- Shimane wagyu — regional culinary specialty across Shimane Prefecture (島根県).
- Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha — regional culinary specialty across Shimane Prefecture (島根県).
Best time to visit Shimane
October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens.
All 19 cities & municipalities in Shimane Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, local landmarks, nearest rail station, food specialties, and 5 closest neighboring stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matsue 松江市 | Core city | 195,875 | 530.27 km² | City guide → |
| Izumo 出雲市 | City | 146,115 | 543.48 km² | City guide → |
| Masuda 益田市 | City | 50,980 | 733.16 km² | City guide → |
| Yasugi 安来市 | City | 42,997 | 420.97 km² | City guide → |
| Gōtsu 江津市 | City | 26,958 | 268.51 km² | City guide → |
| Unnan 雲南市 | City | 43,269 | 553.37 km² | City guide → |
| Hamada 浜田市 | City | 61,325 | 689.60 km² | City guide → |
| Ōda 大田市 | City | 39,593 | 436.11 km² | City guide → |
| Nishinoshima 西ノ島町 | Town (町) | 3,117 | 55.98 km² | City guide → |
| Ama 海士町 | Town (町) | 2,368 | 33.5 km² | City guide → |
| Tsuwano 津和野町 | Town (町) | 8,197 | 307.03 km² | City guide → |
| Yoshika 吉賀町 | Town (町) | 6,668 | 336.5 km² | City guide → |
| Ōnan 邑南町 | Town (町) | 11,637 | 419.29 km² | City guide → |
| Kawamoto 川本町 | Town (町) | 3,615 | 106.43 km² | City guide → |
| Misato 美郷町 | Town (町) | 5,301 | 282.92 km² | City guide → |
| Iinan 飯南町 | Town (町) | 5,381 | 242.88 km² | City guide → |
| Okuizumo 奥出雲町 | Town (町) | 14,152 | 368.01 km² | City guide → |
| Chibu 知夫村 | Village (村) | 597 | 13.7 km² | City guide → |
| Okinoshima 隠岐の島町 | Town (町) | 15,212 | 242.95 km² | City guide → |
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places and cities to visit in Shimane Prefecture (島根県)?
Top highlights across Shimane Prefecture (島根県) in Japan's Chugoku region include Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano. Major cities and sightseeing bases in Shimane include Matsue (松江市), Izumo (出雲市), Hamada (浜田市), Masuda (益田市), Unnan (雲南市).
How do I get to Shimane Prefecture and get around by train?
The primary rail and transit hub for Shimane Prefecture is Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express) (prefectural capital: Matsue). 2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO). Compare bullet-train fares with our Shinkansen Fare Calculator and JR Pass Calculator.
What local food and regional dishes is Shimane Prefecture famous for?
Signature regional specialties across Shimane Prefecture (島根県) include Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes), Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup, Shimane wagyu, Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha—served at station restaurants around Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express), local morning markets, and izakaya in Matsue and Izumo.
When is the best time of year to visit Shimane Prefecture?
October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens. Check month-by-month weather, cherry blossom windows, and autumn foliage dates in our Japan Seasonal Calendar.