9 Exciting Sightseeing and Experience Spots in Izumo and Matsue for Parents and Children
Izumo and Matsue are two of Shimane Prefecture's major tourist destinations. Both are historic towns with deep connections to mythology, but they are also places rich in nature. There are many spots where you can come into contact with living creatures and many activities to enjoy the waterside areas such as Lake Shinji and the Sea of Japan. You can actually experience and learn about nature and history while playing. Here are some such spots you can enjoy when traveling with children.
<I recommend Izumo City spots>.
- 1 Shimane Hananosato
- 2 Izumo Science Museum
- 3 Roadside Station Kirara Taki and Kirara Beach
- 4 Lake Shinji Nature Center Gobius
- 5 Lake Shinji Green Park
<Recommended Spots in Matsue City
<I recommend Izumo City spots>.
1Shimane Hananosato
A park with a large lawn where children can run around and interact with Shimane's flowers
The park features flowers of all four seasons, with a focus on six major species in Shimane Prefecture (buttons, hydrangeas, lisianthus, roses, chrysanthemums, and cyclamen). Visitors are free to bring their own food and drink to the "lawn square" that spreads out in the center of the Property. Families can spread out their lunch boxes and relax.
The spacious park, divided into 16 zones, is filled with beautiful spots such as glass walkways, flower beds, flower paths, and water areas. There are many photogenic spots, and taking pictures of children while strolling through the park is recommended.
Children's Square" with playground equipment and resting spots
Walking eastward along "Flower Hill" from the grass plaza, you will find "Children's Square" at the end of the hill. This is a popular area for children, with athletic playground equipment that can be enjoyed by small children. Tables and chairs are placed around the playground equipment, allowing visitors to relax and watch their children under the sunlight filtering through the trees.
Baby strollers are available for rent, which are convenient for touring the large park, and toilets with nursing rooms and diaper changing stations are also provided, so visitors with small children can stay in the park without anxiety.
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Through the connecting passageway next to the Children's Plaza, you will find the Izumo City Ibis Breeding Center, the only place in western Japan where you can see the Japanese crested ibis, a protected species. During the period when the crested ibis are open to the public, visitors can see them for only the admission fee to the "Shimane Hananosato".
- Shimane Hananosato
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2-1101-1 Nishishinmachi, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
10 minutes walk from JR Nishi-Izumo Station
From JR Izumo City Station, take the Heisei Hot Spring Line bus. 1 minute walk from the "Hana-no-sato, Toki Kaikan-mae" stop.
March-November: 9:30-17:00, December-February: 9:30-16:30
Tuesdays from Dec. to Feb. and year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 to Jan. 3)
Adults 250 yen, elementary, junior high and high school students 130 yen
0853-20-1187
Free of charge
You can go to "Izumo City Ibis Dispersal Breeding Center" from the connecting passageway in the park.
Public viewing of crested ibis: Year-round
Open hours: March - November 10:00 - 16:30, December - February 10:00 - 16:00
Closed: Tuesdays, Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 3)
For more information, please visit the Izumo City Ibis Dispersal Breeding Center website ( https://www.city.izumo.shimane.jp/www/contents/1377571292273/index.html).
2Izumo Science Museum
Many exhibits that allow visitors to Experience the wonders of science.
This municipal Property was established to provide children living in Izumo City with opportunities to experience real science. Experience hands-on equipment and toys that utilize the principles of various scientific fields. The "Exhibition Experience Plaza" is crowded with families on holidays.
The "Creative Workshop" offers free participation classes such as woodworking, experiments using materials close at hand, and craftsmanship. The "Creative Workshop" offers free-participation classes such as woodworking, experiments using familiar materials, and making things, as well as events such as planetarium showings and science shows. In the "Science Hall," lectures by famous Japanese researchers are held.
A deck with a train passing in front of you and a fun museum store
On the second floor, there is a "Rest Space" that can be used for lunch or a break. Rest Space and "Deck" are located on the second floor. Eating and drinking are allowed only in these two spaces, and visitors are welcome to bring their own lunch boxes.
The "Museum Shop" next to the reception desk on the first floor has many scientific goods. The shop offers an interesting assortment of items unique to a science museum, such as actual fossil and mineral specimens, experiment kits, space-related goods, and sand with a mysterious texture. Recommended for purchasing souvenirs and toys.
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The center also has a rest area and a nursing room, which can be used with children. It is also popular as a playground on rainy days. Ichinotani Park, located nearby, is the largest park in the city. It is recommended for its scenic beauty.
- Izumo Science Museum
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- 1900-2, Imaichi-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
- 5 min. walk from Izumo Science Museum Park Town-mae Sta. on the Ichibata Electric Railway
- 9:30-17:30
- Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays
- Free of charge
- 0853-25-1500
- Free of charge
3Roadside Station Kirara Taki and Kirara Beach
Overlooking the Sea of Japan! Michi no Eki Kirara Taki (Roadside Station Kirara Taki)" with a variety of Souvenirs and Dining Areas
Roadside Station Kirara Taki, located along Route 9 in Taki Town, Izumo City, is a popular spot visited by many tourists throughout the year. Facing the Giku Coast (a.k.a. Kirara Beach), the location is excellent.
The special products corner offers a variety of popular souvenirs from all over the prefecture, including sweets made from figs, a specialty of Taki Town. There is also a Restaurant, Ramen noodle store, and bakery on the premises, where visitors can enjoy their meals while looking out at the sea.
One of the most beautiful beaches in the prefecture! Popular for swimming and sunset spots!
Behind the roadside station is Kirara Beach, which offers one of the most spectacular views in Shimane Prefecture. It is recommended to buy fig soft serve or seafood takoyaki at the roadside station's food court and eat them down at the beach. In summer, the beach is a popular place for swimming and beach houses are set up, attracting many families.
The sunset that turns the Sea of Japan red and sinks into the horizon is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of the "100 best sunsets in Japan. We recommend taking pictures with your children at the two monuments "KIRARA" and "KIRARARA ○" that stand against the beach.
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Regardless of the bathing season, this is a relaxing spot to stop by when you want to see the ocean. Taki fig hot spring" near the roadside station and "Kirara Cottage" where you can enjoy auto-camping and barbecue are also recommended for families.
- Roadside Station Kirara Taki, Kirara Beach
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- 135-1 Taki, Taki Town, Izumo City MAP
- 15 min. walk from Oda Station, 5 min. drive from Taki IC of Sanin Expressway
- 0853-86-9080
- Free of charge
4Lake Shinji Nature Center Gobius
Aquarium where you can interact with familiar creatures living in Lake Shinji and the Nakaumi Sea
Lake Shinji, into which the Hii River flows in Izumo City, and the Naka Sea, which stretches from Matsue City to Yonago City (Tottori Prefecture) and flows into the Sea of Japan, are the largest brackish water area in Japan where seawater and fresh water mix, and have a unique ecosystem. The aquarium is a hands-on learning type aquarium that breeds and exhibits 10,000 items of 200 species of various living creatures that live in Lake Shinji, the Nakaumi Sea, and other rivers in the prefecture.
In addition to fish, the aquarium also breeds many other familiar creatures for children, such as turtles and frogs that live near the water. Visitors can observe the aquarium from various angles, including a helmet-shaped tank that allows them to enter the aquarium, and experience feeding the aquarium animals (available until October of fiscal year 2021).
Touch pools are a thrill to see! Lake Shinji Manabikko Hiroba (Lake Shinji Manabikko Hiroba)
After passing through the corner where large aquariums of Lake Shinji and the Nakaumi Sea are lined up, visitors will find "Asobiko Manabikko Hiroba," a large space for resting and learning. There is a touch pool, a learning counter, and a venue for special exhibitions, allowing visitors to become familiar with living creatures while having fun.
Every Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, events such as "Keeper's Best Talks" and "Discover Fish Meals! and "Fish Food Discovery! You can listen to explanations about creatures that only the keepers know about and watch them being fed. The "Shirauo Tank," the only one of its kind in Japan that displays whitebait throughout the year, is also a must-see attraction.
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Gobius is also full of nature around the building. The front yard has a grassy "Bento Square," which is crowded with children on weekends. The park is adjacent to Lake Shinji Green Park, so it is recommended to enjoy the park as a set.
- Shimane Lake Shinji Nature Center Gobius
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- 1659-5 Sono-machi, Izumo-shi, Shimane MAP
- Approx. 10 min. walk from Koyukan-no-Shin Station on the Ichibata Line
- 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a national holiday), year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 1)
- Adults 550 yen, elementary, junior high and high school students 200 yen, toddlers free
- 0853-63-7100
- Free of charge
5Lake Shinji Green Park
A multi-nature park by Lake Shinji where you can enjoy bird-watching
A multi-nature park on the western shore of Lake Shinji, where visitors can become familiar with nature and wildlife. The second floor of the "Bird Observation House" facing the lakeshore has a glass wall overlooking Lake Shinji. The second floor of the "Bird Observation House" facing the lakeshore has a glass wall overlooking Lake Shinji, which is a spectacular view by itself, but visitors can also freely observe waterfowl swimming on the lake surface and wild birds perched on stakes with the telescope provided.
Electronic puzzles in the form of quizzes and original toys and models that can be played with while learning about the ecology of waterfowl will engage even small children. Special exhibitions are held each season to introduce nature and its creatures, so there is always something new to discover.
Take a walk in the park and find insects and birds!
In order to maintain an environment where wild animals and plants can live, the grounds are dotted with spots where living creatures visit, such as the "biotope pond" and the "watering hole bird bath. The "Bird Sanctuary," where human access is restricted, allows visitors to observe the "Kingfisher Pond" inside using binoculars through an observation window. The relaxed appearance of the wild birds, which cannot usually be seen, is adorable.
The park is also home to a wooded area, where visitors can enjoy encounters with the insects that congregate there. Nature observation and craft experiences are held regularly, and are recommended for children who love plants and animals.
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If you are a first-time bird watcher, don't worry. There is also a penguin museum on the first floor with a collection of penguin goods.
- Lake Shinji Green Park
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- 1664-2 Sono-machi, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10 min. walk from Koyukan-no-Shin Station on the Ichibata Line
- 9:30-17:00
- Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 1)
- Free of charge
- 0853-63-0787
- Free of charge
<Recommended Spots in Matsue City
6Matsue Vogel Park
All-weather theme park where you can see flowers and birds in full bloom all year round
This all-weather theme park is located on a 32-hectare site on a hillside on the northern shore of Lake Shinji. The greenhouses displaying flowers and birds, as well as the Restaurant and observation deck, are connected by covered walkways. The greenhouse, which is warm year-round, is filled with flowers in full bloom, and colorful tropical birds are kept and exhibited.
Visitors can spend a day in the open-air "Vogel Farm" where they can meet goats and emus, as well as a lawn area and a waterfowl pond, interacting with animals and birds. At the bird show, visitors can see birds of prey in flight up close, and their smart and cool appearance attracts the attention of spectators.
Even small children can try their hand at interacting with small birds
The daily "Penguin Walk" is very popular with children. Waddling Cape penguins walk around the park with visitors. In the petting zoo, visitors can experience petting and feeding toucans and eboshidori (black-tailed godwits).
The "Wakuwaku Fureai Hiroba," open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, is a corner where even small children can enjoy interacting with the birds. Cute stuffed animal-like cooing ducks and penguins on your lap are also popular. The thrill and sense of accomplishment of this experience will be a memorable one.
Local Guide
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The park also has a Restaurant, a soba noodle restaurant, and a store selling bird merchandise and San'in souvenirs. The panoramic view of Lake Shinji from the 53-meter-high "Kunibiki Observatory" is spectacular.
- Matsue Vogel Park
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- 52 Ogaki-cho, Matsue City, Shimane MAP
- Get off at Matsue Vogel Park Station on the Ichibata Line, directly connected to the park
- April-September: 9:00-17:30, October-March: 9:00-17:00 (last admission 45 minutes before)
- Open every day from April to November, 2nd and 4th Fridays from December to March
- Adults (high school students and older): 1,750 yen, elementary/junior high school students: 880 yen, toddlers (under elementary school age): free *Group discounts and reduced rates for the disabled are available.
- 0852-88-9800
- Free for up to 2 hours (200 yen per hour thereafter)
- 6 wheelchair-accessible restrooms and diaper changing stations available; wheelchairs, wheelbarrows, and strollers available for rent free of charge; transportation available for wheelchair users, people with disabilities, and strollers.
7Lake Shinji Sightseeing Boat Hakucho
Sightseeing boats to enjoy the sunset over Lake Shinji and the atmosphere of the castle town Matsue
Cruising allows visitors to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Lake Shinji and the atmosphere of the castle town of Matsue from the lake. Departing from the two boarding stations in Matsue City, the boat will pass under two historic bridges and enter Lake Shinji. The cruise will take you to "Yomegashima Island" floating on the lake, "Matsue Hot Spring Area" on the northern shore of Lake Shinji, and more. While sitting on the deck and enjoying the pleasant breeze and the sound of the waves, you will be able to see the fishermen's boats and water fowls operating up close.
There is also a "morning cruise" to enjoy the mysterious morning scenery of the lake, and a "sunset course (sunset cruise)" to enjoy the sunset, both of which offer different views of Lake Shinji.
A spectacular view! The most luxurious sunset viewing "Sunset Cruise
The sunset of Lake Shinji is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of the "100 best sunsets in Japan. The most popular course that specializes in viewing such sunsets is the "Sunset Course (Sunset Cruise). The cruise departs around sunset time and docks at the best place for sunset viewing, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the spectacular view until the sun goes down.
In winter, the Hakucho attracts the lovely whooper swans and snowy gulls. Onboard meals are also available on the Hakucho (reservations required). In addition to boxed lunches from Matsue's long-established ryotei restaurant "Kaibi," all meals come with "shijimi (freshwater clam) soup" made with shijimi (freshwater clams) from Lake Shinji.
Local Guide
Supporters
The cruise takes about one hour. Please enjoy the announcements of the sightseeing guide on board. Coffee and other beverages can be ordered on board. The boat is equipped with flush toilets, so the elderly and small children can board without anxiety.
- Lake Shinji Sightseeing Boat Hakucho
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- 150-7, Higashi-asahi-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture (No. 1 boarding area) MAP
- 10 minutes drive from Matsue Chuo IC of San-in Expressway Matsue Bypass (No.1 boat stop), 5 minutes walk from JR Matsue Station (No.2 boat stop)
- Scheduled departure time (March 1-November 30) 9:30-17:00
Departure time of the last service (sunset course) differs depending on the month.
During the winter season (December 1 to the end of February), the boat will operate as usual on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. For details, please check the website. - No holidays
- Adults 2,000 yen, children 1,000 yen *Group discounts and charter rates available
- 0852-24-3218
- Free of charge (at the first boarding area) *There is no charge at the second boarding area.
- Free Parking is available at Boarding Lot 1 for those coming by car, and Boarding Lot 2 is convenient for those coming by JR or bus.
8Matsue History Museum
Close to Matsue Castle! Museum where you can enjoy Matsue's history and Japanese sweets
The History Museum stands along the Horikawa River surrounding Matsue Castle. The museum is located in the neighborhood where the residences of the Matsue clan's retainers stood in the Edo period (1603-1867), and the samurai residence-style buildings are also a highlight of the museum. The "Basic Exhibition Room" introduces the history of Matsue and the lives of people in the castle town using actual materials, videos, and models. After gaining knowledge here, sightseeing around Matsue Castle is even more enjoyable.
Admission is free (exhibition rooms are charged), which is also a nice point. There is also a large hall where you can take a break while enjoying the view of the Japanese garden and a nursing room, so you don't have to worry about bringing your children. It is recommended as a stopover spot during sightseeing in Matsue.
Japanese garden, Matsue Castle keep, and "Cafe Kiharu" where you can enjoy Japanese sweets
The tea ceremony culture, which flourished under the influence of Matsue's 7th lord Matsudaira Fumai, is one of the symbols of Matsue. At the "Cafe Kiharu" next to the main hall, The shop offers seasonal sweets made by a long-established Japanese confectionery store in the area, as well as tea and okonomiyaki sweets. You can taste seasonal sweets, tea, and powdered green tea made by a long-established Japanese confectionery shop in the area. Matcha Experience Set (1,500 yen). The "Matcha Experience Set" (1,500 yen) is a great way to experience Matsue as a tea ceremony place by actually making your own matcha.
The museum store next door, "Enishizuku," offers a variety of goods and souvenirs unique to Matsue.
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Seasonal events are also held, and visitors have the chance to see scenes reminiscent of the Edo period, such as a firearms demonstration by the Matsue Castle Gun Corps and a Japanese sword iaogiri performance.
- Matsue History Museum
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- 279 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
- Take the Gurutto Matsue Lake Line Bus from JR Matsue Station, get off at Otemae Horikawa Pleasure Boat Stop or History Museum Stop, and walk about 3 minutes.
- 9:00 - 17:00 (admission by 16:30)
- Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 1)
- Admission free *Basic exhibition room: Adults 700 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 350 yen (Free for elementary/junior high school students after July 1, 2026)
- 0852-32-1607
- Free of charge
9Caracolo Workshop
A sightseeing spot where you can experience a variety of handmade experiences in a retro architectural setting
This sightseeing Property is housed in the former Matsue Branch of the Bank of Japan, which was built in 1938 and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. The massive Greek-style exterior, second-floor walkway, chandeliers, etc. remain as they were in those days, and the large door remaining in the vault in the basement is especially worth seeing.
The building has one to three floors and one basement level, The third floor is a space where visitors can experience Matsue culture through all five senses. Visitors can experience the charms of Matsue through such activities as making Japanese sweets and powdered green tea.
The only one of its kind in Japan! Pray for good luck at the pink "lucky postbox
The "lucky post" in the center of the courtyard is a pink post box, which is rare in Japan. It is a working post box that can actually be used, and has long been familiar to local people. In fact, it is also known as a small power spot, and if you mail a letter to your loved one, it is said to bring good luck to both the sender and the receiver. This spot is recommended not only for lovers, but also for those who wish to strengthen ties with family and friends.
Its soft pink color makes it a popular photo spot. Send a letter to your loved ones to commemorate your trip to Matsue.
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On the other side of the Hori River that flows in front of the Karakoro Workshop is the Kyoten shopping street, lined with unique stores such as long-established Japanese sweets shops, folk craft stores, cafes, and accessory stores. It is recommended to visit this area together with Karakoro Kobo.
- Caracolo Workshop
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- 43 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
- Take the Lake Line Bus from JR Matsue Station and get off at Karakoro-Kobo-mae.
- Main building: 9:00-18:00, Karakoro Food Hall: 11:00-21:00 (varies by store, check website)
- Main building: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 31-January 2), Karakoro Food Hall: Thursdays (New Year holiday hours vary by store)
- Free admission
- 0852-20-7000
- Paid Parking available nearby
- Reservations required for the "Japanese Sweets Making Experience" through the website.
MAP
- <I recommend Izumo City spots>.
- <Recommended Spots in Matsue City
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Local Guide who was in charge of this article
- Masatomo Nagaoka Daikokubashira in Tamatsukuri
Hoshino Resorts KAI Tamatsukuri
Tamatsukuri hot spring, Shimane Prefecture
An inn with Outdoor hot spring baths in all Guest rooms where you can enjoy the hot spring water for beautiful skin. You can also enjoy Kagura (Shinto music and dance) and Japanese sake, which is said to have originated in Shimane.
Access by bus 5 minutes by cab from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From 31,000 yen
Hoshino Resorts KAI Izumo
Izumo Hinomisaki hot spring, Shimane
A hot spring inn located in Hinomisaki, where Izumo mythology is rooted. It is also conveniently located for paying a visit to Izumo Taisha Shrine.
Access by bus From JR Izumo City Station, take the Ichibata Bus. 1 minute walk from the Hinomizaki Lighthouse stop.
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From ¥19,000