9 Exciting Sightseeing and Experience Spots in Izumo and Matsue for Parents and Children
Izumo and Matsue are the two major tourist destinations in Shimane Prefecture. Both are historic towns deeply connected to mythology, but they are also places rich in nature. There are many spots where you can interact with living creatures and activities to enjoy in waterfront areas like Lake Shinji and the Sea of Japan. You can learn about nature and history while actually experiencing and playing. Here are some spots you can enjoy on a trip with children.
- 1Shimane Flower Village
- 2Izumo Science Center
- 3Roadside Station Kirara Taki and Kirara Beach
- 4Lake Shinji Nature Museum Gobius
- 5Lake Shinji Green Park
1Shimane Flower Village
A park with a large lawn where children can run around and where you can experience Shimane's flowers
A park where you can enjoy seasonal flowers, focusing on Shimane Prefecture's six main varieties (peonies, hydrangeas, eustomas, roses, chrysanthemums, and cyclamens). You are free to bring your own food and drinks to the "Lawn Plaza" that spreads out in the center of the facility. Families can relax and spread out their bento lunches.
The spacious park is divided into 16 zones and is packed with beautiful spots, including glass-enclosed walkways, flower beds, flower paths, and waterfront areas. There are many photogenic locations, so we recommend taking photos of your children while strolling through the park.
The "Children's Plaza" with playground equipment and rest spots
If you walk east from the lawn plaza toward the "Flower Hill," you will find the "Children's Plaza" at the end. This is a popular area for families with children, featuring athletic playground equipment that even small children can enjoy. Tables and chairs are placed around the equipment, allowing you to watch over your children while relaxing under the dappled sunlight.
Strollers are available for rent to help you get around the large park, and the facility is fully equipped with nursing rooms and restrooms with diaper-changing tables, so you can stay with peace of mind even with small children.
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If you go through the connecting passage next to the children's plaza, you will find the Izumo City Toki Breeding Center, the only place in western Japan where you can see the Japanese crested ibis, a national natural treasure. During the public viewing period, you can see the ibis with just the admission fee for Shimane Hana no Sato.
- Shimane Flower Village
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2-1101-1 Nishishin-machi, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Nishi-Izumo Station
Take the Heisei Onsen Line bus from JR Izumo-shi Station, get off at "Hana no Sato, Toki Kaikan-mae," and walk for 1 minute.
March–November 9:30–17:00, December–February 9:30–16:30
Tuesdays from December to February, year-end and New Year holidays (December 29–January 3)
Adults 250 yen, elementary, junior high, and high school students 130 yen
0853-20-1187
Free
You can reach the Izumo Crested Ibis Conservation Center via the park's connecting walkway.
Crested Ibis viewing period: Year-round
Viewing hours: March–November 10:00–16:30, December–February 10:00–16:00
Closed: Every Tuesday, year-end and New Year holidays (December 29–January 3)
*For details, please visit the Izumo Crested Ibis Conservation Center website (https://www.city.izumo.shimane.jp/www/contents/1377571292273/index.html)
2Izumo Science Center
Full of exhibits where you can experience the wonders of science
A municipal facility established to provide children living in Izumo City with opportunities to experience real science.The "Exhibition Experience Plaza," where you can play with toys andinteractive devices based on principles from various scientific fields, is bustling with many families on holidays.
Woodworking crafts at the "Creation Workshop" and experiments using everyday materials・We hold open-participation workshops such as crafting, as well as events like planetarium screenings and science shows.In addition, the "Science Hall" hosts lectures by famous researchers from across the country.
Includes a deck where trains pass right in front of you and a fun museum shop
On the second floor, there is a "rest area" and a "deck" that can be used for lunch or taking a break. Eating and drinking are only permitted in these two spaces, and you are welcome to bring your own bento or other food.
Also, the "Museum Shop" next to the first-floor reception desk is packed with science goods. We offer a unique selection of interesting items only found at a science museum, such as real fossil and mineral specimens, experiment kits, space-related goods, and sand with a mysterious texture. It is a great place to buy souvenirs and toys.
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The facility has rest areas and nursing rooms, so you can use it with peace of mind even with children. It is also popular as a place to play on rainy days. The nearby Ichinotani Park is one of the largest parks in the city. It is also recommended for its beautiful scenery.
- Izumo Science Center
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- 1900-2 Imaichi-cho, Izumo City, Shimane PrefectureMAP
- Approx. 5-minute walk from Izumo Science Center Park Town-mae Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway
- 9:30–17:30
- Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
- Free
- 0853-25-1500
- Free
3Roadside Station Kirara Taki and Kirara Beach
Roadside Station Kirara Taki, with a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and plenty of souvenirs and dining options
Located along National Route 9 in Taki-cho, Izumo City, "Roadside Station Kirara Taki" is a popular spot visited by many tourists throughout the year. It faces Kiku Beach (commonly known as Kirara Beach) and boasts an outstanding location.
The specialty corner offers sweets made with figs, a local specialty of Taki-cho, as well as popular souvenirs gathered from all over the prefecture. The premises also include a restaurant, a ramen shop, and a bakery, where you can enjoy a meal while looking out at the sea.
One of the prefecture's best scenic beaches, popular for swimming and as a sunset spot
Behind the roadside station lies "Kirara Beach," which offers one of the most spectacular views in Shimane Prefecture. We also recommend buying fig soft-serve ice cream or seafood takoyaki at the roadside station's food court and taking it down to the beach to eat. In the summer, it serves as a swimming beach with beach huts and other facilities, bustling with many families.
Furthermore, the sunset that dyes the Sea of Japan deep red as it sinks into the horizon is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan." We also recommend taking photos with your children at the two monuments, "KIRARA" and "KIRARA ○," which stand with the beach in the background.
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This is a healing spot to stop by whenever you want to see the sea, regardless of the swimming season. Taki Ichijiku Onsen near the roadside station and Kirara Cottage, where you can enjoy auto-camping and barbecues, are also recommended spots for families.
- Roadside Station Kirara Taki, Kirara Beach
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- 135-1 Taki, Taki-cho, Izumo City, Shimane PrefectureMAP
- Approx. 15-minute walk from Oda Station, or approx. 5-minute drive from the San-in Expressway Taki IC
- 0853-86-9080
- Free
4Lake Shinji Nature Museum Gobius
An aquarium where you can interact with familiar creatures living in Lake Shinji and Nakaumi
Lake Shinji, where the Hii River flowing through Izumo City empties, and Nakaumi, which spans from Matsue City to Yonago City (Tottori Prefecture) and flows into the Sea of Japan, form the largest brackish water area in Japan where seawater and freshwater mix, creating a unique ecosystem. This is an experiential learning aquarium that houses and exhibits 10,000 creatures of 200 different species that live in Lake Shinji, Nakaumi, and other rivers throughout the prefecture.
In addition to fish, many creatures familiar to children, such as turtles and frogs that live near the water, are also kept here. You can observe them from various angles, including through a helmet-shaped tank that you can put your head inside, and you can even experience feeding them (until October in fiscal year 2021).
Excitement at the touch pool! "Asobikko Manabikko Hiroba"
After passing through the corner lined with large tanks featuring Lake Shinji and Nakaumi, you will find the "Asobikko Manabikko Hiroba," a spacious area designed for rest and learning. It features a touch pool, a learning counter, and a venue for special exhibitions, allowing you to get to know the creatures while having fun.
Events such as "Keeper's Special Stories" and "Discover Fish Feeding Time!" are held every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday. You can hear commentary while watching the feeding process and learn stories about the creatures that only the keepers know. There is plenty to see, including the "Icefish Tank," the only one in the country that exhibits icefish all year round.
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Gobius is surrounded by nature. If you go out to the front garden, there is a grassy 'Bento Plaza' that is bustling with families on weekends. It is adjacent to the Shinji-ko Green Park, so we recommend enjoying them together.
- Shimane Prefectural Lake Shinji Nature Museum Gobius
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- 1659-5 Sono-cho, Izumo City, Shimane PrefectureMAP
- Approx. 10-minute walk from Ichibata Electric Railway "Koyukan-Shin-eki Station"
- 9:30–17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
- Tuesdays (or the following weekday if a holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28–January 1)
- Adults 550 yen, Elementary/Junior High/High School students 200 yen, Infants free
- 0853-63-7100
- Free
5Lake Shinji Green Park
A nature-rich park on the shores of Lake Shinji where you can enjoy birdwatching
This is a nature-oriented park developed on the west shore of Lake Shinji where you can enjoy nature and wildlife. The second floor of the "Wild Bird Observation House" facing the lakeshore is glass-walled, offering a panoramic view of Lake Shinji. That alone is a spectacular sight, but you can also freely observe waterfowl swimming on the lake surface and wild birds perched on stakes using the provided telescopes.
Small children can get absorbed in playing with electronic puzzles that can be enjoyed in a quiz format, as well as original toys and models that allow them to learn about the ecology of waterfowl while playing. We hold special exhibitions that introduce nature and living things according to the season, so you will always find new discoveries whenever you visit.
Stroll through the park and look for insects and small birds
To maintain the environment where wild animals and plants live, spots that attract living things, such as "biotope ponds" and "bird baths," are scattered throughout the grounds. In the "Bird Sanctuary," where human entry is restricted, you can observe the "Kingfisher Pond" inside using binoculars through observation windows. It is adorable to see wild birds in a relaxed state that you cannot usually see.
There is also a thicket in the park, and encountering the insects that gather there is one of the pleasures. Nature observation meetings and craft workshops are held regularly, making it recommended for children who love plants and animals.
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Even if you are new to bird watching, don't worry. There are staff members with specialized knowledge stationed at the bird watching observatory who can help you focus the telescopes and tell you the names of the birds. On the first floor, there is also a Penguin Museum featuring a collection of penguin goods.
- Lake Shinji Green Park
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- 1664-2 Sono-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
- Approx. 10-minute walk from Ichibata Electric Railway "Koyukan-Shin-eki Station"
- 9:30–17:00
- Tuesdays (or the following weekday if a holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28–January 1)
- Free
- 0853-63-0787
- Free
6Matsue Vogel Park
An all-weather theme park where you can enjoy flowers in full bloom and birds all year round
An all-weather theme park spread across a 32-hectare site in the hilly area on the north shore of Lake Shinji. Flower and bird exhibition greenhouses, restaurants, and observation decks are all connected by covered walkways. The greenhouses, kept warm year-round, are filled with flowers in full bloom and house colorful tropical birds.
Outdoors, there is the "Vogel Ranch" where you can meet goats and emus, as well as a lawn plaza and a waterfowl pond, allowing you to spend a fun day interacting with animals and birds. At the bird show, you can see birds of prey flying up close, and the audience is captivated by their clever and cool appearance.
Even small children can try interacting with small birds
The "Penguin Walk," held daily, is very popular with children. Waddling African penguins take a stroll through the park with visitors. In the interaction greenhouse, you can experience feeding birds or having toucans and turacos perch on your arm.
The "Wakuwaku Interaction Plaza," held only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, is a bird interaction corner that even small children can enjoy. Having cute, plush-like call ducks or penguins sit on your lap is also popular. These experiences, which offer a mix of excitement and a sense of accomplishment, will become lasting memories.
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Inside the park, there is a restaurant, a soba noodle shop, and a shop selling bird goods and San'in souvenirs. The panoramic view of Lake Shinji from the Kunibiki Observatory at an altitude of 53 meters is spectacular.
- Matsue Vogel Park
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- 52 Ogaki-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
- Directly connected to the park from Ichibata Electric Railway "Matsue Vogel Park Station"
- April–September 9:00–17:30, October–March 9:00–17:00 (Last admission 45 minutes before closing)
- 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, infants (preschoolers) free *Group discounts and discounts for visitors with disabilities are available
- 0852-88-9800
- Free for up to 2 hours (200 yen for each additional hour)
- Equipped with 6 wheelchair-accessible private restrooms and diaper changing tables throughout the park; free rentals of wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers; park shuttle service available for wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, and those with strollers
7Lake Shinji Sightseeing Boat Hakucho
A sightseeing boat where you can enjoy the sunset over Lake Shinji and the atmosphere of the castle town of Matsue
A cruise where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Lake Shinji and the atmosphere of the castle town of Matsue from the water. Departing from two boarding points in Matsue city, the boat passes under two historic bridges and heads out onto Lake Shinji. The route covers spots such as "Yomegashima Island" floating on the lake and the "Matsue Onsen area" on the north shore of Lake Shinji. As you step out onto the deck, you can be soothed by the pleasant breeze and the sound of the waves, while encountering shijimi clam fishing boats at work and various water birds up close.
There are also the "Refreshing Morning Cruise" to fully enjoy the mystical lake in the morning, and the "Sunset Course (Sunset Cruise)" to enjoy the evening sun, allowing you to experience the different expressions of Lake Shinji.
Superb view! The most luxurious sunset viewing experience: "Sunset Cruise"
The sunset over Lake Shinji is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan." The most popular course, specifically designed for viewing this sunset, is the "Sunset Course (Sunset Cruise)." The boat departs in time for the sunset and anchors in the perfect spot for viewing, allowing you to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery until the sun goes down.
In winter, cute tundra swans and black-headed gulls also come near. You can also enjoy a meal on board the Hakucho (reservation required).You can enjoy a bento from "Minami," a long-established Japanese restaurant in Matsue, and all meals come with "shijimi clam soup" made with clams from Lake Shinji.
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The cruise takes about one hour. Please enjoy the sightseeing guide announcements played on board. You can also order drinks such as coffee on the boat. The boat is equipped with a flush toilet, so elderly people and small children can ride with peace of mind.
- Lake Shinji Sightseeing Boat Hakucho
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- 150-7 Higashiasahi-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture (Boarding Area 1) MAP
- Approx. 10 minutes by car from the Matsue-Chuo IC on the San-in Expressway (Boarding Area 1), approx. 5 minutes on foot from JR Matsue Station (Boarding Area 2)
- Scheduled departure times (March 1–November 30) 9:30–17:00
*The final departure time (Sunset Course) varies by month
*During the winter season (December 1–end of February), service runs as usual on weekends and holidays; on weekdays, service is available by reservation for groups of 10 or more. Please check the website for details - Open every day
- Adults 2,000 yen, children 1,000 yen *Group discounts and private charter rates available
- 0852-24-3218
- Free (Boarding Area 1) *Not available at Boarding Area 2
- Boarding Area 1 is convenient for those arriving by car as it has a free parking lot, while Boarding Area 2 is convenient for those arriving by JR or bus.
8Matsue History Museum
Right near Matsue Castle! A museum where you can enjoy Matsue's history and Japanese sweets
A history museum located along the Horikawa Moat that surrounds Matsue Castle. It is situated in an area where the residences of the Matsue Domain's chief retainers stood during the Edo period, and the samurai-residence-style building itself is a highlight. The "Basic Exhibition Room" introduces the history of Matsue and the lives of the people in the castle town using real artifacts, videos, and models. Gaining knowledge here before sightseeing around Matsue Castle makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Another great point is that admission to the building is free (the exhibition room requires a fee). There is also a large hall where you can take a break while looking out at the Japanese garden, as well as a nursing room, so you can feel at ease even when visiting with children. It is also recommended as a rest spot to stop by while sightseeing in Matsue.
"Kissa Kiharu," where you can enjoy Japanese sweets while looking out at the Japanese garden and the Matsue Castle keep
The tea ceremony culture, which flourished under the influence of Matsudaira Fumai, the 7th lord of the Matsue Domain, is one of the things that symbolizes Matsue. At "Kissa Kiharu," located next to the grand hall,you can enjoy seasonaljo-namagashi (high-quality fresh Japanese sweets) and tea or matcha, all crafted by long-established local confectionery shops. The "Matcha Experience Set"(1,500 yen)is highly recommended as it allows you to whisk your own matcha, letting you truly experience Matsue, a city famous for its tea.
Additionally, the adjacent museum shop, "Enishizuku," offers a variety of unique Matsue goods and souvenirs.
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Events are held seasonally, and there are chances to encounter scenes reminiscent of the Edo period, such as matchlock gun demonstrations by the Matsue Castle Gun Corps and Japanese sword iaigiri performances.
- Matsue History Museum
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- 279 Tono-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
- From JR Matsue Station, take the Gurutto Matsue Lake Line bus and get off at "Otemae Horikawa Sightseeing Boat Pier/History Museum" and walk for about 3 minutes.
- 9:00–17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
- Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29–January 1)
- Free admission *Basic exhibition room: 700 yen for adults, 350 yen for elementary and junior high school students (Free for elementary and junior high school students from July 1, 2026)
- 0852-32-1607
- Free
9Karakoro Art Studio
A sightseeing spot where you can enjoy various hands-on experiences in a retro building
This tourist facility utilizes the building of the former Bank of Japan Matsue Branch, which was built in 1938 and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property.The imposing Greek-style exterior, the second-floor gallery, and the chandeliers remain as they were at the time, and the massive door of the vault in the basement is a must-see.
The building has three floors above ground and one basement level;the first floor features the "Karakoro Food Hall," which houses various cafes and restaurants, as well as shops selling souvenirs and other goods. The third floor is a space where you can experience Matsue culture with all five senses. Through activities like Japanese sweet making and matcha experiences, you can enjoy the charm of Matsue even more deeply.
The only one in Japan! Pray for good fortune in love at the pink "Lucky Postbox"
The "Lucky Postbox" in the center of the courtyard is a rare pink postbox, even by national standards. It is an active postbox that can actually be used and has long been cherished by the local community. It is also known as a small power spot; it is said that if you mail a letter filled with your feelings for a loved one, good fortune will come to both the sender and the recipient. It is a recommended spot not only for couples, but also for those who want to deepen their bonds with family and friends.
Because of its striking soft pink color, it is also popular as a photogenic spot. Why not send a letter to someone special as a memento of your trip to Matsue?
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Across the Horikawa River, which flows in front of Karakoro Art Studio, lies the Kyomise Shopping District, where a variety of unique shops such as long-established Japanese confectionery stores, folk craft shops, cafes, and accessory shops are lined up. It is recommended to visit it along with Karakoro Art Studio.
- Karakoro Art Studio
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- 43 Tono-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
- Take the Lake Line bus from JR Matsue Station and get off at "Karakoro Kobo-mae" stop.
- Main building: 9:00–18:00, Karakoro Food Hall: 11:00–21:00 (Please check the website as hours vary by shop)
- Main building: Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec 31–Jan 2), Karakoro Food Hall: Thursdays (Year-end and New Year operations vary by shop)
- Admission free
- 0852-20-7000
- Paid parking available nearby
- Reservations required for "Wagashi Making Experience" via the website
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Masatomo NagaokaThe Main Pillar of Tamatsukuri
KAI Tamatsukuri
Tamatsukuri Onsen, Shimane Prefecture
An inn where all guest rooms come with open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy "skin-beautifying" hot spring water. You can also enjoy Kagura performances and sake, which is said to have originated in Shimane.
Access About a 5-minute taxi ride from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥38,000
KAI Izumo
Izumo Hinomisaki Onsen, Shimane Prefecture
A hot spring inn located in Hinomisaki, where Izumo myths are deeply rooted. It is also conveniently located for visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine.
Access Take the Ichibata Bus from JR Izumoshi Station and get off at "Hinomisaki Todai," then walk for 1 minute
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥19,000