1
Minami Fujinatei

Enjoy traditional family recipes at a long-established inn with a lake view

At this Japanese restaurant operated by the long-established Minamikan ryokan in Matsue City, you can enjoy traditional family recipes passed down through generations and seasonal set meals. The signature Minami dish, "Kaden Tai-meshi" (family-recipe sea bream rice), was created by the ryokan's first head chef. The standard way to eat it is to scoop rice from the wooden tub, which holds three servings, top it with ingredients like sea bream flakes and boiled egg flakes served on a separate plate, and enjoy it like ochazuke (rice with tea/broth). The flavors of the sea bream and egg blend perfectly with the secret dashi broth, allowing you to savor an elegant taste.

An open Japanese-style space with a panoramic view of Lake Shinji

The restaurant is located on the shores of Lake Shinji. Large windows on the lake side allow you to enjoy a leisurely meal while gazing at the ever-changing scenery. In addition to the Tai-meshi, the "Wappa-meshi," featuring Wagyu beef or seafood cooked in the ryokan's traditional dashi, is also popular. The standard way to enjoy it is to eat the first serving as is, and the second serving topped with condiments and dashi. You can also enjoy "Unagi-mabushi," which is rice topped with live eel, condiments, and dashi, as well as smooth, hand-kneaded "Izumo Soba."

Local
Supporter

The "Hiruzen" (1,760 yen), a service menu with a wide variety of dishes available on weekday lunchtimes, is limited to 25 servings. You can enjoy a colorful lunch using seasonal local ingredients.

Ajiminami Fujinatei

• 21-1 Fushina, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station
• Take a bus from JR Matsue Station, get off at "Fushina," and walk for about 9 minutes
• 11:00–15:00 (L.O. 14:00 on weekdays, 14:30 on weekends and holidays), Friday 17:30–21:00 (L.O. 20:00), weekends and holidays 17:30–21:00 (L.O. 21:00)
• Open every day
• 0852-62-0227
• Free
• Dinner is by reservation only at least 3 days in advance (reservations accepted for 5 or more people for kaiseki courses of 5,000 yen or more)

2
Wakatake Sushi

Unbeatable value for money. A hidden gem for exquisite seafood bowls

This popular sushi restaurant is located down a small path off the main street of the Tamatsukuri Onsen district. They offer fresh fish sourced every morning from nearby ports in the form of creative sushi and sashimi at reasonable prices. It is a hidden gem for lunch that is supported not only by hotel guests but also by locals as a place where you can easily enjoy a meal.

Among their offerings, the seafood bowl topped generously with large cuts of fish from Sakaiminato is particularly famous. The thick, fresh slices are very filling, and the aroma of the fluffy, vinegared Shimane-grown Koshihikari rice will further whet your appetite.

A sushi restaurant where you can casually enjoy Shimane fish and local sake

Founded in 1955, this shop has been passed down through three generations, and on weekends, tourists often line up for the seafood rice bowls. In addition to the seafood bowls, the shop's appeal lies in the fact that you can taste all kinds of local Matsue ingredients, such as fattysun-dried rosy seabass,flying fish sashimi,raw snow crab (reservation required), and turban shell nigiri sushiYou can enjoy seafood representative of Shimane Prefecture, such as this, at reasonable prices.

Furthermore, there is a rich lineup of local Shimane sake such as "Gassan" and "Toyo no Aki," making it a stylish way to enjoy a quick drink at the counter after a bath.

Local
Supporter

After your meal, take a leisurely stroll through the Tamatsukuri Onsen district. Located just a few minutes' walk away, "Tamatsukuri Art Box" is a complex with plenty to see, including souvenir shops, general stores, and cafes.

Wakatake Sushi

• 83-6 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 15 minutes by car from JR Matsue Station
• Take a bus from JR Matsue Station, get off at "Onsen-shita," and walk for about 3 minutes
• 11:30–14:00 (L.O. 13:30), 17:30–20:30 (Food L.O. 19:30, Drink L.O. 20:00)
• Thursdays, year-end and New Year holidays
• 0852-62-0831
• Free

3
Naniwa Sushi

A signature dish from a long-established sushi restaurant loved for over 130 years

A long-established sushi restaurant located in the Kyomise Shopping District, a must-visit spot for Matsue sightseeing. The signature dish is the Matsue specialty "Mushi-zushi" (steamed sushi), which has a history of over 130 years. It is a warm sushi dish topped with luxurious ingredients, including Matsue's local specialty, Ago-noyaki (charcoal-grilled flying fish paste), as well as shrimp and eel. The shiitake mushrooms are simmered to perfection, and the eel is plump and tender, showing the careful craftsmanship in every single element. With over 100 boxes ordered on some days, to ensure you get to eat it,arriving earlyis recommended.

Traditional flavors enjoyed at a popular local restaurant

This restaurant is known as the originator of mushi-zushi (steamed sushi), a famous local dish in Matsue City. It began around 1887 when Nao, the wife of the first owner Kinzo Sakamoto, created it as a winter-only menu item for the locals. This "warm sushi," which was rare even nationwide, gradually gained a reputation and became beloved by many people both inside and outside the prefecture. In Matsue, you can often see locals visiting the restaurant in search of mushi-zushi when the cold season arrives. It is now sold year-round, allowing tourists to enjoy this Matsue specialty regardless of the season.

Local
Supporter

Mushi-zushi is also available for takeout, so we recommend having lunch at the nearby Karakoro Hiroba. The Inari-zushi (6 pieces for 660 yen), which has been a favorite since the shop's founding, is also exquisite, so why not try it as well?

Naniwa Zushi

• 27 Higashicha-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 13-minute walk from Ichibata Electric Railway Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station
• 11:30–14:00 (L.O. 13:30), 16:30–18:30 *Takeout only from 16:30. Ends when sold out.
• Wednesdays and Thursdays
• 0852-21-4540
• 3 spaces
• Reservations accepted for takeout only

4
Tokinokaze Kura

A popular local rice bowl covered in large freshwater clams

A Japanese restaurant run by a rice dealer. Despite its modest appearance that blends into the landscape of the entertainment district, it is a popular spot where many tourists visit in search of its signature dish, the "Shijimi-don" (freshwater clam bowl). Every morning, the staff carefully shells about 3,000 shijimi clams harvested from Lake Shinji one by one in the restaurant. You can fully enjoy the thick, plump texture and umami of the clams, which are seasoned with a soy sauce-based sauce packed with clam extract. After eating it as is for a while, the standard way to enjoy the second half is to add the separately served grated yam to change the flavor.

A quiet Japanese-style space with a sprawling courtyard

At the back of the restaurant, there are tatami-mat seats overlooking a small garden, where you can enjoy a variety of rice bowls made with local ingredients in a calm space. In addition to the Shijimi-don, other popular bowls include the "Sazanami-don" topped with boiled whitebait and the "Shimane Wagyu Steak Bowl" packed with the umami of Japanese beef. As it is directly managed by a rice dealer, another appealing point is that all bowls use Koshihikari rice from Okuizumo Town, Shimane Prefecture, known as "Nita-mai." It is the perfect lunch spot for those who want to enjoy the flavors of Shimane Prefecture in the city.

Local
Supporter

In addition to the shijimi clam bowl, there is a variety of intriguing rice bowls, such as the 'Madonna no Houseki' (1,150 yen), a grated yam bowl topped with salmon roe, and the 'Tasogare-don' (860 yen), which uses egg yolk and nori seaweed to evoke the image of the sunset over Lake Shinji.

Tokinokaze Kura

• 1-64 Higashihon-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 16-minute walk from JR Matsue Station
• 11:30–14:30 (L.O. 14:00)
• Wednesday
• 0852-21-2270
• Free (2 spaces)
• *Reservation required after 18:00. Open for lunch only on Sundays and holidays.

5
Ronjin Matsue Main Store

Traditional flavors loved for over 60 years in the castle town of Matsue

A long-established shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant located along the moat of the National Treasure "Matsue Castle." With over 60 years since its founding, the traditional shabu-shabu, loved by both tourists and locals alike, is a masterpiece where you can enjoy Shimane-grown Kuroge Wagyu beef and pork loin with homemade sauces and ponzu passed down from the previous generation. The vegetables are also carefully selected from local farmers, and all are rich in flavor. It is a restaurant where you can slowly enjoy the traditional flavors that live on in the castle town while gazing at the scenic view along the moat.

Enjoy a relaxing time in a Taisho-era romantic space overlooking a national treasure

The concept of the space is "Taisho Roman." The interior, furnished with aged furniture and decor, overflows with elegance. In particular, the pendulum clock near the entrance inscribed with "Longines" can be called the symbol of the shop, having kept time since the Taisho era. The menu features shabu-shabu and sukiyaki courses, as well as popular traditional Western-style dishes like the ketchup-based "Haikara Omu-rice" and the rich "Taisho Roman Beef Curry." Pay attention to the plating of each dish, which is somewhat reminiscent of the Taisho era, as well as the stylish tableware.

Local
Supporter

The 'Mixed Fry Trio' (2,750 yen), a one-plate lunch where you can enjoy freshly fried, crispy cutlets, is also one of the popular menu items.

Rondin Matsue Main Store

• 267 Tono-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 18-minute walk from Ichibata Electric Railway Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station
• Take a bus from JR Matsue Station, get off at "Kenmin Kaikan-mae" bus stop, and walk for about 5 minutes
• 11:00–15:00 (L.O. 14:30), 17:00–21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
• Irregular holidays
• 0852-22-3618
• None

6
Hanafusa

Hearty and filling! A seafood bowl with turban shell enjoyed near the Sea of Japan

Located about a 15-minute drive from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, this restaurant is near the "Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse," which towers over the cliffs at the westernmost tip of the Shimane Peninsula. You can enjoy rice bowls and set meals made with fresh seafood caught at ports such as Taisha Fishing Port.

Named after the "Kojiki," Japan's oldest historical record, this signature rice bowl is luxuriously topped with five types of seasonal seafood, including turban shell, sea bream, and bonito. Every piece of seafood is thick, and the crunchy texture of the turban shell adds a nice accent. The "Kojiki Rice Bowl with Sea Urchin," which adds locally sourced sea urchin, is also popular.

A cozy restaurant where you can fully enjoy the bounty of the Sea of Japan

This is a cozy, homey shop run primarily by local female staff. With hanging flags labeled "Ramune," signs with dish names, and faded posters, the interior is a comfortable space overflowing with a sense of nostalgia. There is also a souvenir corner in one area, retaining traces of when it was once operated as a souvenir shop.

In addition to seafood rice bowls, the menu includes "Grilled Squid Set Meals" and "Sashimi Set Meals," and you can also order grilled turban shell or grilled squid as individual items. You can enjoy a wide variety of locally sourced seafood gourmet dishes at a great value.

Local
Supporter

Hinomisaki is a sightseeing area you'll want to stop by before or after visiting Izumo Taisha. In addition to the Hinomisaki Lighthouse, a white lighthouse that boasts the tallest height in Japan, you can enjoy the magnificent coastal beauty while walking along the promenade.

Hanafusa

• 1481-1 Hinomisaki, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 32-minute drive from JR Izumoshi Station
• Take a bus from JR Izumoshi Station, get off at "Hinomisaki Todai" and walk for about 5 minutes
• 10:00–16:00 (L.O. 15:30)
• Wednesday
• 0853-54-5126
• Free

7
Tsubameya

A wide array of local ingredients such as blackthroat seaperch, freshwater clams, and rock seaweed

A casual izakaya located in a shopping street within walking distance of Izumo-shi Station. You can enjoy all kinds of local Shimane ingredients and local sake, and since it opens at 3:00 PM, it is the perfect place for a late lunch if you have missed the standard lunch time.

We offer a variety of local ingredients prepared in diverse ways, such as blackthroat seaperch landed at Taisha Fishing Port, "Uppurui Nori" (rock seaweed), a specialty of Hirata-cho, and large freshwater clams from Lake Jinzai. Our selection also includes a wide array of local Junmai sake brands like "Jūjūkih" and "Ten-on," as well as dishes featuring local branded meats such as "Shimane Wagyu" and "Ginzan Akadori" chicken.

An izakaya in front of the station where you can thoroughly enjoy Shimane cuisine from 3:00 PM

Located in a corner of the "Sunroad Nakamachi" shopping street in front of the station, this is more than just a tourist-oriented izakaya. The dishes, which shine with the chef's sense and creativity, have garnered significant support from locals as well. It is said that many customers drop by for a quick drink at the counter before dinner.

There are over 30 daily specials. The menu focuses on dishes that simply bring out the flavor of the ingredients, such as grilled blackthroat seaperch with salt. We also prepare more than 10 types of appetizers every day, offering items that not only make the most of local ingredients but are also crafted with attention to both taste and presentation.

Local
Supporter

The steak made with 'Shimane Wagyu,' a brand of beef produced by Katsube Farm in Izumo City, is a masterpiece with tender lean meat and the rich flavor of fat condensed within. You can enjoy it with a homemade sauce made using local soy sauce.

Tsubameya

• 651 Imaichi-cho, Izumo-shi, ShimaneMAP
• About a 6-minute walk from JR Izumoshi Station
• 15:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
• Open every day
• 0853-20-1230
• None

8
tatsuzawa misaki cafe

"Bobe-meshi" (limpet rice), where the savory flavor of shellfish spreads along with the scent of the sea

A stylish cafe located on the path from the "Hinomisaki Lighthouse" bus stop to the lighthouse itself. A must-try here is the "Bobe-meshi," made with "bobe" shellfish harvested from the rocky shores of Hinomisaki. It is a seasoned rice dish that has been loved locally for generations, cooked with a broth made from bobe shellfish and seasoned with soy sauce and other ingredients. The flavor of the shellfish spreads throughout your mouth along with the scent of the sea.

Be sure to try our highly satisfying set meals that make the most of local ingredients, such as soup containing "kajime" seaweed harvested at Hinomisaki, and sashimi or deep-fried dishes made with locally caught seafood.

A cafe with a terrace overlooking a white lighthouse

As you pass through the entrance where the sea breeze blows through, a casual space opens up, filled with plenty of light streaming in from large windows. A wooden deck terrace is also available outside. On sunny days, we recommend enjoying a lunch under the blue sky while feeling the sea breeze.

You can enjoy set meals featuring seafood, seafood bowls like kajime-don and turban shell bowls, and Izumo soba, as well as a lineup of specialty pancakes and zenzai. We also offer grilled squid and turban shells for takeout.

Local
Supporter

'Bobe-meshi,' a local dish that used to be served at many nearby shops, is now only available at a few places in Hinomisaki. This is a rare cafe that offers a wide variety of menu items utilizing ingredients from Hinomisaki.

tatsuzawa misaki cafe

• 1089-30 Hinomisaki, Taisha-cho, Izumo-shi, ShimaneMAP
• About a 30-minute drive from JR Izumoshi Station
• Take a bus from JR Izumoshi Station, get off at "Hinomisaki Todai" and walk for about 3 minutes
• 10:00–17:00 (L.O. 16:30) *Closes when ingredients run out
• Wednesdays, irregular holidays
• 0853-54-5005
• Free

9
Sanriba

Large and thick. A famous rice bowl packed with shijimi clam extract

Shijimi clams are a specialty representative of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The Yamato shijimi clams caught in Lake Shinji are known for being large and thick-fleshed. At this restaurant along the shores of Lake Shinji, you can enjoy a luxurious rice bowl made with carefully selected, extra-large clams.

This dish, featuring steamed rice topped with large clam meat and drizzled with a rich, extract-filled broth, is both hearty and packed with the umami of the shijimi. It also comes with shijimi miso soup, making it a set that allows you to fully enjoy the flavors of Matsue at a great value. Although it is a bit far from the tourist areas, it is a hidden gem that is highly recommended for that very reason.

A perfect location with a panoramic view of Lake Shinji

This restaurant is located along Lake Shinji on the way from Izumo Taisha to Matsue city center. Their shijimi dishes, such as set meals, udon, and rice porridge, are all luxurious, generously using clams from Lake Shinji. They also offer set meals featuring sashimi or Japanese-style hamburger steak, as well as daily lunch specials, making it a bustling spot for local regulars during weekday lunch hours.

Another appeal of the restaurant is the ability to enjoy a relaxing meal while gazing out at the vast lake. Visiting in the evening is also recommended, as you can view the sunset over Lake Shinji, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan."

Local
Supporter

Winter is the best time to enjoy shijimi clam soup. It is said that because the clams burrow deep into the mud to store nutrients for the winter, they become plump and their flavor increases. Depending on the timing, you might even be able to taste a cloudy, extract-rich shijimi soup.

Sanriba

• 517-1 Mino-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 1-minute walk from Inonada Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway
• 10:00–14:30 (L.O. 14:00)
• Tuesday–Thursday
• 0853-67-0855
• Free

10
King

A representative local gourmet dish of Izumo Taisha that you can enjoy before or after your visit

Located about a 10-minute walk from the "Seidomari no Otorii" gate at the entrance to the Izumo Taisha approach, this restaurant is situated along the "Kami-mukae no Michi" (Road of Welcoming the Gods) that connects Inasa Beach and Izumo Taisha. While they offer standard diner fare like Chinese noodles and pork cutlet bowls, their "Taisha Yakisoba" is known as a local gourmet specialty representing Izumo City. It is a salt-based stir-fried noodle dish made with boiled, thin fresh noodles and ingredients like fish cake and pork, and the standard way to enjoy it is by drizzling the homemade sauce provided on the table over it. You can choose the portion size from regular, large, extra-large, and super-extra-large.

The interior has a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era

Passing through the noren curtain, you will find a hallway leading inside, with counter seats and raised tatami seating immediately to your left. The interior retains a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era, and the many autographed boards on display speak to the restaurant's history and popularity. On weekday lunchtimes, it is usually bustling with local regulars leisurely slurping yakisoba or ramen while glancing at the TV. The spacious room on the second floor is equipped with table seating, offering a space where you can enjoy your meal at a more relaxed pace. It is a great place to stop by after visiting the shrine, and you might even consider heading to the power spot of Inasa Beach after your meal.

Local
Supporter

In addition to 'Taisha Yakisoba,' the 'Taisha Ramen Regular' (780 yen), passed down through four generations, and the 'Shinwa Teishoku' (1,580 yen), which is a set of yakisoba or ramen with seasonal dishes, are counted as the three major menu items representing King.

Kingu

• 599 Kizukihigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 13-minute walk from Izumo Taisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Electric Railway
• 11:00–14:30, 17:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
• Wednesdays, year-end and New Year holidays, and other temporary closures
• 0853-53-2473
• Free

11
Kamiari Seimen

Local ramen packed with shijimi clam extract

A ramen shop located near Izumo Enmusubi Airport. Opened by an owner who runs a shellfish wholesale business, the shop leverages its sourcing advantages to offer reasonably priced ramen that makes luxurious use of shellfish such as shijimi clams and hamaguri clams. The signature dish, "Shijimi Salt Ramen," features an exquisite creamy soup made by adding plenty of shijimi extract to a chicken paitan broth, which pairs perfectly with the homemade straight noodles. Why not stop by on your way to or from your flight, or while traveling between Matsue and Izumo cities?

Also offering seasonal and limited-edition creative noodles

The interior is primarily composed of table seating. There are also flat sofa seats in the back, and since children's tableware is available for self-service, families with children can enjoy their meals with peace of mind. In addition to standard items like "Hamaguri Soy Sauce Ramen" and "Monkfish Liver Tsukemen," the menu also features a continuous release of limited-time creative noodles. Although the owner notes that "bland ingredients are difficult because their flavor is weak," they have successfully "ramen-ized" all sorts of ingredients in the past, including dried sardines and sea urchin. Their skill in skillfully handling seafood to create new flavors is supported by many local fans.

Local
Supporter

To ensure that those visiting Izumo for sightseeing have a little extra fun, the parking lot also features an original face-in-hole photo board themed after 'Izumo Mythology'.

Kamiari Seimen

• 1815-1 Gakuto, Hikawa-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Shobara Station
• 11:00–15:00
• Wednesdays, Thursdays, year-end and New Year holidays
• 0853-73-7241
• Free