1
Ajiminami Fujinatei

Enjoy the lake view and the family tradition of cooking at a long-established ryokan

At the Japanese restaurant run by the long-established ryokan "Kaibikan" in Matsue City, visitors can enjoy dishes that have been handed down in the ryokan family for generations, as well as seasonal dishes. The "Ie-den Tai-meshi" (sea bream rice), a specialty of the Minami ryokan, was invented by the ryokan's first head chef as a family heirloom dish. The flavors of the sea bream and eggs combine with the delicious taste of the secret broth to create a refined taste experience.

Open Japanese-style space overlooking Lake Shinji

The restaurant is located on the shore of Lake Shinji. With a large window on the lake side, you can enjoy a leisurely meal while gazing at the ever-changing scenery. In addition to tai-meshi, the "wappa-meshi" (rice cooked with wagyu beef or seafood in the ryokan's traditional broth) is also popular. The first bowl of rice is served as is, and the second bowl is served with condiments and broth on top. You can also enjoy "eel mabushi," which is rice topped with live eel, condiments, and dashi broth, or Izumo soba, handmade buckwheat noodles with a smooth texture.

Local Guide
Supporters

The "Lunch Set" (1,760 yen), a service menu with a wide selection of dishes that can be ordered for lunch on weekdays, is limited to 25 servings. Enjoy a colorful lunch using seasonal local ingredients.

Ajiminami Fujinatei

• 21-1 Nushina, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• 10 minutes drive from JR Matsue Station
• Take a bus from JR Matsue Station, get off at "Nushina" and walk about 9 minutes.
• 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:00 on weekdays, 14:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), 17:30-21:00 (L.O. 20:00) on Fridays, 17:30-21:00 (L.O. 21:00) on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
• No holidays
• 0852-62-0227
• Free of charge
• Dinner reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance (reservations accepted for groups of 5 or more ordering KAI Local Flavors courses priced at 5,000 yen or more)

2
Wakatake Sushi

Unquestionably high cost performance. A great seafood bowl at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

This popular sushi restaurant is located down a small street off the main street in Tamatsukuri's hot spring district. The restaurant offers creative sushi and sashimi made from fresh fish purchased every morning from nearby ports at reasonable prices. As a place where you can enjoy a quick lunch, it is a popular lunch spot for both guests and locals.

One of the most well-known specialties is the kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with a hearty portion of Sakaiminato's large, fresh fish. The thick, fresh fish is hearty, and the smell of the fluffy, vinegared rice made from Shimane Prefecture's Koshihikari rice whets the appetite even more.

Sushi restaurant where you can casually enjoy Shimane's fish and local sake

Founded in 1955, the restaurant has been passed down through three generations of parents and children, and on weekends there are often lines of tourists waiting in line for the kaisendon. In addition to kaisendon, the restaurant's appeal is that you can taste all kinds of Matsue's local ingredients, such as grilled nodoguro fish with plenty of fat, grilled nodoguro fish with plenty of fat, and grilled nodoguro fish with plenty of fat. Dried nodoguro (northern bluefin tuna), Sashimi of flying fish, raw Matsuba crab (reservation required), and turban shell sushi. You can enjoy the representative seafood of Shimane Prefecture at a reasonable price.

In addition, there is a wide selection of Shimane's local sake, such as "Gassan" and "Toyo no Aki," and it is a chic way to enjoy a light drink at the counter after taking a hot spring bath.

Local Guide
Supporters

After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through Tamatsukuri hot spring town. A few minutes' walk away is the Tamatsukuri Art Box, a Property with many attractions, including souvenir stores, general merchandise stores, and a café.

wakatake sushi

• 83-6 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Matsue Station
• Take a bus from JR Matsue Station, get off at "Onsen Shita" and walk 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 of charge

3
Naniwa Sushi

Specialties of a long-established sushi restaurant loved for more than 130 years

This long-established sushi restaurant is located in the "Kyoten Shopping Street," a must-see for Matsue sightseers. The signature dish is Mushi Sushi, a Matsue specialty with a history of over 130 years. It is a steamed warm sushi topped with gorgeous ingredients such as Matsue City's specialty agonoyaki (grilled surimi of flying fish over charcoal), shrimp, and eel. The shiitake mushrooms are cooked just right, the eel is plump and tender, and each piece of sushi is carefully prepared. To be sure of getting your order, we recommend that you visit the restaurant early. to be sure of getting your eel.

Traditional flavors at a popular local restaurant

The restaurant is known as the originator of Mushi Sushi, a Matsue City specialty. It was first created around 1887 by Nawo, the wife of the first owner, Kinzo Sakamoto, as a winter-only menu item for the local people. The "warm sushi," which was rare even in Japan, gradually gained popularity and became familiar to many people both inside and outside of the prefecture. During the cold season in Matsue, many locals visit the restaurant for Mushi Sushi. Now, it is sold throughout the year, so tourists can enjoy Matsue's specialty regardless of the season.

Local Guide
Supporters

Mushi-zushi can also be taken out, so we recommend having lunch at the nearby "Karakoro-hiroba. The "Inari Sushi" (6 pieces, 660 yen), which has been popular since the establishment of the restaurant, is also excellent, so why not try it together?

Naniwa Sushi

• 27 Higashicha-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• 13 min. walk from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station on the Ichibata Line
• 11:30 AM–2:00 PM (last order at 1:30 PM), 4:30 PM–6:30 PM *Takeout only from 4:30 PM. Service ends when sold out
• Wednesday, Thursday
• 0852-21-4540
• 3 units
• Reservations are accepted for takeout only

4
Seasonal Wind Kura

Popular local specialty rice bowl with large shijimi clam covering the rice

This Japanese restaurant is run by a rice store. Despite its modest appearance that blends in with the scenery of the entertainment district, it is a popular restaurant that attracts many tourists for its signature dish, "shijimi-don" (bowl of rice topped with shijimi). Every morning in the restaurant, approximately 3,000 shijimi (whitebait) from Lake Shinji are carefully peeled one by one. The thick, plump texture and delicious flavor of the whitebait, seasoned with a soy sauce-based sauce rich in whitebait extract, can be enjoyed to the fullest. After eating the dish as it is for a while, the second half of the meal is served with the optional yam to change the flavor.

A quiet Japanese space with an expansive courtyard

In the back of the restaurant, there is a tatami room with a view of a small garden, where you can enjoy a variety of rice bowls made with local ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to the shijimi-don, the "Sazanami-don" topped with kama-age chirimen and the "Shimane Wagyu Steak-don" full of the flavor of wagyu beef are also popular. The restaurant is directly operated by a rice store, and all bowls are made with Koshihikari rice produced in Oku Izumo Town, Shimane Prefecture, known as "Nitamai" (Nita rice). This is the perfect lunch spot for those who want to enjoy the taste of Shimane Prefecture in the city.

Local Guide
Supporters

In addition to the shijimi-don, there are a variety of other intriguing bowls, such as "Mashina no gem" (1,150 yen), a bowl of grated yam studded with salmon roe, and "Tasogare-don" (860 yen), an image of a sunset over Lake Shinji made with egg yolk and seaweed.

Kura, the Wind of the Seasons

• 1-64 Higashi-Honmachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• 16 min. walk from JR Matsue Station
• 11:30-14:30 (L.O. 14:00)
• Wednesday
• 0852-21-2270
• Free of charge (2 cars)
• Open by reservation after 18:00. Open only for lunch on Sundays and national holidays.

5
JINJIN Matsue Honten

Traditional taste loved for over 60 years in Matsue Castle

Located along the moat of Matsue Castle, a national treasure, is a long-established shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant. The traditional shabu-shabu, which has been loved not only by tourists but also by local customers for more than 60 years since its establishment, is a gem of a dish made with black wagyu beef and pork loin from Shimane Prefecture and homemade sauce and ponzu (Japanese citrus juice) inherited from the previous generation. Vegetables are also carefully selected and served from local farmers, all of which are rich in flavor. Enjoy the traditional flavors of the castle while taking in the elegant view along the moat.

Enjoy a relaxing time in a Taisho-romantic space with a view of a national treasure.

The concept of the space is "Taisho Roman". The restaurant is decorated with aged furniture and interior furnishings that exude elegance, and the pendulum clock near the entrance, which reads "Long Din," is a symbol of the restaurant that has been ticking away the time since the Taisho Era. In addition to shabu-shabu and sukiyaki courses, the menu also features popular old-fashioned Western dishes such as "high-color omelet rice" with ketchup rice and rich "Taisho-roman beef curry. The presentation of each dish is somewhat reminiscent of the Taisho era, and the stylish tableware is also noteworthy.

Local Guide
Supporters

Another popular menu item is the one-plate lunch "Mixed Fry 3 Kinds" (2,750 yen), which features freshly fried, crispy fries.

Ronjun Matsue Honten

• 267 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• 18 min. walk from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station on the Ichibata Line.
• From JR Matsue Station, take the bus. 5-minute walk from Kenmin Kaikan-mae stop.
• 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:30), 17:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• 0852-22-3618
• None

6
Hanabusa

A hearty meal! Kaisen-don with turban shells near the Sea of Japan

This Dining Area is located near the Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, which rises on a cliff at the westernmost tip of the Shimane Peninsula, about 15 minutes by car from Izumo Taisha Shrine. You can enjoy rice bowls and set menus using fresh seafood caught at Taisha Fish Port and other ports.

Named after Japan's oldest historical book, Kojiki, this bowl of rice topped with five kinds of seasonal ingredients such as turban shell, sea bream, and bonito is a specialty of the restaurant. The fish is thick and the turban shells have a crunchy texture that accentuates the flavor of the dish. The "Kojiki Uni-iridon" (bowl of rice topped with sea urchin) is also popular.

An at-home Dining Area where you can enjoy the delicacies of the Sea of Japan

It is an at-home restaurant run mainly by local female Staff/staff members. The interior of the restaurant, with its hanging banner that reads "Ramune," pasted signs with the names of dishes, and faded posters, is a cozy space filled with a nostalgic atmosphere. In one corner, there is a souvenir corner, which still retains the atmosphere of its former days as a souvenir shop.

In addition to bowls of rice topped with seafood, the restaurant also offers grilled squid and sashimi set menus, and you can order turban shells and grilled squid separately. You can enjoy all kinds of locally produced seafood gourmet dishes at high cost performance.

Local Guide
Supporters

Himizaki is a sightseeing area to stop by before or after visiting Izumo Taisha Shrine. In addition to the Higoizaki Lighthouse, the tallest white lighthouse in Japan, visitors can enjoy the magnificent coastal beauty while walking along the promenade along the shore.

Hanabusa

• 1481-1 Himizaki-Himizo, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approximately 32 minutes from JR Izumo City Station by car
• Take a bus from JR Izumo City Station, get off at "Himozaki Lighthouse" and walk about 5 minutes.
• 10:00-16:00 (L.O. 15:30)
• Wednesday
• 0853-54-5126
• Free of charge

7
Tsubameya

A variety of local ingredients such as nodoguro (Pacific bluefin tuna), shijimi (white croaker), and iwanori (seaweed).

This casual izakaya is located in a shopping district within walking distance of Izumo Station. You can enjoy all kinds of local foods and local sake from Shimane Prefecture, and since the restaurant is open from 3:00 p.m., it is the perfect place for a late lunch after missing lunch time.

Local ingredients such as nodoguro (northern bluefin tuna) caught at the Taisha fishing port, Jurokushima nori (seaweed), a specialty of Hirata Town, and large shijimi (white croaker) from Lake Jinsei are served in a wide variety of preparations. Local brands of junmai sake, such as "Jyugokuhi" and "Tenju," are also available, as well as dishes using local brand meat, such as "Shimane Wagyu" and "Ginzan Aka-dori" chicken.

Izakaya in front of the station where you can enjoy Shimane's food from 3:00 p.m.

The restaurant is located in a corner of the "Sun Road Nakamachi" shopping street in front of the station. It is not just a izakaya for tourists, but also attracts a lot of support from the locals for its many dishes that show off the chef's taste and ingenuity. Many customers stop by for a quick drink at the counter before dinner.

The menu changes daily and offers more than 30 different dishes. The main dishes, such as grilled nodoguro (bluefin tuna), are simple dishes that bring out the best flavors of the ingredients. There are also more than 10 kinds of appetizers available every day, which are prepared using local ingredients and are not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Local Guide
Supporters

The steaks of Shimane Wagyu, a brand of beef produced by Katsube Ranch in Izumo City, are a gem of tender lean meat and fatty flavor. It is served with a homemade sauce made from local soy sauce.

Tsubameya

• 651 Imaichi-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 6 min. walk from JR Izumo City Station
• 15:00-22:00 (L.O.21:30)
• No holidays
• 0853-20-1230
• None

8
tatsuzawa misaki cafe

Bobe-meshi," a delicious shellfish dish with the aroma of the seashore

This stylish cafe is located on the way to the lighthouse from the bus stop "Himizaki Lighthouse. A must-try dish here is "bobemeshi," which is made from "bobe clams" caught on the coast of Himizaki. This is a dish of rice cooked with rice, which has been popular among the locals since ancient times. The flavor of the shellfish fills the mouth with the aroma of the sea.

The set meal includes a soup with seaweed "kajime" from Himigozaki, sashimi and fried seafood caught in the area, and other dishes that make full use of local ingredients.

Cafe with a terrace overlooking a chalk lighthouse

As you enter the restaurant through the sea breezeway, you will find yourself in a casual space with plenty of light streaming in through the large windows. Outside, there is a wooden deck with terrace seating. On a fine day, we recommend enjoying an open-air lunch while feeling the sea breeze.

You can enjoy set menus featuring seafood dishes, seafood bowls such as kajime-don and turban shell bowls, Izumo soba noodles, and a lineup of special pancakes and zenzai. Takeout of grilled squid and turban shells is also available.

Local Guide
Supporters

The local dish "Bobe-meshi" used to be served at many nearby restaurants, but now there are only a few places where you can eat it in Himisaki. This café offers a variety of menus that make the best use of ingredients from Himizaki.

tatsuzawa misaki cafe

• 1089-30, Himozaki-cho, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane MAP
• Approx. 30 min. by car from JR Izumo City Station
• Take a bus from JR Izumo City Station, get off at "Himozaki-Tozaki-Todai" and walk about 3 minutes.
• 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Last order at 4:30 PM) *Closes when ingredients run out
• Closed on Wednesdays and irregular holidays
• 0853-54-5005
• Free of charge

9
sanriba

Large and thick. A specialty rice bowl filled with shijimi clam extract

Shijimi, a specialty of Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The Yamato Shijimi caught in Lake Shinji are characterized by their large size and thick meat. At this Dining Area along Lake Shinji, you can enjoy a luxurious bowl of rice topped with a selection of larger sized Shijimi.

The bowl of rice covered with large pieces of meat and topped with a broth rich in extract is both satisfying and full of the flavor of the shijimi. The set also includes shijimi clam soup, allowing you to enjoy Matsue's local delicacies at a very reasonable price. It is a little far from the sightseeing area, but that is why it is a recommended spot.

Great location overlooking Lake Shinji

This Dining Area is located along Lake Shinji on the way from Izumo Taisha Shrine to Matsue City. The shijimi dishes, such as gozen, udon, and zosui (rice porridge), are all extravagant and lavishly use Lake Shinji products. The restaurant also offers set menus featuring sashimi and Japanese hamburgers, as well as a daily lunch, and is crowded with regular customers on weekday lunch breaks.

The restaurant also offers a relaxing dining experience with a view of the vast lake. We recommend that you come after dusk to view the sunset over Lake Shinji, which is selected as one of the "100 Sunsets of Japan.

Local Guide
Supporters

The best time to enjoy shijimi clam soup is during the winter. The shijimi dive deep into the soil to store nutrients for wintering, which makes the meat more filling and tastier. Depending on the timing, you may be able to taste the white, cloudy shijimi clam soup, which is full of extract.

Sanriba

• 517-1 Mino-cho, Izumo City, Shimane MAP
• Approx. 1 min. walk from Inonada Stn. on the Ichibata Line
• 10:00-14:30 (L.O.14:00)
• Tuesday-Thursday
• 0853-67-0855
• Free of charge

10
Kingu

Representative of Izumo Taisha's local delicacies that can be tasted before or after visiting the shrine.

A 10-minute walk from the Seidamari no Otorii (Great Gate) at the entrance to Izumo Taisha Shrine. This Dining Area is located along the "Kangei no Michi" that connects Inasa-no-hama and Izumo Taisha Shrine. While the menu includes standard diner fare such as Chinese soba noodles and pork cutlet bowls, the "Taisha yakisoba" is known as one of Izumo City's most popular local delicacies. It is a salted yakisoba with thin raw noodles that have been boiled and stir-fried with ingredients such as kamaboko (fish paste) and pork. The amount of noodles can be selected from medium, large, extra-large, and super-large.

The restaurant's interior has an old-fashioned atmosphere with the aroma of the Showa period (1926-1989)

After passing through the curtain, an aisle extends, and immediately to the left are counter seats and small seats. The interior of the restaurant has an old-fashioned atmosphere with remnants of the Showa period (1926-1989), and the many autographs displayed on the wall attest to the history and popularity of the restaurant. The second-floor hall has table seating, making it a relatively relaxing place to enjoy a meal. Stop by after visiting the shrine, and after eating, you may want to visit the power spot Inasa-no-hama.

Local Guide
Supporters

In addition to the Taisha Yakisoba, the Taisha Ramen (780 yen), which has been passed down through four generations, and the Mythology Set Meal (1,580 yen), which includes yakisoba or ramen and a seasonal dish, are three of Kingu's most popular menu items.

Kingu

• 599 Kitsukigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• 13 min. walk from Izumo Taisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Railway
• 11:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
• Closed on Wednesdays, year-end and New Year's holidays, and occasionally on other days.
• 0853-53-2473
• Free of charge

11
Kamiarimen

Local ramen filled with shijimi clam extract

This ramen restaurant is located not far from Izumo Airport. It was opened by the owner who runs a shellfish wholesale business, and by taking advantage of his purchasing power, he offers ramen noodles that lavishly use shellfish such as shijimi and clams at reasonable prices. The signature dish, "shijimi shio ramen," is an excellent creamy soup made from chicken white soup stock with plenty of shijimi extract, which matches perfectly with the homemade straight noodles. Why not stop by on your way to or from air travel, or on your way between Matsue City and Izumo City?

Seasonal and daily limited editions of creative noodles are also available.

The restaurant is mainly table seating. There are also flat sofa seats in the back, and children's tableware is self-serve, so you can enjoy your meal with your children without worry. In addition to the standard menu items such as "Hamaguri Shoyu Ramen" and "Ankou Tsukemen," the restaurant also releases a series of creative noodles that are only available for a limited time. According to the owner, "light ingredients are difficult to make a statement with," but in the past, he has "ramen-ized" all kinds of ingredients, including dried sardines and sea urchins. His skillful use of seafood to create new flavors has won him the support of many local fans.

Local Guide
Supporters

In order to make visitors to Izumo for sightseeing as enjoyable as possible, the parking lot is also equipped with a panel showing the restaurant's original face, which is associated with "Izumo mythology.

Kamiarimen

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