Local Guide
Recommended sightseeing in Izumo and Matsue that can be enjoyed even on rainy days

Even a trip you have gone to the trouble of planning tends to go awry when it rains. Since the San'in region has short daylight hours and rain and snow are common, it is useful to have alternatives for your planned course. We have therefore carefully selected sightseeing spots in the Izumo and Matsue areas that you can enjoy to the fullest even on rainy days. Please refer to this guide for your trip so that you will be prepared for anything.

A popular spot for wine lovers with a tasting corner and bar

In addition to original products made with wine, the museum sells many souvenirs from Izumo and other parts of Shimane Prefecture.
In addition to original products made with wine, the museum sells many souvenirs from Izumo and other parts of Shimane Prefecture.

This is a standard tourist spot located not far from Izumo-taisha Shrine. The main tasting and sales hall features an array of "Shimane wines" made from locally produced, mellow grapes. There are a wide variety of wines, from top-quality wines made from carefully selected ingredients to more casual wines, including red, white, and sparkling wines.

Among them, "Shimane Wine Enyu Koshu 2018," made with Koshu grapes produced in Izumo, won the Gold Award, the highest award in the Koshu category, and the Cost Performance Award at the Japan Wine Competition 2019 (currently "2019" is on sale). A free wine tasting corner with about 10 different wines and grape juices is also readily available.

Wine Brewing Hall, where you can observe the wine-making process

Free tours are available without reservations during business hours. You can learn more about winemaking when you visit.
Free tours are available without reservations during business hours. You can learn more about winemaking when you visit.

There is also a "winemaking hall" where visitors can take a free tour of the wine-making process, complete with state-of-the-art machinery. Visitors can take a leisurely tour of the wine-making process, including the tanks used to store grapes and wine, as well as the preparation and bottling lines.

Also on the premises is the "Chateau Yayama" barbecue house, where visitors can enjoy the special "Shimane Wagyu" beef, and the "Shimarin Kitchen," a covered terrace café that sells local soft serve ice cream made from Delaware, which is unique to the museum.

Local Guide Comment
In the tasting and sales hall, there is also a wine bar where you can enjoy high-class brands of wine, making it a place where you can enjoy wine to the fullest, not only for shopping.
Shimane Winery
  • Address 264-2 Hishine, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 15 minutes from JR Izumo City Station by car.
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Izumo City Station and get off at "Shimane Winery".
  • Hours of Operation Shimarin Kitchen】9:30〜17:00 (open until 18:00 from April to September)
    Wine Brewing Hall】9:30〜16:30
    Chateau Yayama】10:30〜18:30 (until 19:30 from June to September) *L.O. is 30 minutes before.
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 0853-53-5577
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo May be open shorter hours to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Check website for details.

A sacred place of "Dezai Kiln" where folk craft-ism is still alive.

A variety of vessels that combine beauty and practicality. The deep blue color, known as
A variety of vessels that combine beauty and practicality. The deep blue color, known as "Dezai blue," is representative of the kiln's work.

This is one of the most popular spots in the San'in region by Izumo's nationally known and representative kiln, "Izumo Kiln. Centered around the workshop, there is a bakery-cafe where visitors can enjoy bread and light meals made from local ingredients, and a select store from Kobe, making it a place where visitors can fully enjoy themselves for nearly half a day, even on a rainy day.

At the "Kurashi-no-To-mujisei-kan" exhibition and sales hall next to the studio, a wide variety of pottery from the Izumigama kiln is on display and for sale, and just looking around the two-story atrium lined with pottery will give you a sense of folk art-ism and a small hint for your daily life.

Let's visit a workshop equipped with a climbing kiln!

The spirit of
The spirit of "nonautonomy" has been handed down at the Dezai Kiln. Practical vessels that are designed with the user in mind have been a part of local people's lives for many years.

In the studio, each potter has a potter's wheel, and each produces his or her own ceramics, from molding to glazing. Visitors can tour the studio anytime except on regular holidays and catch a glimpse of the work process until the pottery is completed.

There are many things to see in the room, including an array of molded vessels before firing and a large climbing kiln that fires more than 3,000 pieces of pottery in two days. The workshop itself, which was converted from a rice warehouse during the Showa period (1926-1989), is also full of flavor.

Local Guide Comment
The bakery-cafe "Le Cochon d'Or Dezai" offers a special menu that makes the most of locally produced ingredients, served in Dezai kiln ware that you can try to see how it feels to use.
Izumo Kurashi no village
  • Address 3368 Izumo-city, Izumo, Hikawa-cho, Izumo, Shimane, Japan MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Izumo City Station
  • Hours of Operation Kurashi no Toki, Musei Kan】9:30～18:00
    Le Cochon d'Or Izunishi】Cafe、Bakery 9:30-17:00
    Bshop Dezai】10:00〜18:00 ※Visiting the workshop may be suspended. Please inquire for details.
  • Closed Tuesdays *Le Cochon d'Or Dezai is open on Tuesdays and the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.
  • TEL 0853-72-0239（Desai Kiln)
  • Parking Free of charge

A large museum weaving the history of Izumo Taisha Shrine

One-tenth scale model of the main building of the ancient Izumo Grand Shrine. According to Izumo's legend, the main hall of Izumo-taisha Shrine was once twice as tall as it is now.
One-tenth scale model of the main building of the ancient Izumo Grand Shrine. According to Izumo's legend, the main hall of Izumo-taisha Shrine was once twice as tall as it is now.

The museum is located within walking distance of the "Seidamari no Otorii" gate of Izumo Taisha Shrine. The museum introduces the history and culture of Izumo Taisha and Shimane Prefecture, and exhibits valuable materials that tell the story of Izumo's history, including 358 bronze swords found at ruins in the prefecture, 39 bronze bells, and the huge Uzubashira, which supported the main shrine of Izumo Taisha.

The most impressive exhibit is a one-tenth scale model of the main hall of the ancient Izumo Grand Shrine, which is nearly 5 meters in height and represents what the shrine used to look like in the past. A theater that makes Izumo mythology easy to understand and enjoy is also available, making this a popular spot to stop by after visiting the shrine.

A variety of permanent exhibits that unravel the mysteries of Izumo

Chigi and Katsuo-gi, which were taken down from the main shrine building during the relocation of the shrine. Up close, you can appreciate the size of the trees.
Chigi and Katsuo-gi, which were taken down from the main shrine building during the relocation of the shrine. Up close, you can appreciate the size of the trees.

The permanent thematic exhibition rooms introduce the ancient culture of Shimane under the themes of "Izumo Taisha Shrine," "Izumo Province Fudoki," and "Bronze Artifacts. Why were huge temples built in Izumo, and what kind of activities did people engage in? ...... The exhibit unravels questions related to ancient Izumo from a variety of angles, drawing visitors' interest as they move through the rooms.

The museum also has a "marcafe" where visitors can take a break, and offers a limited time menu to coincide with special and special exhibitions. There is also a museum store, so why not visit after your tour?

Local Guide Comment
At the café, you can enjoy local Izumo related menus such as "Zenzai" and "Shimane Wagyu Beef Curry.
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo History
  • Address 99-4 Kinezukigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane MAP
  • Direction Approximately 7 minutes walk from Izumo Taisha-mae Station of Ichibata Railway.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-18:00 (until 17:00 from November to February)
  • Closed 3rd Tuesday of the month (subject to change)
  • Admission Fee Permanent exhibition: Adults 620 yen, college students 410 yen, elementary, junior high, and high school students 200 yen *Permanent exhibitions vary according to content.
  • TEL 0853-53-8600
  • Parking Free of charge

A place where visitors can enjoy the harmony of the Japanese garden and Japanese paintings that fascinate visitors

The garden covers an area of approximately 50,000 tsubo. The beauty of the garden is breathtaking, with the mountains and trees in the background used as a borrowed landscape. ©️
The garden covers an area of approximately 50,000 tsubo. The beauty of the garden is breathtaking, with the mountains and trees in the background used as a borrowed landscape. ©️

This is a must-visit spot when you come to Shimane Prefecture. More than 600,000 visitors a year come from Japan and abroad. The museum has a collection of 120 works by Yokoyama Taikan, a well-known leading figure in modern Japanese-style painting, and visitors can enjoy approximately 20 works by Taikan at any given time during the four special exhibitions held annually.

The Japanese garden, with its seasonal beauty, is also a must-see. The garden was listed as a three-star hotel in the sixth edition of the Michelin Green Guide Japon, a travel guide for foreign visitors to Japan. It has also been voted the best garden in Japan for 18 consecutive years in a ranking of gardens by an American magazine specializing in Japanese gardens.

Tearooms and tearooms where you can enjoy the different atmospheres

Jurakuan is a tea room where visitors can casually enjoy green powdered tea while looking at the
Jurakuan is a tea room where visitors can casually enjoy green powdered tea while looking at the "hanging scrolls of Sei. Available for 1,000 yen including tour and matcha fee. ©️Adachi Museum of Art

The grounds include the Honkan, which exhibits modern Japanese paintings, the Shinkan, which features contemporary Japanese paintings, and the Rosanjinkan, where approximately 120 works by the well-known ceramic artist, Kitaoji Rosanjin, are on display. Each building has a different collection of artworks. Special exhibitions are also held seasonally, allowing visitors to see masterpieces and masterpieces that are usually hard to come by.

In the main building, there are two coffee rooms with different views, where you can relax and enjoy our special coffee and sweets while looking out of the large windows at the seasonal karesansui garden and pond garden.

Local Guide Comment
The museum store sells original goods and sweets of Japanese paintings and gardens. The stores in the main building and the new building have different product lines, so stop by after viewing each.
©️Adachi Museum of Art
©️Adachi Museum of Art
Adachi Museum of Art
  • Address 320 Furukawa-cho, Yasugi-shi, Shimane MAP
  • Direction Approx. 14 min. from JR Yasugi Station by car
  • Direction Free shuttle bus service from JR Yasugi Station
  • Hours of Operation April-September: 9:00-17:30, October-March: 9:00-17:00 *Entrance to the new wing is until 15 minutes before closing.
  • Closed Open all year round (only the new wing is closed for exhibition changes)
  • Admission Fee Adults 2,500 yen, college students 2,000 yen, high school students 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yen
  • TEL 0854-28-7111
  • Parking Free of charge

Cultural Properties along the Horikawa River that weave through Matsue's history

The museum's collection includes Japanese swords made by swordsmiths representing the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate.
The museum's collection includes Japanese swords made by swordsmiths representing the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate.

The museum has an impressive exterior in the style of a samurai residence that blends in with the castle town. It is a cultural Property where visitors can experience Matsue's history and culture. Since it is within walking distance from Matsue Castle, it is a perfect spot to stop by before or after your visit to the castle.

The permanent exhibition room covers in detail the origins of Matsue Castle, the history of the Matsue domain, and the lives of the people. A precise diorama of the former castle town, armor, and a model of the castle are also on display. Don't miss the "Den Rikyu Tea Room," a reconstruction of a 400-year-old tea room said to have been used by Sen no Rikyu.

Taste wagashi made by master artisans while gazing at the Japanese garden

Matcha and Japanese sweets set
Matcha and Japanese sweets set" 820 yen with your choice of fresh sweets.

The "Cafe Kiharu" inside the museum is a Japanese-style cafe where you can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the Japanese garden. Visitors can taste seasonal sweets made by a modern master craftsman who received the prestigious "Medal with Yellow Ribbon". The garden outside the window is a "karesansui" (dry landscape) garden, which expresses a landscape without using water. Lanterns made of Raitai stone, a specialty of Matsue City, are placed in the garden to reflect local characteristics.

In the museum store, visitors can purchase goods related to the permanent and special exhibitions, Japanese goods made by local artists, famous teas, Japanese sweets, and other items.

Local Guide Comment
Near the Property is the Matsue Horan Enya Folklore Museum, where visitors can learn about the origins and history of Horan Enya, a boat ritual held once every 10 years in Matsue City.
Matsue History Museum
  • Address 279 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 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.
  • Business hours 9:00 - 17:00 (admission by 16:30)
  • Closed Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 - January 1)
  • Admission Fee Admission free *Basic exhibition room: Adults 510 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 250 yen
  • TEL 0852-32-1607
  • Parking Free of charge

Ancient temple related to a great tea master to visit on a rainy day

The temple has prospered as a family temple for generations of feudal lords, including the lord Fumai. The graveyard and mausoleum gate remain in the quiet precincts.
The temple has prospered as a family temple for generations of feudal lords, including the lord Fumai. The graveyard and mausoleum gate remain in the quiet precincts.

Along with Kyoto and Kanazawa, Matsue is one of the "Three Great Sweets Towns of Japan. It was Matsudaira Fumai, or Matsudaira Jirigo, the seventh lord of the Matsudaira family, who established the culture of the tea ceremony. Gesshoji Temple, known as a place associated with lord Fumai, is a good place to visit on rainy days. It is also a perfect spot for sightseeing during the rainy season.

It is also known as the "San'in Hydrangea Temple." From mid-June to early July, the temple gate and approach are decorated with about 30,000 hydrangeas, which blend beautifully with the architecture and vegetation. The temple is within walking distance from Matsue Castle, so why not visit in conjunction with a visit to the National Treasure?

Enjoy Matsue's tea culture in the Shoin

A set of matcha green tea and Matsue's famous sweets is available for 450 yen per smoke. Experience Matsue's tea culture with all five senses while gazing at the Japanese garden.
A set of matcha green tea and Matsue's famous sweets is available for 450 yen per smoke. Experience Matsue's tea culture with all five senses while gazing at the Japanese garden.

Visitors can enjoy a tea ceremony experience in the wood-scented shoin "Koshinden" while admiring the Japanese garden. After walking through the quiet precincts of the temple, taking a break while soaking up the atmosphere is truly an exceptional experience.

The tea cakes served are "Roshiba," a famous confectionary from the long-established Japanese confectionary "Furyudo. It is a comfortable Japanese confectionery made of a layer of gyuhi and white bean paste. The water used for matcha is "Chanoyu no mizu," a spring water designated as one of the "100 Famous Waters of Shimane," and is said to have been used by Lord Fumai. Chanoyu-no-Mizu is located next to the entrance of the temple and can be drunk freely.

Local Guide Comment
In the precincts of the shrine, there is a stone statue of a large tortoise that appears in an essay by the great writer Koizumi Yakumo, and it is said that if you pat its head, you will live a long life. There is also a "Treasure Hall" where items related to the feudal lords are on display, so take as much time as you need to stroll around the shrine.
Gessho-ji Temple
  • Address 179 Sotonakabaracho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 15 minutes walk from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station on the Ichibata Line.
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Matsue Stn. and get off at "Tsukishoji-mae" bus stop.
  • Hours of Operation April-November: 9:00-17:00, December-March: 9:30-16:30
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Admission: Adults 500 yen, Junior and senior high school students 300 yen, Elementary school students 250 yen
  • TEL 0852-21-6056
  • Parking Free of charge
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.