Local Guide
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.

A park with a large lawn where children can run around and interact with Shimane's flowers

Lawn square
Lawn square" where you can picnic and play ball surrounded by 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

Athletic playground equipment that even small children can enjoy
Athletic playground equipment that even small children can enjoy

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.

Local Guide Comment
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
  • Address 2-1101-1 Nishishinmachi, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes walk from JR Nishi-Izumo Station
  • Direction From JR Izumo City Station, take the Heisei Hot Spring Line bus. 1 minute walk from the "Hana-no-sato, Toki Kaikan-mae" stop.
  • Business hours March-November: 9:30-17:00, December-February: 9:30-16:30
  • Closed Tuesdays from Dec. to Feb. and year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 to Jan. 3)
  • Admission Fee Adults 200 yen, elementary, junior high, and high school students 100 yen
  • TEL 0853-20-1187
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo 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).

Lots of toys and devices to experience the various mechanisms of the natural world

Experience firsthand the fun and wonder of science, including the mechanisms of wind and gravity
Experience firsthand the fun and wonder of science, including the mechanisms of wind and gravity

Izumo Science Museum is a municipal Property established to provide children living in Izumo City with opportunities to experience real science. The "Exhibition Experience Plaza," where visitors can play with hands-on equipment and toys that apply various dynamics of the natural world, is crowded with families on holidays.

The "Creative Workshop" offers various classes such as woodworking, experiments using familiar materials, and science shows for children on a regular basis. In the "Science Hall," lectures by famous Japanese researchers are also held.

A deck with a train passing in front of you and a fun museum store

From the deck facing outdoors, visitors can watch trains running on the elevated tracks. Recommended for children who love trains.
From the deck facing outdoors, visitors can watch trains running on the elevated tracks. Recommended for children who love trains.

On the second floor, there is a "Drink Corner" and a "Deck" that can be used for lunch or a break. 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.

Local Guide Comment
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
  • Address 1900-2, Imaichi-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from Izumo Science Museum Park Town-mae Sta. on the Ichibata Electric Railway
  • Hours of Operation 9:30-17:30
  • Closed Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0853-25-1500
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Some floors and exhibits are restricted due to measures against new coronavirus infection.

Overlooking the Sea of Japan! Michi no Eki Kirara Taki (Roadside Station Kirara Taki)" with a variety of Souvenirs and Dining Areas

Known as a roadside station with a spectacular view adjacent to the beach, it is visited by many tourists throughout the year.
Known as a roadside station with a spectacular view adjacent to the beach, it is visited by many tourists throughout the year.

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!

Endless white sands and blue ocean. Dolphins can sometimes be seen.
Endless white sands and blue ocean. Dolphins can sometimes be seen.

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.

Local Guide Comment
Regardless of the bathing season, this is a relaxing spot to stop by when you want to see the sea. Families can also enjoy "Taki fig hot spring" near the roadside station and "Marine Thalasso Izumo" where you can enjoy thalassotherapy and swimming pools.
Roadside Station Kirara Taki, Kirara Beach
  • Address Taki Town Manabu, Izumo City MAP
  • Direction About 10 minutes walk from JR Oda Station, about 15 minutes drive from Izumo IC of Sanin Expressway
  • TEL 0853-86-9080
  • Parking Free of charge

Aquarium where you can interact with familiar creatures living in Lake Shinji and the Nakaumi Sea

On the right is Lake Shinji, and on the left is a large tank where large fish from the Nakaumi Sea swim comfortably.
On the right is Lake Shinji, and on the left is a large tank where large fish from the Nakaumi Sea swim comfortably.

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)

Visitors can freely touch crayfish in the
Visitors can freely touch crayfish in the "Dandan Touch Pool.

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.

Local Guide Comment
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
  • Address 1659-5 Sono-machi, Izumo-shi, Shimane MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 min. walk from Koyukan-no-Shin Station on the Ichibata Line
  • Business hours 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed Tuesdays, year-end (Dec. 28-Dec. 31) *If Tuesday is a national holiday, the museum is open the following weekday.
  • Admission Fee Adults 500 yen, elementary, junior high and high school students 200 yen, toddlers free
  • TEL 0853-63-7100
  • Parking Free of charge

A multi-nature park by Lake Shinji where you can enjoy bird-watching

Bird watching can be enjoyed at any time in the
Bird watching can be enjoyed at any time in the "Bird Observation House" facing Lake Shinji.

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!

Biotope pond
Biotope pond" is a habitat for water creatures

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.

Local Guide Comment
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
  • Address 1664-2 Sono-machi, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 min. walk from Koyukan-no-Shin Station on the Ichibata Line
  • Business hours 9:30-17:00
  • Closed Tuesdays (or the following weekday if Tuesday is a national holiday), Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 - January 1)
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0853-63-0787
  • Parking Free of charge

All-weather theme park where you can see flowers and birds in full bloom all year round

The
The "Owl Flight Show" held every day and the "Bird Show" featuring hawks, falcons and other birds flying overhead are very powerful.

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.

In the open-air area, there is a "Vogel Farm" where you can meet sheep and emus, as well as a lawn area and a waterfowl pond, where you can spend a whole day interacting with animals and birds. Visitors can see birds of prey flying close up in the bird show, and their smart and cool appearance attracts the attention of spectators.

Even small children can try their hand at interacting with small birds

One of the main attractions is the
One of the main attractions is the "Penguin Walk. The penguins' free and leisurely pace will make you smile.

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 Comment
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
  • Address 52 Ogaki-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Get off at Matsue Vogel Park Station on the Ichibata Line, directly connected to the park
  • Business hours April-September: 9:00-17:30, October-March: 9:00-17:00 (last admission 45 minutes before)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults (high school students and older): 1,500 yen, elementary/junior high school students: 750 yen, infants (under elementary school age): free *Group discounts and reduced rates for the disabled are available.
  • TEL 0852-88-9800
  • Parking Free for up to 2 hours (200 yen per hour thereafter)
  • Memo 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.

Sightseeing boats to enjoy the sunset over Lake Shinji and the atmosphere of the castle town Matsue

The Hakucho on the lake. The Shimane Prefectural Art Museum is in the background.
The Hakucho on the lake. The Shimane Prefectural Art Museum is in the background.

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

You can enjoy the sunset to your heart's content by anchoring on the golden surface of the lake.
You can enjoy the sunset to your heart's content by anchoring on the golden surface of the lake.

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 lovely whooper swans and snowy gulls also come close by. The Hakucho also offers onboard dining (reservations required). You can enjoy "Umiben" from Ichimonjiya, a popular restaurant at Matsue Station, and bento boxes from Kaibi, a long-established restaurant in Matsue.

Local Guide Comment
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
  • Address 150-7, Higashi-asahi-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture (No. 1 boarding area) MAP
  • Direction 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)
  • Business hours 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.
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults: 1,500 yen, children: 750 yen *Group discounts and charter rates are available.
  • TEL 0852-24-3218
  • Parking Free of charge (at the first boarding area) *There is no charge at the second boarding area.
  • Memo 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.

Close to Matsue Castle! Museum where you can enjoy Matsue's history and Japanese sweets

A screen that introduces the beginnings of the castle town of Matsue in an easy-to-understand manner using computer graphics and live-action images.
A screen that introduces the beginnings of the castle town of Matsue in an easy-to-understand manner using computer graphics and live-action images.

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
The "Moon Rabbit's Maccha Jelly" (600 yen), including maccha jelly, ice cream, cookies, and tsukimi dango (moon-viewing dumplings), is full of the charms of the tea district.

The culture of tea ceremony, which flourished under the influence of Matsue's 7th lord Matsudaira Fumai, is one of the symbols of Matsue. At "Cafe Kiharu" next to the hall, visitors can watch a demonstration of Japanese confectionery making by a modern master craftsman, and taste freshly made Japanese sweets, tea, and matcha (powdered green tea). The "Matcha Experience Set" (1,020 yen including tax) allows you to actually make your own matcha tea, and is recommended for experiencing Matsue as a tea ceremony center.

The museum store next door, "Enishizuku," offers a variety of goods and souvenirs unique to Matsue.

Local Guide Comment
Events are held seasonally, including a firearms demonstration by the Matsue Castle Gun Corps and a Japanese sword iaogiri performance, giving passengers a chance to see scenes reminiscent of the Edo period.
(*The events may be canceled due to the new coronavirus.
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

A sightseeing spot where you can experience a variety of handmade experiences in a retro architectural setting

At the
At the "Matsue Wagashi Making Experience," where you can learn from artisans, you can take home wagashi that you have made yourself.

Built in 1938 and registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, the former Matsue Branch of the Bank of Japan is a sightseeing Property with three floors from the first to third floor and one basement floor.

Many of the stores offer handmade experiences, such as "Bead Accessory Handcraft Experience for Children" and "Making a Gradient Bead," which are recommended for children, making them enjoyable for the whole family.

The only one of its kind in Japan! Pray for good luck at the pink "lucky postbox

A pink
A pink "lucky post box. Around the post are many heart-shaped ema (votive tablet) with wishes written on them.

The pink post box in the center of the courtyard is called the "lucky post box" and is a popular spot for bringing good luck. It is said that sending a letter from this post will bring good luck to the recipient. Also, if you write your wish on a heart-shaped ema (votive tablet) and tie it near the post, it will be dedicated to Yaegaki Shrine, which is famous for matchmaking, and the shrine will offer a prayer for your good fortune. Heart ema are available at the Information Desk on the first floor of the Main Building.

The architecture itself is also full of highlights, such as the large door of the basement vault, the second floor walkway, the chandelier, and the massive Greek-style exterior.

Local Guide Comment
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
  • Address 43 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Take the Lake Line bus from JR Matsue Station and get off at Kyobashi stop.
  • Business hours Workshop/9:30-18:30, Food & Beverage/11:00-18:30 (Biidoro only 23:00 (L.O.22:00))
  • Closed Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 *Some workshops are closed on certain days.
  • Admission Fee Free admission
  • TEL 0852-20-7000
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Experience of making Japanese sweets is available by reservation (40 minutes / capacity of 20 people / closed on Wednesdays).
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.