Local Guide
Check the temperature and clothing in Izumo and Matsue!

Shimane Prefecture is located on the Sea of Japan side of the Chugoku region. Izumo is dotted with ancient shrines, including Izumo Taisha, and is also known as the "Land of Myth," while Matsue is the "City of Water," with its Tamatsukuri hot springs and Lake Shinjiko, and is rich in nature.
The prefecture as a whole has the characteristics of a Sea of Japan climate with heavy rain and snowfall in winter. Although the average annual temperature is relatively mild (12-15°C), Izumo City and Matsue City, located in the eastern part of the prefecture, become severely cold in winter, with snow falling due to air currents from the Sea of Japan. In Izumo and Matsue City in winter, weather conditions may differ from area to area, so be prepared to wear the appropriate clothing for the location.

Izumo Temperature Chart

Cherry blossoms at Matsue Castle (courtesy of Matsue Tourism Association)
Cherry blossoms at Matsue Castle (courtesy of Matsue Tourism Association)

The average temperature in March is 7.8℃. Although there is not enough snow to accumulate, there is snowfall in early March, and it is still cold. During this time of year when heavy coats and gloves are necessary, the city is decorated with brightly colored camellias. The "Camellia Festival," held annually around March 10 at Matsuyama Castle, a national treasure, has become a tradition.
In late March, the average temperature exceeds 10°C, and the 200 Someiyoshino cherry trees that stain the "Izumo Taisha Shrine Shrine Garden" come into bloom. From mid-April, the prefecture's flower, the button, is at its best.
The average temperature in May is 17.6℃. With many sunny days, you can spend a comfortable time with a light shirt, jacket, or other easily removable outer garment.

Hydrangeas at Gessho-ji Temple (courtesy of Matsue Tourist Association)
Hydrangeas at Gessho-ji Temple (courtesy of Matsue Tourist Association)

The rainy season in Izumo and Matsue City begins in early to mid June. The 30,000 hydrangeas at Gesshoji Temple in Matsue City are at their best. The average temperature is 21.6℃. When going out, you should carry a parka or jacket along with rain gear as it will feel chilly than the actual temperature due to the coldness of the rainy season.
When the rainy season ends in mid-July, the beaches along the Sea of Japan are crowded with people. Summer festivals are held at historic shrines and hot spring resorts, and the temperature and energy soar. The number of tourists also peaks.
July and August are the months of midsummer, so you can comfortably spend the days in short sleeves. However, since the rooms are air-conditioned, be sure to carry a light cardigan.

Worship at Izumo Grand Shrine
Worship at Izumo Grand Shrine

Lingering summer heat lasts until mid-September. From late September to mid-October, the average temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable to stroll around. This is also the best time to visit mythical places such as "Yuzuri," "Yamata-no-orochi," and "Inaba no Shirahagi (White Rabbit of Inaba).
The best time to visit Izumo and Matsue is during the month of November, when all the gods of Japan are said to gather in Izumo. In early November, around October 10 to 17 on the lunar calendar, Izumo Taisha Shrine and other shrines in Izumo and Matsue City hold solemn Shinto rituals such as "Kamiarizuki" and "Kamiarizai". It is also said that this period, when the gods gather, is also said to bring good luck.
Around mid-November, the autumn leaves are at their best in many places. Temperatures are often chilly, around 10°C, so be sure to prepare a coat over a sweater as well as a stole and other accessories.

Lake Shinji in winter
Lake Shinji in winter

Temperatures drop dramatically in December, and the first snowfall is usually observed in the beginning of the year. The average temperature is 6.7℃. In addition to a heavy coat, a scarf, stole, and gloves are essential.
Average temperatures in January and February are around 5°C. The cold weather persists, and snow can accumulate in the city as well as in the mountains. When going out, be sure to wear a sweater and down jacket over a warm inner layer and boots on your feet to protect yourself from the cold.
From December to March, there is not only snow accumulation but also icy road surfaces. When traveling by car, it is a good idea to replace your tires with snow tires or prepare chains.
Winter is the season when you will miss hot springs. We recommend spending a relaxing time at Tamatsukuri hot springs and other famous hot springs. In addition, Izumo is also full of winter specialties such as Nodoguro, Matsuba Gani (Matsuba Crab), and Kanchijimi (cold whitebait).

After a day of sightseeing, how about relaxing at Tamatsukuri hot spring, famous for its historic and skin-beautifying waters? Guest rooms are decorated with Izumo's traditional techniques and new sensitivities, such as Izumo forging, Ishu washi paper, and Kumiko crafts, and Izumo's culture can be enjoyed through nightly Kagura performances.

Guest rooms with Outdoor hot spring to enjoy the historic "God's hot water

Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, known since ancient times as a hot spring for beautiful skin
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, known since ancient times as a hot spring for beautiful skin

Approximately 20 minutes by car from Matsue. Located in Tamatsukuri hot spring in Izumo, the Land of the Gods, this hot spring ryokan features an outdoor hot spring in every room. Guests can enjoy not only the Public hot spring but also the Guest room Outdoor hot spring, which is famous as a hot spring for beautiful skin and has a long history as recorded in the "Izumo Province Fudoki" (Record of Fudoki).
The meals are KAI Local Flavors, using seasonal ingredients such as Lake Shinji clam and crab from Lake Shinji. It is also a tasteful way to experience Matsue's tea ceremony culture in the tea room with a view of the Japanese garden. In addition, nightly "Iwami Kagura" dances based on mythology are performed (free of charge). Visitors can feel Izumo's culture close at hand.

Hoshino Resorts KAI Tamatsukuri
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.