Local Guide
Enjoy the specialties of Matsue and Izumo easily. Six recommended lunches

Located in the eastern part of Shimane Prefecture, Matsue and Izumo are towns rich in nature, facing a brackish lake and the Sea of Japan. There are many local delicacies that you should try when you visit these cities for sightseeing, such as dishes using the famous "shijimi" (large whitebait) and specialties of long-established restaurants. Staff/staff members in the area have selected some recommended lunch spots where you can easily enjoy the "taste of Shimane Prefecture. We will also introduce some spots that are hard to find in sightseeing guides.

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

Mushi-zushi (1,100 yen) comes with arajiru soup. Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) is also available (1,300 yen). When you open the lid, the aroma of steam will whet your appetite.
Mushi-zushi (1,100 yen) comes with arajiru soup. Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) is also available (1,300 yen). When you open the lid, the aroma of steam will whet your appetite.

This long-established sushi restaurant is located in the Kyoten shopping street, which cannot be missed when sightseeing in Matsue. The signature menu item is Mushi Sushi, a Matsue specialty with a history of over 130 years. It is a warm, steamed 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. 100 boxes or more are sometimes ordered in a day, so early reservations are recommended to be sure of a meal.

Traditional flavors at a popular local restaurant

In addition to table seating, the restaurant has a small tatami room for families with children.
In addition to table seating, the restaurant has a small tatami room for families with children.

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 Comment
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
  • Address 27 Higashicha-machi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 13 min. walk from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station on the Ichibata Line
  • Business hours 10:00 - 14:30 (L.O. 14:00), 16:30 - 20:00 (L.O. 19:40, close when sold out)
  • Closed Thursdays, twice a month on Wednesdays
  • TEL 0852-21-4540
  • Parking 3 units
  • Memo Take-out only (In-store seating available only on weekdays (advance reservation required)) *As of June 4, 2021

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

Ieden Tai-meshi (sea bream rice)
Ieden Tai-meshi (sea bream rice)" comes with a set of rice cooked with sea bream, steamed egg custard, vinegared mozuku seaweed, and grilled fish for 1,870 yen.

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

On fine days, you can even watch the sunset. The sunset over Lake Shinji has been selected as one of the
On fine days, you can even watch the sunset. The sunset over Lake Shinji has been selected as one of the "100 Sunsets of Japan.

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 Comment
The service menu "Lunch Set" (1,100 yen) and "Lunch Set Pine" (1,430 yen), which can be ordered for lunch on weekdays, are limited to 20 servings each. You can enjoy a wide variety of lunches using seasonal ingredients.
Ajiminami Fujinatei
  • Address 21-1 Nushina, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes drive from JR Matsue Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Matsue Station, get off at "Nushina" and walk about 9 minutes.
  • Business hours 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
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 0852-62-0227
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Open by reservation on Monday through Thursday evenings

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

Special Shijimi-don (rice bowl)
Special Shijimi-don (rice bowl)" topped with plenty of rare extra-large "Yamato shijimi" from Lake Shinji, 2,480 yen (with extra-large shijimi clam soup)

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

Three low tables with seating for four in a calmly lit tatami room.
Three low tables with seating for four in a calmly lit tatami room.

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

Traditional taste loved for over 60 years in Matsue Castle

The black wagyu beef from Shimane Prefecture has just the right balance of fat and lean meat, and goes well with the traditional sesame sauce and ponzu sauce.
The black wagyu beef from Shimane Prefecture has just the right balance of fat and lean meat, and goes well with the traditional sesame sauce and ponzu sauce.

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 first floor is mainly table seating, with plenty of light coming in through the large windows.
The first floor is mainly table seating, with plenty of light coming in through the large windows.

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 Comment
Another popular menu item is the "Handmade Cream Croquette with Local Crab" (1,408 yen), with its rich cream and crispy batter.
Ronjun Matsue Honten
  • Address 267 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 18 min. walk from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station on the Ichibata Line.
  • Direction From JR Matsue Station, take the bus. 5-minute walk from Kenmin Kaikan-mae stop.
  • Business hours 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:30), 17:00-21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • TEL 0852-22-3618
  • Parking None

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

Taisha Yakisoba (ordinary): 650 yen. The refreshing salt yakisoba with sauce adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Taisha Yakisoba (ordinary): 650 yen. The refreshing salt yakisoba with sauce adds depth and richness to the flavor.

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)

The close proximity between Staff/staff members and customers is one of the charms of the at-home atmosphere, with daily conversation going on over the counter.
The close proximity between Staff/staff members and customers is one of the charms of the at-home atmosphere, with daily conversation going on over the counter.

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 Comment
In addition to the "Taisha Yakisoba," the "Taisha Ramen" (600 yen), which has been passed down through three generations, and the "Mythology Set Meal" (1,100 yen), which includes yakisoba or ramen and a seasonal dish, are three of Kingu's most popular menu items.
Kingu
  • Address 599 Kitsukigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 13 min. walk from Izumo Taisha-mae Station on the Ichibata Railway
  • Business hours 11:00-22:00 (L.O.21:30)
  • Closed Wednesday
  • TEL 0853-53-2473
  • Parking Free of charge

Local ramen filled with shijimi clam extract

Shijimi salt ramen (extra shijimi)
Shijimi salt ramen (extra shijimi)" (950 yen). It is characterized by the delicious taste of shijimi and its creamy, gentle flavor.

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.

It is recommended to visit the restaurant during off-peak hours, as there is often a line out the door.
It is recommended to visit the restaurant during off-peak hours, as there is often a line out the door.

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 Comment
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
  • Address 1815-1 Gakuto, Hikawa-cho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Shobara Station
  • Business hours 11:00-15:00
  • Closed Thursdays, Year-end and New Year holidays
  • TEL 0853-73-7241
  • 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.