Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Shimane Prefecture (島根県)
Shimane Prefecture (島根県) is located in the Chugoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Matsue. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture include Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano.
How to get to Shimane Prefecture
2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO). Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Shimane
When visiting cities across Shimane, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes)
- Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup
- Shimane wagyu
- Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha
Best time to visit Shimane
October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens.
All 8 cities & municipalities in Shimane Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matsue 松江市 | Core city | 195,875 | 530.27 km² | City guide → |
| Izumo 出雲市 | City | 146,115 | 543.48 km² | City guide → |
| Masuda 益田市 | City | 50,980 | 733.16 km² | City guide → |
| Yasugi 安来市 | City | 42,997 | 420.97 km² | City guide → |
| Gōtsu 江津市 | City | 26,958 | 268.51 km² | City guide → |
| Unnan 雲南市 | City | 43,269 | 553.37 km² | City guide → |
| Hamada 浜田市 | City | 61,325 | 689.60 km² | City guide → |
| Ōda 大田市 | City | 39,593 | 436.11 km² | City guide → |