Japan Tourism - The Heart of the San'in Region - Shimane & Tottori

12/01/2025

✨ Iwami Kagura at Tamatsukuri Onsen ✨

Step into the enchanting world of Iwami Kagura, set against the magical backdrop of Tamatsukuri Onsen (in southern Matsue). An evening filled with legends and traditions awaits, perfect for all ages! While you're there, take time to explore this beautiful hot spring village and its legendary thermal baths.♨️😊

Performances include:
🎣Ebisu (恵比須), the god of fishing and prosperity
🐉Orochi (大蛇), the legendary battle against the eight-headed dragon
After the show, capture the memory with a special photo session on stage featuring the Orochi dragon! 📸

🕕 Dates and Location:
📅 January 11 – February 23, 2025
(Every Saturday and Sunday, 14 performances in total)
⏰ 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 3rd Floor, Grand Hall of Tamatsukuri Onsen Yu~Yu (玉造温泉ゆ〜ゆ)

✅ Tickets:

General Admission: Adults: 2,000 ¥ | Children (school age): 1,000 ¥ | Under 6: Free
Tamatsukuri Onsen Ryokan Guests: 50% discount on tickets!

▼ More info about Tamatsukuri Onsen (玉造温泉), south of Matsue City:

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/299329374891708

11/01/2025

Twice a year, the people of Katae and some adventurous tourists gather in the harbor and go back home the face covered by Chinese ink. It is said that the ink applied on your face will protect you from illnesses and shipwrecks! Some participants also help carry a god between local shrines. It is carried quite a distance in the water of the port in both summer and winter!

Called "Katae no Sumitsuke Tondo" (片江の墨つけとんど), the Ink Festival is held on the first Sunday (after the 6th) of every January and the fourth Sunday of every July.

Access: Take the Ichibata bus from JR Matsue Station to Mihonoseki Bus Station (Shichirui Line) then take the bus towards Katae (片江).

08/01/2025

Adachi Museum of Art has just been announced as the No.1 Japanese Garden for 22 consecutive years by the American Journal of Japanese Gardening in its “2024 Japanese Garden Ranking”! ㊗🎉

The stunning gardens of Adachi Museum of Art can be enjoyed from the museum building, with different views framing the gardens as if they were living paintings, changing with the seasons. The museum itself also features a large collection of modern Japanese paintings, including the works of Taikan Yokoyama, which greatly inspired the creator of the garden.

Adachi Museum of Art (足立美術館) offers great discounts to international visitors and is easily accessible by free shuttle bus from JR Yasugi Station. More info here:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/209371453887501

▼ The area is also home to the following Japanese gardens included in the top 50:

👉 Chorakuen Garden (長楽園), featuring the largest open-air mixed bath in Japan! - Tamatsukuri Onsen, Matsue City
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/511232853701358

👉 Yuushien Japanese Garden (由志園) - Matsue City
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/367218801436098

👉 Kōkoku-ji Temple (康国寺) - Izumo City
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/345841130240532

👉 Minami-kan Ryokan (皆美館)- Matsue City
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/561501782007798

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01/01/2025

For many Japanese, the New Year is synonymous with “hatsumôde” (初詣), the first shrine visit of the year. About 700.000 people are expected to visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine during the first three days of the year to wish for good fortune. Designated as National Treasure, Izumo Taisha is one of the most important shrines of Japan. Its main deity - Okuninushi (also known as Daikoku) - is the god of matchmaking.

Every year on the morning of January 3rd, a ritual called Kitchô-san (吉兆さん) is held on the shrine's grounds and its vicinity. Led by 42-year-old men wearing devil masks called Bannai (番内) and accompanied by flutes and drums, this colorful procession sets up their magnificently decorated flag as they sing special prayer songs to drive away evil spirits.

▼ More info on Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and its surroundings:

👉 Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and "the month with gods"
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/171448441013136

👉 The many gates of Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/172740770883903
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/189692272522086

👉 Kimono rentals
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/179110030246977

👉 Cape Hinomisaki
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/149876459837001

👉 The Archeological Museum of Kojindani
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/181278083363505

27/12/2024

The Sea of Japan can be seen from Mt Daisen and its ski resort on a clear day. 🌊⛷🏂🏔️

Easily accessible by bus from Yonago (50 min trip), Daisen White Resort is conveniently located next to Daisen-ji Temple and Ogamiyama Shrine, where trail heads to Mt Daisen's summit start. It welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, and is complete with lodging, dining, and gear rental.

Learn more about Mt Daisen here:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/375246540633324

Check out Daisen White Resort's page in Japanese for more pictures and info:
【海の見えるゲレンデ】だいせんホワイトリゾート

26/12/2024

Experience the best of winter flavors at "Matsue Kani-ichi" (松江かにいち), opened for a limited time until the end of February!🦀

Indulge in freshly grilled Matsuba crab and other seafood delights in a lively market-style setting. Whether it’s crab, fish, shrimp, scallops, or even grilled rice balls, cook them right at your table for the ultimate seafood BBQ experience✨

For sake lovers, don't miss to try "kani no kora zake", a warm sake in a grilled crab shell! 🍶

📍 Location:
150-7 Higashi Asahi-machi, Matsue
⏰ Hours:
Weekdays: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm / 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
🚶 Access:
3 min by taxi or 15 min on foot from JR Matsue Station.

24/12/2024

Experience the Magic of Winter Illuminations in the heart of the San'in region!
As the year comes to a close, the San'in region transforms into a wonderland of sparkling lights and enchanting displays. Don't miss these incredible illumination spots:

✨Tottori Hanakairo Flower Park
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/388237650247470

✨Yonago and the "City of Light Project"
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/610288071375759

✨Yuushien Japanese Garden
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/387096770361558

✨Matsue Vogel Park
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/389408346797067

✨Izumo MiLight

22/12/2024

Winter in the heart of the San'in region❄️⛄✨😍 Enjoy these pictures of snow-covered Japanese gardens, temples, shrines, castles, archaeological remains, and more!

15/12/2024

Pictures of the various illuminations throughout Yonago this winter as part of the "City of Light Project" (Yonago ヒカリマチプロジェクト)😍❄️🌠

Before it was dismantled shortly after the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Yonago Castle was five-stories high and represented the largest castle in the San'in area. It is located on top of a hill and offers spectacular views on the Sea of Japan and Mt. Daisen. It is also a popular spot for hiking and for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Easy access from JR Yonago Station!

Illuminations until 1/31/2025🌟

11/12/2024

07/12/2024

Each year, Japan's deities are said to gather in Izumo. Don't miss this documentary about Izumo Taisha, a shrine with a millennium of history.

*First broadcast on December 7, 2023.Each year, Japan's deities are said to gather in Izumo in western Japan. We visit Izumo Taisha, a shrine with a millennium of history, and explore a land with deep connections to the distant past.

03/12/2024

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we’re excited to share a truly special resource: a tourist guide created by and for people with disabilities!

This thoughtfully crafted guide, available in English, features detailed maps and practical information to help you explore the beautiful San'in region with ease and confidence.

Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply curious about accessible travel in this scenic part of Japan, this guide is here to inspire and empower your journey.

▼ Link:

http://accessible-travel-san-in.com/

01/12/2024

Held annually on December 3rd in Mihonoseki Harbor, the Moratabune Ritual (諸手船神事) is a traditional race between two boats reenacting a famous episode of the Kojiki, in which heavenly messengers are sent by the sun goddess Amaterasu to ask for the lands of Okuninushi (now worshiped at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine). The messengers were then sent by him to ask his son, Kotoshironushi (also known as Ebisu), and they used a dug-out canoe to get to him⛩️🐟

The Kojiki ("Records of Ancient Matters" 古事記) was written in 712 and is regarded as one of the most important records of early history of Japan.

▼ More info about Mihonoseki Harbor (美保関)

www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/391583025666342

30/11/2024

28/11/2024

Yonago City is home to the Japanese Umbrella Museum of Yodoe in which visitors can create their own umbrella out of traditional Washi paper.

These carefully handcrafted umbrellas - called Yodoe-gasa (淀江和傘) - have been made since the Edo Period and are used not only in exterior as traditional umbrellas, but also in interior as decorative ornaments.

The process of crafting a traditional Yodoe umbrella from one single stalk of bamboo requires over 70 painstaking steps.

Beautiful Japanese umbrellas are often used in festivals - such as the Tottori Shanshan Festival's Umbrella Dance - and displayed during various events across the area. A rare chance to enjoy hundreds of illuminated umbrellas at night inside Mt Daisen's main shrine and temple is the Obon Daikento Wagasa Illuminations ("Daisen Wagasa Fantasy Nights"), usually held during mid-August for Obon. More info here:
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/194063762084937

The Umbrella Museum of Yodoe (Wagasa Densho-kan 淀江和傘伝承館) is located 5 min. by foot from JR Yodoe Station in Yonago City. An advanced reservation is required to participate in activities (0859-56-6176).

▼ Learn more about Yodeo Umbrellas on Google Arts and Culture:

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/qQXx6lZ2nxHUIg

27/11/2024

In autumn, thousands of persimmons are hung in shelters specially built for them on the hills of Higashi-Izumo (Matsue).

These persimmons are harvested in mid-October, peeled, washed, then hung on strings and sun-dried in the open air for several weeks. Dried persimmons (Hoshigaki 干し柿) are deliciously sweet and can be stored for weeks before being eaten for dessert.

It is not uncommon to see persimmons hanging on strings on balconies of Japanese homes, as the Hoshigaki are very popular across the country.

Learn more about "Dried Persimmon Village" (Hata Hoshigaki) on this page:
@畑ほし柿生産組合

22/11/2024

Nakaura Fish Market, also known as Tairyo Ichiba Nakaura (大漁市場なかうら), is a must-visit spot in Sakaiminato! 🦀

Famous for its 7.7-meter-tall stone statue of Kitaro, the beloved character from Gegege no Kitaro by Sakaiminato-raised manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, this bustling market offers an incredible selection of products, including crabs, dried fish, kamaboko (fish cakes), sweets, and fun Kitaro-themed goods.

Visitors can enjoy exploring the fresh seafood and souvenir stalls while dining at the on-site restaurant. Be sure to try the Matsuba-gani crab (snow crab), a winter delicacy of Tottori Prefecture, caught fresh from November to March. Did you know Sakaiminato boasts the largest annual landing of snow crab in Japan?

Nakaura Fish Market is just a 10-minute walk from Yumeminato Tower, another landmark of Sakaiminato.

20/11/2024

🍁🍂 Fall Colors: Izumo 🍂🍁

Here are the top spots to soak in the beauty of the season in the Izumo area.

👉Gakuen-ji Temple (鰐淵寺)
Certainly one of the most beautiful places to enjoy autumn foliage in the area, if not all of Japan!
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/442477190576925

👉Izumo Cultural Heritage Museum (出雲文化伝承館)
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/366635081494470

👉Ichibata Yakushi Temple (一畑薬師)
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/147566193401361

👉Tachikue Gorge (立久恵峡)
www.facebook.com/SaninHeart/posts/197137828444197

👉Iwane Temple (岩根寺)
One of the many ginkgo shining with golden leaves in autumn in the area.