Day 1:

Upon arriving in Izumo from Haneda Airport our first destination is Kan-Un-Ro restaurant, nestled away near Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. We can enjoy Shimane’s local dishes such as Izumo soba noodles and shijimi clams.
From there we will make our way on foot to Izumo Taisha. One of Japan’s most famous shrines with a long and deep rooted history. It is believed that every October, the gods residing around Japan will return to Izumo Taisha. 

The shrine is an important place for those seeking prosperity in their personal connections. People from all over Japan visit the shrine to pray for relationship success, making it a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and blessings.  You may even be able to witness a ceremony and see the beautiful garments of the guests!

Stroll through the temple grounds and marvel at its sacred sights such as the grand shimenawa rope weighing in at 4.5 tons, the massive torii gate, and the pine tree-lined path. 

From Izumo Taisha you will visit the renowned Adachi Museum of Art, home to a Japanese garden considered “a living Japanese painting”, that has held the top spot in an American Japanese garden magazine for 21 consecutive years.

The founder believed that the garden itself could be a canvas, as such the garden is pristinely maintained and changes depending on the seasons. The museum also features seasonal collections and the collection of works by Taikan Yokoyama, a person who had an immense impact on the course of art history in Japan. 

The museum has in in-house cafe restaurant, so after viewing the exhibits you can take your time viewing the garden with some food and drinks!

Day 2:

Shimane has a long rich history involving ancient sword making techniques and trade. We start off the day by visiting the Tatara Sword Museum. Explore the museum, see relics of the past and enjoy the exhibits. Test your strength and try your hand at mounting the furnace bellows. Finally enjoy a special opportunity to witness a real demonstration of sword smithing by a local who carries on the original tatara techniques. 

After the Tatara Sword Museum we move onto Yoshida Town.  Take the chance to explore and around the small village retaining many of the original buildings and a long history in Shimane.  

After dinner, you will watch a mesmerizing performance of Iwami Kagura. Iwami Kagura is a long standing cultural icon for the region and even schools have school clubs for Iwami Kagura. It is a piece of Japanese culture not many have the opportunity to witness, so let’s celebrate this special traditional performance and join in with the locals!

Each event has 2-3 stories about famous Japanese folklore and mythology. These are the epitome of local cultural theatre, complete with glittering hand-made costumes, fearsome giant serpents, and dances synchronized with music and storytelling.  
After the event has concluded, you can meet with the performers and take pictures with them in costume. 

Shimane is also home to some famous Japanese hot springs known as onsen. The hot spring is renowned for its alkaline skin-beautifying waters, considered one of the best in Japan. A perfect way to rejuvenate the body and mind. 

*Onsen is subject to availability

Day 3:

On the third day, you will visit the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A location with a long deep-rooted history in Japan. Walk on a guided tour or grab an electric-powered bicycle and head up towards the mine tunnel entrance. The walk up is through peaceful encompassing mountain hills covered in bamboo forests. Head into the mine tunnels, where you can see first hand the tight and seemingly endless shafts scoured into the mountain.  and experience what it may have been like for people during that time. 

After returning from the tunnels, walk through the streets of the nearby town of Omori, which flourished thanks to the silver mine and still retains its historic charm. The buildings have been restored to their original forms and well maintained so the entire town feels locked in a different era.
While navigating its streets you can visit the two dragon themed shrines, stop at small local shops and have memorable encounters with the locals or find the perfect souvenir.

Your final stop is the Nishida Sekishu Washi Studio, which boasts a long history of authentic Sekishu Washi production. Learn the processes and history behind Sekishu Washi and grab the chance to record your memories of this trip on your own handmade paper! You can take home the washi paper you create on the same day. 

In the evening, you will arrive back at Haneda Airport. After these fulfilling three days, you’ll surely have a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture.

If you would like to read more about the Shimane region you can read our articles about Northern and Southern Shimane here:
★　Northern Shimane
★　Southern Shimane

We hope you enjoy your time in Shimane!