Shimane Prefecture is a region south-west of Honshu. It’s located approximately 1,000 kilometres from Tokyo, is a beautiful place to visit and well worth the journey.

The area accommodates the Adachi Museum of Art with a magnificent garden voted as number one in all of Japan. This garden cleverly links the beauty of the traditional garden with the beauty of art. Various windows look out to the garden giving the impression of a framed picture. The museum has a collection of approximately 1,500 pieces of contemporary Japanese art work.

You can also visit Matsue Castle (this is the original, made of wood and stone and built in 1611), the world heritage listed Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, Oki National Park, Izumo Shrine (dedicated to the God of happiness and marriage), Matsue Vogel Park with a large display of rare flowers and birds from around the world. Shimane prefecture also has hot springs and the Yunotsu Hot Springs are reputed to alleviate a range of ailments. 

There are many scenic islands, notably the Oki Islands, museums, festivals, gardens and natural beauty throughout the region.

There is also the opportunity to experience rural life, staying with local families and helping out with agricultural and fishing activities or even enjoying culinary holidays with the locals. Shimane is known as the ‘forestry prefecture’ and it’s also the source for much of Japan’s seafood.

The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is a World Heritage Site. It was in operation from the early 16th century to the early 20th century with many aspects of development in the mining area remaining today. The mining towns which flourished, and mountain fortress sites which protected the mine, also remain.

From the late 16th century to the early 17th century, Japan produced one third of the world’s silver, with the majority of this silver being Iwami Silver.

Nearby Omori is a charming and well-preserved town located in a narrow valley. This is a time-honoured Japanese town marked by traditional houses, shopfronts and post boxes. There are various temples, stone walls and picture-perfect landscapes.

The town is surrounded by mountains, mineshafts and walking tracks. History abounds and there are remarkable stories and exhibits about the life and times of the hard-working miners who, on average, only lived to 30 years of age.

If you want to venture further and enjoy the slower pace of island life, take the ferry to Ama Town, approximately 60 kilometres offshore in the Sea of Japan. The area is rich in natural resources with half the island devoted to agriculture and half to fishing. Rice cultivation and natural marine produce ensure self-sufficiency in food and again, you’ll see some beautiful landscapes.

Ama-cho was once a place to exile political prisoners. The Emperor Go-Toba was exiled and died there. Consequently, the area has a great deal of cultural and historical significance.

To find out more about Shimane Prefecture, visit http://www1.pref.shimane.lg.jp/contents/kokusai/kokusai-e/index.html