Izumo Taisha → Matsue Castle → Horikawa Sightseeing Boat → Tamatsukuri Onsen (Overnight)

Departure from Matsue Station (around 9:30 AM)

Travel: 60 minutes by car

Izumo Taisha Shrine (60 minutes)

Known as the gathering place of Japan’s deities, Izumo Taisha is one of Japan’s oldest shrines located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, and has been an object of worship since ancient times.
Learn more about Izumo Taisha’s history and effective worship methods here

Travel: 5 minutes by car

Lunch at Shimane Winery

The restaurant serves Shimane Wagyu beef, and you can enjoy wine and grape juice tastings. With abundant local specialties available, shopping is also enjoyable.

Travel: 20 minutes by car

Momen Kaido Street Walk (30 minutes)

This area flourished as a cotton trading center from the Edo to Meiji periods. Traditional gabled houses and white-walled storehouses line the street, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

Travel: 40 minutes by car

National Treasure “Matsue Castle” (45 minutes)

Matsue Castle is one of only 12 remaining original castle keeps in Japan. From the top floor observatory, you can enjoy spectacular views of Matsue city and Lake Shinji.

Travel: 5 minutes on foot

Horikawa Sightseeing Boat (60 minutes)

Cruise around Matsue Castle’s moat for approximately 50 minutes. The changing seasonal scenery is one of the highlights.

Travel: 10 minutes on foot

Shiomi Nawate Street Walk (30 minutes)

Samurai residence-style houses face the moat, preserving Matsue’s most authentic castle town atmosphere.

Travel: 30 minutes by car

Tamatsukuri Onsen (Overnight)

Tamatsukuri Onsen → Miho Shrine → Adachi Museum of Art → Matsue Station

Departure from Tamatsukuri Onsen (around 9:30 AM)

Travel: 50 minutes by car

Miho Shrine (30 minutes)

Worshipped as a deity of fishing and maritime transport. It’s said that visiting together with Izumo Taisha enhances the blessings received.

Travel: by car

Lunch: Izumo Soba

Izumo soba is a must-try when visiting Shimane. There are restaurants everywhere, so feel free to try any that catches your interest.

Travel: by car

Adachi Museum of Art (60 minutes)

This museum has been ranked No. 1 in Japanese garden rankings by an American Japanese garden specialty magazine for 22 consecutive years since 2003. It houses approximately 2,000 pieces including modern Japanese paintings and ceramics.

Travel: 50 minutes by car

Yaegaki Shrine (30 minutes)

Home to the “Mirror Pond,” considered one of the most powerful spiritual spots for romantic fulfillment. It’s said to bring blessings for marital harmony and good matchmaking.

Travel: 20 minutes by car

Kyomise Shopping Street Walk (30 minutes)

A shopping street with a retro and stylish atmosphere steeped in ancient history. About 60 shops line the street.

Travel: 10 minutes by car

Matsue Station (around 4:00 PM)