Stretching east to west along the Sea of Japan, the San’in region is renowned for verdant scenery and historical townscapes dating from the Edo to early Meiji periods (17th to 19th centuries) found throughout the land. A trip here feels like traveling back in time, full of refreshingly eye-opening surprises. Though it may take time, the many sights to see are well worth a visit.
– Mt. Daisen
As the saying goes, “Mt. Fuji in the east, Mt. Daisen in the west.” Mt. Daisen in western Tottori Prefecture takes its rightful place as one of the 100 most famous peaks in Japan. One great attraction is that the view of the mountain changes dramatically depending on the perspective. Among the points of view, the steep cliffs on the north side seen from the Goenzan Noroshidai viewpoint are breathtaking, an unmissable sight as they rise above the foothills blanketed in autumn leaves! Fall colors usually start to emerge in early October, reaching their peak in early November.
Access: JR Yonago Sta.→ 50 min by bus → Daisenji stop (final stop) → 25 min walk
– Uradome Coast
The ria inlets of the Uradome Coast face the Sea of Japan. Caves and other rarely seen rock formations emerge amid the clear beauty of the sea like naturally formed works of art. The exceptional clarity of the Uradome waters stand out, even within the natural paradise of the San’in Kaigan Geopark that stretches east to west from Kyoto to Shimane Prefecture! The idyllic atmosphere of the small fishing town of Tajiri is also charming, a great chance to see the life of a fishing village in harmony with the gorgeous natural setting.
Access: JR Iwami Sta.→ 8 min by bus
– Matsue
Looking out onto the shores of Lake Nakaumi to the east and Lake Shinji to the west, crisscrossed with the currents of many canals, the castle town of Matsue in eastern Shimane Prefecture earns its renown as the “City of Water.” In the center of the city stands Matsue Castle, home to a castle tower built in 1611 now designated as a National Treasure. Seeing the castle from a sightseeing boat cruising through the canals is not to be missed.
The sunset on Lake Shinji is also a stunning sight.
Access: JR Matsue Sta.→ 10 min by bus
– Tsuwano
A quiet castle town nestled among the mountains. Many carp swim in the canal that runs alongside the cobblestone main street of Tonomachi-dori, lined in white-walled historical buildings.
Access: JR Tsuwano Sta.→ 10 min walk
On half way up the Mt.Shiroyama overlooking the town is Taikodani Inari Shrine, famous for its thousand torii gates arching over the path to the shrine.
Access: JR Tsuwano Sta. → 30 min walk
-Hagi
Hagi Castle Town is now a registered World Cultural Heritage Site as a place that shows the progress of Japan’s industrial revolution which began in the 1850s. The townscape from this era, when Japan adopted Western technology as it embarked on industrialization, has been preserved, offering a precious glimpse into the regional society of that time. From spring to early summer, natsumikan oranges can be seen ripening on trees all over town.
Access: JR Shin-Yamaguchi Sta.→ 1 hr by bus
-Bonus!
Planning a trip to the San’in region? The Kansai-San’in Area Pass from JR West Japan is the best way to go! Hop on and off as you please with this 7-day pass, valid on conventional JR lines between the Kansai and San’in regions, as well as the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama.
Price: 18,000 yen for adult
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_sanin/
-Iwami Ginzan
Registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2007, this is one of the world’s finest examples of mining ruins. In the early 17th century, one-third of the silver circulating in the world is said to have been produced here. This site offers a sense of true exploration with an up-close look at artifacts that show how mining was done by hand.
Access: JR Odashi Sta.→ 30 min by bus
-Omori Townscape
In the town of Omori, which flourished alongside the silver mine, buildings made with special, locally produced red tiles, line the road for about 1 km. Walking down the sepia-colored streets is like stepping into an old movie.
“L’heure Bleue Iwamiginzan” is a general store in a renovated folk house. Lined with local ingredients, tableware, stylish interior goods, and more, it’s the perfect place to find souvenirs.
Business hours: 11:00 – 16:00
Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
https://lb-iwamiginzan.storeinfo.jp/
Access: JR Odashi Sta.→ 25 min by bus → Omori Daikanshoato stop → 3 min walk
-Yunotsu Onsen
Bustling since olden times as a spa resort area along with the shipping port for silver from the mine, Yunotsu is a hot spring town with a beautiful retro townscape. The high quality spring waters here are famous as a remedy for sensitivity to the cold.
Access: JR Yunotsu Sta.→ 5 min by bus or 10 min walk
– Editor’s recommended dish: Nodoguro
Raised in the fertile fishing grounds of the Sea of Japan, nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) is a specialty of the San’in region, popular for its fatty, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The popular dish “Nodoguro Aburi Don” at “Meshidokoro Gussan” in Shimane Prefecture’s Hamada City is a must-try! First, enjoy it as served, then pour in dashi broth to make “ochazuke” for the finest of finales.
Business hours: 10:00 – 15:00
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Access: JR Hashi Sta.→ 15 min walk
-Motoike Museum of Leather Art
From leather puppet artist Hideo Motoike comes the world’s first leather art museum. The roughly 100 pieces include life-size animals with finely detailed reproductions of fur, as well as dolls conveying a variety of expressions, all made with a unique manufacturing method. A shop selling leather goods and a café are also onsite.
Business hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
Closed:Wednesdays, Thursdays, open on national holidays
Admission fee: Adult 500 yen, junior and senior high school student 300 yen
https://www.motostyle.jp/pages/museum
Access: JR Oshinozucho Sta.→ 15 min walk
– Yuyado Souan
In Shimane Prefecture’s Izumo City is an inn hidden away in Yunokawa Onsen, otherwise known as the “hot springs of beauty.” A group of historical folk-houses dotted around a lush garden now serve as guest rooms. Antique European furnishings create a sophisticated space with a fascinating blend of Japan and the West, while the view from the veranda offers true tranquility. The original Japanese cuisine, made with local delicacies from the sea and mountains is also sublime!
https://www.yuyado-souan.jp/
Access: JR Shobara Sta.→ 10 min walk
In the autumn of 2024, an international contemporary art festival, “Forest Festival of the Arts Okayama: Clear-Skies Country,” will be held in 12 municipalities in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture. Contemporary artists, photographers, dancers, ikebana(Japanese flower arrangement) artists, and other creators from a wide range of artistic fields will be invited from Japan and abroad to exhibit their new works, and unique artworks tailored to each location. Other art projects that allow visitors to enjoy food from the host area are also underway. For more information about the festival and participating artists, please check the official website of the festival.
https://forestartfest-okayama.jp/
Dates: September 28 – November 24, 2024
Municipalities where artworks will be installed: Tsuyama City, Niimi City, Maniwa City, Kagamino Town, Nagi Town
Art Director: Yuko Hasegawa (Curator, art critic, Director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa)
Festival Passport: (Adult) Advance sales 2,500 yen, Day-of sales 3,000 yen (University/vocational school student) Advance sales 1,500 yen, Day-of sales 2,000 yen
Single-venue ticket: 700 yen
https://forestartfest-okayama.jp/en/
