As Shimane Prefecture in Western Japan stretches east to west, facing the Sea of Japan and Lake Shinji, it has many great sunset-viewing spots. The prefecture also has several places which appear as the setting of Japanese myths, mainly in the Izumo Area. It is said that ancient people saw this area as a sacred place, into which the sun goes down. Let us introduce the four of the best sunset-viewing spots, recommended by a Shimane-loving writer, among other great sunset-viewing spots in Shimane with a mystical background.
Lake Shinji (Matsue City)
Lake Shinji is one of the most wonderful sunset-viewing spots in Shimane Prefecture, which should never be missed. Famous viewing spots around Lake Shinji include a parking space called “Shinjiko Yuhi Spot Torupa,” from which you can appreciate a beautiful view of Yomegashima Island on the lake and the sunset together, and Shirakata Park, located to the south of Shinjiko Ohashi Bridge.
I especially recommend Shimane Art Museum, which has a theme of harmony with water. Take in the view of the beautiful sunset in a relaxing atmosphere from the all-glass lobby on the first floor facing the lake (the lobby is open to everyone for free). The outdoor exhibition includes several art works, such as “Shinjiko Usagi,” a set of 12 rabbit sculptures on the lawn, offering a place to admire both art and the sunset.
JR Matsue Sta. → 6 min by bus → Kenritsu Bijutsukan-mae stop → 1 min walk
Inasa-no-hama Beach and Cape Hinomisaki in Izumo City
In Izumo, the sunset has long been considered to be quite important and sacred. Izumo is said to have been referred to as the “place of the setting sun,” and the area around Izumo Taisha Shrine, famous for good luck in matchmaking, has been registered in the list of Japan Heritage Sites as a sacred for sunsets. In the vicinity of Izumo Taisha, Inasa-no-hama Beach is located on the western end of the Shimane Peninsula. Closely related to the shrine, the beach is known as a place welcoming the gods. On the beach, there is a small island called Benten-jima, and the island has a small hokora shrine. When the sun is setting behind the island, you can get a breathtakingly beautiful, dreamy view with the silhouette of the island. To the north of Inasa-no-Hama Beach along the coastline, there are several sunset-viewing spots, including Hinomisaki Shrine, which has a lower shrine called Hishizumi-no-miya, and Hinomisaki Lighthouse.
Inasa-no-hama Beach: Izumo Taisha-mae Sta. (Ichibata Electric Railway) → 15 min walk
Yuhi Park Misumi (Hamada City)
Among many sunset-viewing spots in the Iwami Area located in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, “Yuhi Park Misumi” in Misumi-cho, Hamada City is especially recommended. Located along National Route 9, this roadside station has a restaurant and cafe. Enjoy the beautiful contrast of the clear blue Sea of Japan and rough rocks during the daytime and the impressive view of the setting sun into the ocean in the evening.
This place is also famous as a photo spot for trains, where visitors can take nice photos of trains with the sea and sunset in the background. The facility has a timetable for trains passing by it. Although there are not many trains running per day, you can try taking photos of a train if the timing is right.
Access
Yuhi Park Misumi: Nishimura I.C. (San’in Expressway) → 6 min by car / JR Hamada Sta. → 30 min by bus → Yoshiuraguchi stop → 3 min walk
Rosoku-jima (Okinoshima Town)
Photo: Courtesy of Okinoshima Town Office
Situated on the Sea of Japan, the Oki Islands with their abundant nature have been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. On the islands, there are various kinds of activities utilizing the natural surroundings. Among other activities, the sunset-viewing at Rosoku-jima Island in Okinoshima Town is especially popular. Rosoku-jima is a strangely shaped rock with a height of about 20 meters above sea level, which looks like a huge candle (rosoku) when it overlaps with the sun going down. The island itself is visible from the observatory; however, the view of the sunset and the island overlapping with each other is only available from a sightseeing boat. Since the season and weather also affect visibility, capturing the perfect view can be a bit challenging. However, seeing the exact moment when the sunset overlaps with the rock is truly breathtaking! The wonderful view will make you want to come back again.
Rosoku-jima Sightseeing Boat (Okinoshima Town)
Operation period: March 15 to November 30 (*reservation required)
For details, please visit the Oki Islands Tourism Association website (https://www.e-oki.net/experience/6313/) (Japanese)
There are many other fascinating places in Shimane Prefecture, including spots with a great view of the ocean and Japanese-style hotels with open-air baths, where you can enjoy while viewing the sunset. Why not visit this amazing place to be healed and comforted by the beautiful sunset?
