Journey to Sesshū’s Home and Meeting Belugas

Day 1

Sesshūno Sato Memorial Museum and Taikian

Inside view of the Sesshūno Sato Memorial Museum

Masuda is the demise place of Sesshū, who was active as a painter in the 1400s. Sesshūno Sato Memorial Museum introduces Sesshū and Masuda. It’s a journey course to Masuda, a town that Sesshū loved and where the history of the Middle ages remains, popular among the locals, and a course to know Sesshū himself.

It’s possible to have a cup of tea at Taikian, located beside the museum.

Ikōji Temple (Sesshū’s Garden)

Picture in front of Sesshū’s Garden

The Sōmon gate at the entrance of the Ikōji Temple, which was transferred from the Ōtemon gate of the Nanao Castle and is one of the ryūgūzukuri style and now a prefectural important cultural property, is waiting for the visitors. In addition, behind the temple there’s a garden built by Sesshū at the time he visited Masuda. It has been selected as national historic ruins, as a famous garden in the Muromachi era. You can feel the dignified atmosphere of the garden.

Migita Honten sake brewery

Observing the sake brewery

The Migita Honten sake brewery, which has been operating since 1602, is the oldest sake brewery in the Sanin area. Its representative brand, called Sōmi, is popular among the locals. Observing the production, using all senses like touching the equipment, tasting the flavor of the product, hearing the machines are all possible.

 

Itinerary
Day 1
JR Masuda Station
Bus stop: Departure from Masuda Station (Iwami Kōtsū Hamada-Masuda Line)
Bus stop: Arrival at Sesshūno Sato Kinenkan Mae
Moving on foot: Around 5 – 10 minutes
Strolling at Sesshūno Sato Memorial Museum and Taikian (strolling in the museum, tasting Japanese sweets, tea, etc.)
Moving on foot
Bus stop: Departure from Sesshūno Sato Kinenkan Mae (Iwami Kōtsū, Kushiro Line)
Bus stop: Arrival at Ikōji Temple
Strolling at Ikōji Temple (Sesshū’s Garden, bell tower, and others)
Moving on foot
Migita Honten: Observing the sake brewery
Moving on foot
Staying / Shimadaya and others

Day 2

Shimane Fish Center

Shopping at the Shimane Fish Center

Hamada port, where fresh fish caught in the Japan’s Sea is collected. The freshly caught fish is sold for a bargain price at the Fish Center. In addition, at the restaurant on the 2nd floor, you can fully enjoy seafood dishes.

Shimane Aquarium, Aquas

Observation at the aquarium

The largest aquarium in the Chūgoku and Shikoku areas, it features about 500 species. It’s also famous throughout Japan for the belugas’ performance.

Audio guide and wheelchair lending is available at the reception. For visually impaired people, there are various kinds of fish reliefs on the walls of the 3rd floor. It’s possible to feel the sizes and shapes of various fishes by touching. There are many accessible bathrooms inside the facility.

 

Itinerary
Day 2
Shimadaya
Bus stop: Departure from Shimoichi (to Masuda Station)
Bus stop: Arrival at Masuda Station
JR Masuda Station
JR: Departure from Masuda Station
JR: Arrival at Hamada Station
Bus stop: Departure from Hamada Eki Mae (Iwami Kōtsū, Sufu-Gōtsu Line to Sufu)
Bus stop: Arrival at Shingyokō Mae
Moving on foot
Strolling at Shimane Fish Center (shopping, eating seafood from Japan Sea, etc.)
Bus stop: Departure from Shingyokō Mae (Iwami Kōtsū, Sufu-Gōtsu Line to Gōtsu)
Bus stop: Arrival at Aquas Mae
Observing the aquarium Aquas
Moving on foot

JR Hashi Station