Complete Guide to Shemane

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Matsue and Ezumo Area

Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle was built over a five year period, from 1607 to 1611, by Yoshihar Horio, founder of Matsue City.

It is one of the last remaining original feudal castles in Japan, and is the only castle left in the San-in region. Visitors come to enjoy the panoramic view from the top floor, as well as the beautiful camellia and cherry blossoms that fill the castle grounds during spring.

Image:

A black and white castle with the six-story donjon.

Sheomee Nawateh Street: Buke Yasheekee or Samurai House, Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence, Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum, Tanabeh Museum of Art, Mei-mei-ann Teahouse

Lining the castle’s northern moat, Sheomee Nawateh Street is a designated Cultural Preservation Area. Along this street you will find a former samurai residence, Buke Yasheekee or Samurai House, the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum and his former residence, the Tanabeh Museum of Art, showcasing tea utensils once belongings the Feudal Lord Matsoodaira Hoomai, and the Mei-mei-ann Teahouse.

Images:

Pine trees along the street, Nagaya-monn gate of Buke Yasheekee, the Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence, and the Tanabeh Museum of Art.

Horeekawa Sightseeing Boat

On this pleasure cruise through the canals around Matsue castle, passengers will travel under 16 distinctly styled bridges, some low enough that the boat's awning must be lowered. In the winter, kotatsoo heaters are placed on the boat, and passengers can literally experience the warmth of Japanese tradition.

Images:

The boat passes inner moat of Matsue Castle, and under a bridge.

Lake Shinji

Shemane's sightseeing symbol, Lake Shinji, is the seventh largest lake in Japan and has a circumference of 45 kilometers. The brackish water supports an abundance of aquatic life, including sea bass and sheejimi claims, which are among the seven delicacies of Lake Shinji.

The little sheejimi boats that dot the lake in the early morning paint a poetic picture, and the image of the sun sinking behind the tiny island of Yomegashima is not to be missed. Sunsets are best enjoyed on board a pleasure cruise or from the grounds of the Shemane Art Museum.

Images:

Sunset behind Yomegashima, and a sightseeing boat on Lake Shinji

Shemane Art Museum

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Shinji, the Shemane Art Museum is famous for its beautiful sunsets. The museum stays open an extra half-hour past sundown from March through September so visitors can enjoy the setting sun.

Come see both the standard and special exhibitions, which change periodically throughout the year.

Images:

Sunset view from the Shemane Art Museum, and twelve bronze rabbits appear to be running toward the lakeshore.

Matsue History Museum

The museum showcases the history and culture of the 400-year old castle town of Matsue.

Inside the museum’s cafe, one can enjoy original Japanese confectionary and green tea with a view over a traditional Japanese garden.

Images:

Pine tree at the entrance, and wah-gashee or original Japanese confectionaries

Yushi-en Japanese Garden

Located on Dai-kon-ji-ma Island, Yushi-en's gardens encompass 40,000 square meters and are home to flowers of all four seasons. Of special interest are the garden's Japanese Peonies.

In the House of Peony, large flowered peony can be viewed in bloom year-round. Yushi-en's restaurant can seat 600, provides patrons with a lovely garden view, and serves fine cuisine utilizing local ingredients such as the wildly popular Daikonjima Ginseng.

Images:

Yushi-en's garden, and red peonies.

Matsue Lake Line Sightseeing Bus

Take a 70 minutes tour of Matsue's most famous tourist attractions in this vintage bus, and receive discount Admission fee is coupons with the purchase of a one-day pass. Buses depart every 20 to 30 minutes.

Image:

A bright red retro-styled bus

Iche-bata Railway

Running along the northern shore of Lake Shinji, the Iche-bata Railway connects Matsue and Ezumo cities with convenient access to Ezumo Taisha. The train also serves Matsue Four-guel Park.

Image:

A blue and white train.

Hinomi-saki Lighthouse

On the westernmost tip of the Shemane Peninsula located in the midst of a Black Tailed Gull breeding ground, the Hinomisaki Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in East Asia, 43-point-six-five-meter-high. The view from the observatory is unparalleled, and the lighthouse is considered among the top 100 historic lighthouses in the world.

Image:

A white lighthouse on the cliff.

Hinomi-saki Shrine

Hinomi-saki Shrine has been designated as one of Japan's Important Cultural Assets, appearing in the Ancient Chronicles of Ezumo. Within its grounds stands Carlakooni Shrine, which helps illustrate the important relationship that existed between Korea and ancient Ezumo.

Image:

A bright red gate, and the tablet of Carlakooni Shrine.

Ezumo Taisha Grand Shrine

Dedicated to the Shinto god of marrige, Okuni-nooshi-no-Okami, Ezumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most venerated shrines in Japan. The inner shrine is constructed in the Taisha-zukuri style, Japan's oldest form of shrine architechture, and has been designated as a National Treasure.

Each year during the 10th month of the Lunar Calender the gods from throughout Japan congregate at Ezumo Taisha for their annual meeting. Only in Ezumo is this month known as, The Month With Gods.

The she-menawa, or sacred rope, that hangs at the shrine is the largest in Japan, weighing an impressive 5 tons.

Image:

The inner shrine, the front shrine, and a giant she-menawa.

Shemane Museum of Ancient Ezumo

Opened in March 2007, the Shemane Museum of Ancient Ezumo displays ancient artifacts, including the remains of Ezumo Taisha's giant stairway pillars, Japan's largest collection of excavated bronze swords and bells, and Japan's only complete version of the Ezumo no Kooni Hoo-doki, Ancient Chronicles of Ezumo.

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A model of a 48-meter-tall structure at Ezumo Taisha, and bronze swords and bells.

Adachi Museum of Art

The Adachi Museum of Art is renowned for how it seamlessly weaves together contemporary Japanese art with its beautiful gardens, which are annually ranked number one in Japan by America's Journal of Japanese Gardening.

Image:

A white gravel and pine garden.

Yasgui-booshi Performance Hall

Known throughout Japan, the famous Yasgui-booshi is performed here four times a day.

Images:

The building, and a performance of dojo-sukui dance.

Kiyo-miz-dera Temple

Kiyo-midz-dera Temple is famous for their autumn foliage, and is best viewed during the month of November.

Image:

A Japanese maple and a three-storied pagoda at Kiyo-miz-dera Temple.

Tamatskuri Onsen

One of the oldest Onsen in Japan, Tamatskuri Onsen has a history dating back to at least 733 AD, where it was introduced as "The Bath of The Gods" in the Ancient Chronicles of Ezumo.

You can stay at any one of the 22 traditional Japanese inns that line the banks of the Tamayoo River, which runs through the heart of this picturesque Onsen town, or if you prefer, there are luxury hotels available which can accommodate up to 700 guests.

Images:

A stone statue in the image of magatahma, or comma-shaped beads, and an open-air bath.

Matsue Shin-jiko Onsen

Situated on the north shore of Lake Shinji, this Onsen district offers an incredible view of the surrounding area, and is an ideal base for sightseeing and shopping in Matsue City.

Guests are able to enjoy the Onsen rising from 1,250 meters below ground, and dine on freshly caught sheejimi claims, one of the seven delicacies of Lake Shinji.

Images:

Onsen district on Lake Shinji, and Onsen Foot Bath at Matsue Shinjeeko Onsen Station.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ewami Guinzan Silver Mine

Ewami Guinzan Silver Mine.

Starting with its discovery in 1526, the Ewami Guinzan Silver Mine was one of the world's most prominent silver mines for 400 years.

During the Age of Exploration it was known only as The Silver Mine to Europeans, and at its peak was responsible for one-third of the world's silver production.

It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the first such mine to be registered in Asia. The site also includes the surrounding transportation routes, ports, towns, and hot springs.

Images:

She-miz-dani Refinery Ruins, adit of Ryuhguengi Mabu, and silver coin of the Edo Period

Ohmori Town.

With its narrow streets lined with the former homes of samurai and merchants, as well as many temples and shrines, Omori Town provides a glimpse into the atmosphere and life of Edo Japan.

Images:

Mainstreet of Ohmori Town, and the former Ohmori district courthouse.

House of the Koumagai Family

Erected in 1801, this house has been designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan.

The main wing and five surrounding buildings were restored over a five year period, and show what the building was like from the end of the Edo Period through the Meiji Period.

Images:

The traditional red tile roof, and the tatami-mat living room of the house.

Ryuhguengi Mabu.

There are roughly 600 mineshafts, known as mabu, in Ewami Guinzan, of which Ryuhguengi Mabu is one of the largest and the first open to the public.

The walls of Ryuhguengi Mabu still bear the chisel marks of the former workers.

Image:

The inside of Ryuhguengi Mabu.

Former Magistrate’s Office: Ewami Guinzan Silver Mine Museum

Once the estate of Tokougawa Shogunate mine administrators, this building now houses ancient documents, maps, and other materials relating to the Ewami Guinzan Silver Mine.

It is a great source for background information before heading on to the mine.

Image:

Nagaya-monn gate of the museum.

Goehyaku Rakan and Rahkanji Temple

Over the stone bridge leading into this ancient Shingon Buddhist temple are 501 statues of Buddhist arhats. Bearing various expressions of happiness, anger, and sadness, the statues almost appear ready to spring to life.

Images:

Stone bridges of Rahkanji Temple, and statues of Buddhist arhats

Yunotsu Onsen

The mainstreet of Yunotsu Onsen, and Yacshe-yuh

The first hot springs to be a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Yunotsu Onsen have a 1300 year history, and renowned for their therapeutic effects. The scenic road leading up to the springs is just wide enough for a single car, and is lined with traditional Japanese inns. There are two open air baths, Moto-yuh and Yacshe-yuh, both fed from the same natural source.

Ewami Area

Shemane Aquarium: AQUAS

Situated in the Ewami Seaside Park, the Shemane Aquarium AQUAS is one of the largest in Western Japan.

Immerse yourself by taking a stroll through the glass tunnel running through the aquarium's 1000 ton tank, and don't miss the aquarium's beluga whales, which dazzle visitors with their bubble ring show. The seal and sea lion shows are also popular.

Image:

A beluga whales at the Aquarium

Grand Twah

The pond in the court, and inside of the museum

The Grand Twah is an arts center, combining the Ewami Art Museum and the Ewami Arts Theater. The museum's rotating exhibit changes four times each year, and the permanent collection features the work of Shemane natives, including the fashion designs of Hana-eh Mori, and the literary compositions of Owe-guy Moree. In the theater's two performance halls one can enjoy a variety of concerts, plays, and stage performances.

Mount Sanbe

Mount Sanbe, in central Shemane, is a range of six separate peaks reaching up to 1126 meters above sea level. On its broad grassy slopes you can find something to enjoy in every season: skiing, camping, Onsen, and of course hiking. Visit the nearby Mount Sanbe Nature Museum Sahee-mel, and see trees buried by volcanic matter during the Jomon Period at the Sanbe-Azukee-hara Buried Forest Museum.

Image:

Mount Sanbe and Lake Wkee-nuh-no

Ewami Cargu-la

Ewami is said to be the birthplace of Cargu-la. In ancient times Cargu-la was a dance performed for the enjoyment and appeasement of the gods, but since the Meiji Era has been practiced as a type of folk entertainment. There are many different performances, but the one depicting Susano-no-mikoto's battle with the eight-headed serpent, Oro-che, is the most famous.

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A performance of Susano-no-mikoto's battle with Oro-che.

Tswano

Tswano Town

This former castle town lies in the western reaches of Shemane. Buildings with white plaster walls and mud roofs border the streets, and thousands of beautiful carp leisurely swim in the town's canals. It is especially beautiful in early June when the town's irises bloom.

It is also famous for being the birthplace of writer Owe-guy Moree, and philosopher Amaneh Nishi, and is a convenient place to embark from for sightseeing in neighboring Yamaguche Prefecture.

Image:

Tonomachee Street, white mortar walls and waterways along both sides of the street, and irises and carps in the waterways.

Thai-kodahni-inari Shrine

1175 brightly painted Shinto gates line the path that leads up to this shrine. It is especially popular with visitors making their first shrine visit of the New Year.

Images:

A bright red tunnel of toree gates, and the main hall.

Saghimai

Saghimai is a dance performed each year during the Yasaka Shrine's Gueon Festival on July 20th and 27th. Dancers dressed as white herons gracefully dance to an accompaniment to traditional instruments and song.

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Dancers dressed as white heron.

Mitsoomasa Ann-no Art Museum

This museum showcases the many works of local artist Mitsoomasa Ann-no, internationally acclaimed for his picture books, illustrations, and landscape paintings.

Steam Locomotive Train "Yamaguchi-go"

This steam locomotive operates weekends and holidays between March and November, from JR Shinn-Yamaguchi and JR Tswano Stations. Trips last two hours and tickets are available at JR "Midori-no-Madogchi" ticket windows.

Oki Area

The Oki area lies in the Sea of Japan, north of mainland Shemane. It is comprised of the large island of Dogo, and the three smaller islands of Dohzen: Nishe-no-shima, Ahma, and Chibu.

Image:

K ooniga Coast, and some pastured horses.

The Oki Islands Global Geopark

The Oki Islands have been located in the center of the Sea of Japan for approximately 20000 years. Prior to that, they were part of the Eurasian continent, and after breaking away, were at one point submerged beneath the ocean.

Due to this history, the islands have geological and geographical features that differ from mainland Japan, and boast a unique culture and ecosystem that are closely linked with this natural environment.

The Oki Islands Global Geopark provides the opportunity to "discover connections" between the earth, planets, animals, and humans. It also offers a glimpse at the history of the planet.

Sightseeing

The best time to visit Oki is between spring and autumn. In the winter, the seas are subject to storms and the frequency of ferries is reduced.

The highlight of any trip to the Oki Islands is the stunning natural scenery: the Kooniga Coastline on Dowzen's Nishi-no-shima, the Shila-shima Coast on Dogo, and the Sekiheki or Red Cliff on Dowzen's Chibu, have all been uniquely carved by centuries of pounding waves.

Most impressive is the Kooniga Coastline's Ma-tenn-guy Cliff, the tallest cliff in Japan, which rises vertically from sea level to a height of 257 meters. The traditional bullfights and temples on Oki are highly recommended, as well as the local seafood specialties, including rock oysters, crab, and squid.

Access

You can get to Oki from the mainland by air, or by sea.

Air

From Ezumo to Oki-Dogo

One flight per day, 30 minutes.

From Osaka-Itami to Oki-Dogo

Onf flight per day, 55 minutes.

Ferry, or High Speed Ferry

From She-che-rwee or Sakay-minato to Oki,

car ferry: 2 hours 30 minutes,

high speed ferry: an hour.

Sports

Golf Courses

Shemane is home to a number of quality golf courses. Enjoy a day on the greens, and take in some of Shemane's beautiful scenery.

- Matsue Area

Matsue Country Club: 18-hole course, 6142 yards, par 72.

Tamatskuri Onsen Country Club: 18-hole course, 6889 yards, par 72.

- Ezumo Area

Ezumo Airport Country Club: 18-hole course, 6747 yards, par 72.

Ezumo Golf Club: 18-hole course, 4914 yards, par 68.

Ezumo Taisha Country Club: 27-hole course, 10163 yards, par 108.

Shemane Golf Club: 18-hole course, 6774 yards, par 72.

- Own-nan Area

Classic Shemane Country Club: 18-hole course, 6793 yards, par 72.

- Or-che Area

Swee-may Country Club: 18-hole course, 6566 yards, par 72.

- Hamada Area

Hamada Country Club: 18-hole course, 6045 yards, par 72.

Hamada Golf Links: 18-hole course, 6673 yards, par 72.

Kanagui Country Club: 18-hole course, 7050 yards, par 72.

Image:

Matsue Country Club.

Ski Areas

Located in western Honshu, Shemane does not receive as much snowfall as the Hokkaido or Shinshu regions, but in the mountains you will still be able to find enjoyable skiing, where yearly snowfall averages exceed two meters. Ski areas like the Mizuho Highlands boast gondolas and high speed lifts among the best in western Japan, and every year the slopes are enjoyed by multitudes of skiers and snow boarders.

- Mizuho Highland Ski Area

Lifts: 6

Gondola: 1

Longest slope: 3,600 meters long.

- Asahi Tengston Ski Area

Lifts: 4

Gondola: 1

Longest slope: 3,080 meters long.

- Kotobeeki Forest Park Ski Area

Lifts: 3

Longest slope: 830 meters long.

- Me-no-halla Ski Area

Lifts: 13

Longest slope: 650 meters long.

Image:

Mizuho Highland Ski Area.

Onsen in Shemane

- Matsue and Yasgui Area

Matsue Shin-jiko Onsen, Tamatskuri Onsen, Cashema Taku-no-yu Onsen, Kima-chie Tohji-mura Onsen, Kima-chie Onsen, Ya-koomo Onsen, Saguee-no-yu Onsen, Hirose Onsen, Hida Onsen.

- Ezumo Area

Yu-no-kawah Onsen, Kappo On-sen You-lary Onsen, Ramp-no-yu Ezumo Eki-ma-eh Onsen, Ezumo Heisei Onsen, Koryo Onsen, Hooro Onsen, Tachiku-e Gorge Onsen, Taki Ichijiku Onsen, O-dah Onsen, Ezumo Hino-mesaki Onsen, Ezumo Soosa Onsen, Sheo-noy Onsen.

- Own-nan and Okuizumo Area

Me-toya Hoo-katani Onsen, Wshe-o Onsen, Ezumo You-mura Onsen, Kah-meh-dah-ke Onsen Tamamineh Village, Hinokamee Onsen, Hatha Onsen, Tonn-bara Onsen.

- Orda and O-che Area

Misato Wshee-o Onsen, Car-dah-no-yu Onsen, Chee-Halla Onsen, Golden Utopia O-che, Sanbe Onsen, Koya-halla Onsen, Yougaka-eh Onsen, E-keda Radium Onsen, Senkobo Onsen, Yuzako Onsen, Yunotsu Onsen, Yudani Onsen, Ewami Onsen.

- Go-tsu and Hamada Area

Kanzu-e Onsen, Ari-hooku Onsen, Kah-zenokni Onsen, Meema-ta Onsen, Asahi Onsen, You-yah Onsen.

- Masda and Tswano Area

Alla-e-soh Onsen, Me-tow Onsen, Tada Onsen, Otani Onsen, Heekeemi Gorge Onsen, Carkee-noki Onsen, Keebetanee Onsen, Mwe-khi-chee Onsen You-la-la.

- Oki Area

Oki Onsen Goka.

Shemane Specialty Products

Ezumo Soba, or buckwheat noodle

Made from unhusked grain, Ezumo Soba is famous for its dark color, rich fragrance, and deep taste. Try wah-ree-go soba, a variety unique to the Ezumo region served in a small stack of lacquer bowls.

In Matsue City alone you can find 20 soba shops. If you include Ezumo City, Yasgui City and the surrounding area, there are no fewer than 60 soba shops.

Image:

Wah-reego soba, and a soba tokkuri, or soba sauce bottle.

Shemane Wine

Easy to drink and attractively priced, Shemane Wine is made from choice Delaware grapes harvested in Ezumo City.

Visitors to the Shemane Winery are able to tour the facilities, and sample the many varieties free of charge.

Wahgashee

Owing to Feudal Lord Matsdaira Hoomai's passion for the way of tea, Matsue has many beautiful Japanese sweets. Take some time and relax joying traditional tea, and wahgashee sweets while sightseeing.

Image:

A bowl of Matcha with wahgashee sweets.

Japanese Sakeh

There are many sakeh breweries in Shemane, due to the high quality and taste of local rice. At Matsue City's Kokki Sakeh Brewery, visitors can take a tour of the facilities, and try samples free of charge.

Image:

Some bottled sakeh made in Shemane

The Seven Delicacies of Lake Shinji

Lake Shinji is home to a number of exceptionally delicious fish and shellfish, in particular, the seabass, eel, prawn, smelt, sheejimi clams, carp, and ice fish, which are known as the Seven Delicacies of Lake Shinji.

The sheejimi clams are of special note, and if you stay overnight in Tamatskuri or Matsue, they will undoubtedly appear on your breakfast menu. Reputedly good for the liver, sheejimi clams are recommended after a night of drinking.

Image:

Japanese cuisine using seven delicacies.

Local Beer

Located right beside the Horeekawa Sightseeing Boat's Hooreai Hiroba Boarding Point is the Matsue Horeekawa Local Beer Hall. A selection of locally produced beer is available for your drinking pleasure.

Image:

The building of the Beer Hall.

Matsooba Crab

Matsooba Crab, also known as Zuwaee Crab, or Snow Crab, is one of the winter delicacies of the San-in region. You can find Matsooba Crab at hotels near the Tamatskuri Onsen, and in Matsue City.

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Matsooba Crab.

Shemane Local Products Center, Boosann-kan

Many of Shemane Prefecture's local products are available for convenient purchase here. Located next to Matsue Castle, take a moment, and have a look around.

Image:

A building with white-washed wall.

Tourist Information Services

- Shemane Prefecture's Official Tourism Site

URL

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K, A, N, K, Oh, Yuh, hyphen,

S, H, I, M, A, N, E, dot com,

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- Shemane Prefectural Government, Tourism Promotion Division

Address

1 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shemane.

Telephone number

Zero eight five two, two two, five five seven nine.

FAX number

Zero eight five two, two two, five five eight zero.

- Shemane Prefectural Tourism Federation

Address

1, Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shemane.

Telephone number

Zero eight five two, two one, three nine six nine.

FAX number

Zero eight five two, two two, five five eight zero.

- Matsue History Museum, International Tourist Information Office

Address

2 7 9, Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shemane.

Telephone number

Zero eight five two, three two, one six zero seven.

FAX number

Zero eight five two, three two, one six one one.

- Adachi Museum of Art, International Tourist Information Center: "Visit Japan" Information Desk

Address

3 2 0, Hoo-ruka-wah-cho, Yasgui City, Shemane.

Telephone number

Zero eight five four, two eight, seven one one one.

FAX number

Zero eight five four, two eight, six seven three three.

- Masooda City Tourist Information Center

Address

1 7 hyphen 2, Eki-ma-eh-cho, Masooda City, Shemane.

Telephone number

Zero eight five six, two two, seven one two zero.

FAX number

Zero eight five six, two three, one two three two.

- Tourism Association of Tswano

Address

7 1 hyphen 2, Wshee-roda, Tswano Town, Shemane.

Telephone number

zero eight five six, seven two, one seven seven one.

FAX number

zero eight five six, seven two, one one nine one.

Matsue International Tourist Information Office

JR Matsue Station makes a great starting point for sightseeing in Matsue and Ezumo. Tour buses and taxis provide easy access to major attractions, or if you prefer you can also rent a car or bicycle. Surrounding the station, there are also many reasonably priced hotels, restaurants, department stores, and shopping centers.

Located near the north entrance of JR Matsue Station, the Matsue International Tourist Information Office offers a variety of English language materials.

Be sure to stop by before heading out for a day of sightseeing.

International Discount

International visitors to the Matsue, Ezumo, and Ewami Guinzan Silver Mine areas, are eligible for discounts of 30% to 50%, at specified attractions upon presentation of a valid passport, alien registration card, or resident card.

Mascot Characters

- Shemane Tourism Mascot: Shemanekko

Sex: unknown.

Birth date: unknown.

Birthplace: somewhere in Shemane.

- Shemane Super Ambassador: Yosheda-kun.

Sex: Male.

Birth date: February 14, 1985.

Birthplace: Village of Yosheda, currently Yosheda Town, Own-nan City.

Facts about Shemane

Land area: 6,707 point one two square kilometers.

Population: 707,074, current as of 2012.

Prefectural Flower: tree peony.

Prefectural tree: Black Pine.

Prefectural bird: White Swan.

Prefectural fish: Flying Fish.