Shimane Overview
From ShimaneJET Wiki
Shimane Prefecture (島根県 Shimane-ken) is located in the south western part of Honshu and bordered by Yamaguchi Prefecture to the west, Hiroshima Prefecture to the south, Tottori Prefecture to the east, and the Sea of Japan to the north. Of the 47 prefectures in Japan, Shimane ranks 18th according to land size, however with a population of approximately 737,060 (August 2006), Shimane is constantly vying with Tottori for the distinction of being the least populous prefecture in Japan. Currently Tottori is winning/losing, making Shimane the second least populous prefecture in Japan.
English Wikipedia page on Shimane Prefecture
Japanese Wikipedia page on Shimane Prefecture
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Regions in Shimane
Shimane is divided into three regions: Izumo, Iwami, and Oki. For JET placement information, click a region.
Izumo
Izumo (出雲 Izumo) is located in the eastern part of Shimane and is often referred to as the "Home of the Gods," as many of Japan's ancient myths and legends are based here. The cultural highlight of this region is the Izumo Taisha Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. The current structure was built in 1744 and is approximately 24 meters tall, making it one of the largest shrines in Japan. During the Festival of the Gods (神在際 Kamiarisai), held in the 10th lunar month of each year, it is said that all the Gods from across Japan gather at Izumo Taisha to discuss their respective realms and all marriages in Japan over the next year. For this reason, the old Japanese word for October is Kamiaritsuki (神在月 Kamiaritsuki), the "Month with Gods," whereas elsewhere the word is Kannazuki (神無月 Kannazuki), the "Month with no Gods."
Matsue City (松江市 Matsue-shi), located in the Izumo region, is the capital of Shimane and its largest city, with a population of nearly 200,000. Matsue lies on the western edge of Lake Shinji, the 7th largest lake in Japan. Matsue was established as a castle town in 1611, and from Matsue Castle, one of the last remaining original feudal castles in Japan, one can take in an impressive panoramic view of the city.
Iwami
Iwami (石見 Iwami) makes up the western half of Shimane, and here you can find Mt. Sanbe (1126m) and the Iwami-Ginzan Silver Mine, which was responsible for one third of the world's silver output between the 16th and 17th centuries.
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Oki
The Oki Islands (隠岐諸島 Oki-shotō), located 40km off the Shimane coast, consist of four main inhabited islands and is part of the Daisen-Oki National Park. The islands were once used as a place of exile for nobles and emperors found guilty of various offenses. The traditional performing arts of Oki have a touch of Korean influence due to the islands' close proximity to the Korean peninsula, and the rugged coastlines and spectacular scenery make Oki a perfect destination for a quiet, relaxing trip.
English Map of Shimane
If your looking to get an idea of Shimane's layout, where the towns are located, and where it is situated in Japan (or relative to the urban centers); "Diddle finger" has a very detailed map of Japan which is almost entirely in English.
Diddle finger's map of Shimane-ken
The Official Tourism Site of Shimane also has an amazing English map of Shimane with a huge list of sightseeing hot spots.
The Official Tourism Site of Shimane's map of Shimane!
Lastly, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) also has a great map which is less detailed, but completely in English.
Traveling and Touring in Shimane
When is comes to tourism information on Shimane, the Japan National Tourism Organization, the Official Tourism Site of Shimane, and the Shimane Prefectures Official Page would be the ultimate resources.
These sites provide extremely detailed information and great travel ideas if you plan on traveling Shimane.
Japan National Tourism Organization - Shimane-ken
Official Tourism Site of Shimane
Shimane Prefecture's Official Page
The People of Shimane
Due to an outflow of young people from Shimane to attend university or find work in the larger cities, the prefecture’s population decreases each year. Most of these young people do not return to Shimane which has caused the ratio of people over 65 to creep up to 1 in 4 , the highest in Japan. In efforts to increase the population, Shimane offers assistance in finding a suitable bride/groom and housing for people who wish to live long‐term in Shimane. For those people from outside Shimane who are coming for work experience, financial assistance is sometimes offered.
The locals laughingly refer to Shimane as “inaka” (countryside). Separated from most of Japan by its mountain ranges, Shimane is in a world of its own, and remains largely untouched from the dramatic changes that have swept urban Japan. As a result, you have the unique opportunity to experience a more ‘traditional Japan’ as compared to those Japanese and foreigners living in urban areas.
The main goals of the JET Programme are to foster innovation within the English educational system and promote internationalisation. However, preserving the status quo (i.e. conforming) is a natural part of the Japanese character, and this is more so in rural Japan. People are happy to do things as they have always been done. At times there may be some initial hesitation or rejection of an idea you have for a class or an international event, simply because it has never been done before. Remember that change happens slowly here, and it’s best for you to go slowly, too. Ease into new ideas by starting off with a small part and waiting for that to be accepted, before moving on to the next step. This will help you reach your goals faster, even though it may take longer.
Forming close Japanese friendships may take some time as well. Because the locals can be naturally reserved, a close relationship can be slow in research paper writers developing and add on the factor that you are a ‘foreigner’, things may take even longer. For many Shimaneans, you may be one of only a handful of foreigners they have ever met. And for many, their view of the world outside of Shimane has been coloured by what they have seen at the movies and on TV. As such, it can take months to get to know a Japanese person because of the myriad of prejudices, stereotypes and general misinformation to be set aside before you can actually start communicating on a friendship level. However, just as you nurture and work on your friendships at home, your perseverance here can result in a very valuable friendship for life.
Local Cuisine
When traveling/working in Shimane, you will want to make sure you try the culinary delights unique to this region. Two of the most famous dishes are Shinji Shijimi and Izumo soba.
Shinji Shijimi (clams)
Matsue Tourism News [Vol2] explains that: "In Matsue ‘Shijimi clams’ are considered one of our regional specialties. Matsue City features Lake Shinji, the 7th largest lake in Japan, which is famous for Shijimi clams. Due to Lake Shinji’s unique mixture of fresh water and sea water, it has long been renowned for its variety of marine life. To preserve the amount of shijimi clams in Lake Shinji, restrictions are imposed on fishing times and net sizes.
The Shinji Lake Shijimi Centre was established in order for the people of Matsue to find out more about their regional specialty."
For more information about Shinji Shijimi, please visit the Matsue city's website
Izumo soba (buckwheat noodles)
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JTNO) states that: "Unlike ordinary Japanese noodles, the ones made from Izumo buckwheat are rather dark because the buckwheat is milled with the chaff included. This chaff contains many nutrients such as protein, vitamins and minerals as well as a certain element of flavor. The dark noodles have a strong body, rich aroma and excellent nutritional value, and the stock sauce has a distinctive flavor. There are several authentic dishes; for example, with wariko buckwheat noodles, you add relish to the noodles arranged on a beautiful lacquerware plate and pour sauce over them. With kamaage buckwheat noodles, you put the noodles in a preheated bowl and pour in sobayu (the water the noodles were cooked in), then sauce, and eat them with some relish."
If your interested in getting more info on Chugoku area cuisine; please visit the JTNO's webpage on Chugoku region cuisine
Weather
Shimane enjoys weather from all four seasons. Winter comes in early December, bringing with it snow, cold northerly winds, and grey winter days. The first snow usually falls in mid-December and can last until early March. Up to a meter of snow can fall in the mountain regions, though much less usually falls closer to the shore. Japanese homes do not have central heating and have only minimal insulation, so winter can be quite cold. When spring arrives in March/April, the cherry trees come alive with bursting cherry blossoms, and it's time to sit under the trees, picnicking with friends and enjoying the beauty of the blossoms. Summer can be hot (35°C/95°F) with high humidity, frequent rain, and the occasional typhoon. Autumn brings cool weather, blue skies, and sunny days, and in November the trees turn vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow.
For more information, please see the main article: Surviving a Japanese Winter
Things to do
Shimane is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you enjoy doing outdoor activities, or sight seeing, Shimane has a variety fun things to do!
This is just a small sampling of things that Shimane has to offer. Once you arrive you will have time to explore and discover!
Before reading this list, why not take a quick peek at the Official Tourism Site of Shimane's sight seeing map!
Beaches
There are many beaches in Shimane with the official beach season from mid‐July to mid‐August, during which time they can be crowded. Outside of these dates you will probably have the beach to yourself, even though it’s still sunny and people are able to swim. Just be cautious towards the end of August, this is when the jellyfish invade the warm waters! The best beaches can be found in Kashima, Nima, Gotsu, Hamada and of course in the Oki Islands.
More info on Shimane Beaches
Winter Sports
You’ll never be far away from a ski slope, especially in the Iwami region (and Mt. Daisen, in Tottori Prefecture, is only an hour's drive from Matsue). Although these ski fields may be small by American and European standards, it’s a good way of passing the winter months. If you have your own gear, it might be a good idea to bring it or you can buy it here relatively cheaply (but you may have trouble finding large‐size boots and poles).
More info on Shimane Winter Sports
Hot Springs (Onsen)
- See also: Bathing in Japan
These are Japanese‐style public baths/hot springs (onsen), with various waters claiming to cure different ailments. Wherever you go you’ll come out feeling relaxed and refreshed. Many onsens have outdoor baths to star gaze or watch the snow fall in winter.
Host Springs in or around Matsue Tamatsukuri town (玉造 Tamatsukuri) is an onsen town, located on the outskirts of Matsue. It has many onsens you can stay overnight at. It also features a free outdoor foot spa (足湯 ashiyu), which is accessible from the narrow canal running through the town.
The biggest onsen in Tamatsukuri is Yu-Yu (ゆ～ゆ). It costs 600 yen for adults. The building from the outside is quite modern, as is the inside. It features an indoor bath, outdoor bath with massaging fountains, sauna and a steam room. Massages are also available for an extra fee.
Another popular onsen on the north-west side of Matsue is Takunoyu (多久の湯 Taku-no-yu), which is located in Kashima town (鹿島町 Kashima-cho). It is open from 10.00 to 21.00 (last entry 20.30) and costs 400 yen (300 yen for Matsue City residents). It features an indoor and outdoor onsen, as well as a sauna. It is small, but very popular.
Located a little further out, in the neighbouring city of Izumo, is Hirata Yurari onsen (温泉ゆらり Onsen yurari). It is a large onsen, featuring indoor and outdoor onsen, salt steam room (rub salts into your body to remove impurities), outdoor wooden tubs and sauna. It cost 600 yen on weekdays, and 700 yen on weekends or public holidays. It is open from 10.00 to 22.00 (last entry 21.30).
More info on Hot Springs (Onsen's)
Museums, Aquariums, Gardens, Parks, Art Galleries & Memorials
Shimane has a number of wonderful museums. The largest and most popular of which include the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, the Shimane Prefectural Art Musuem in Matsue, The Museum of Ancient Izumo in Izumo, the Grand Toit in Masuda, and the AQUAS aquarium in Hamada.
More info on Museums, Aquariums, Gardens, Parks, Art Galleries & Memorials
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine: A World Heritage Site
The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Site is located in the center of Shimane, within the town of Omori. The nearest city is the city of Ohda.
Fortunately Iwami Ginzan is also conviniently located near Yunotsu. This means you can take a tour of the mines, do some hiking, then enjoy a relaxing onsen at the end of the day!
Getting to Shimane!!
If you're not a JET ALT/CIR placed in Shimane, you're probably wondering how you can travel to this wonderful prefecture. Fortunately there are many transportation options when traveling to Shimane.
Shimane's main airport is located in Izumo. Though there is no train access to the airport, you can easily catch a bus from Izumo station or Matsue station. The airport is only a 30minute bus ride from from either location.
If you are taking a bus or train to Shimane -- there are plenty of options to get from Japan's urban centers to Shimane-ken. The Official Tourism tourism site of Shimane outlines all the different ways you can get to Shimane be it by train, bus, or airplane!
Here is a link to a sight that give's some info on transportation to Shimane
