4 things to do in the second least populated prefecture in Japan

@Gabriel Besa

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Discover four hidden gems in Japan's serene Shimane Prefecture, from flower gardens to ancient shrines, plus a couple of iconic spots in bustling Tokyo.

2 plans · 8 places

Plan · 4 places · Shimane, Japan

Shimane Prefecture Highlights

“Come with me as I discover four hidden gems of Shimane, Japan! A destination perfect for those seeking a serene and quiet getaway.”

1
Matsue Vogel Park
Theme park · Matsue
4.4 (361)Closed · opens Monday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A popular destination for families, featuring a seasonal flower garden and a bird park. All walkways connecting the indoor gardens and aviaries are covered by roofs, allowing visitors to enjoy the tour even on rainy days. The park also has bird shows scheduled throughout the day, a petting zoo, and a pond. Make sure to bring your passport for a discounted entry fee.
Matsue Vogel Park, 52 Ogakicho, Matsue, Shimane 690-0263, Japan
- Penguin walk — Penguins dressed in cute costumes walk along the paths, a delightful sight for visitors.
2
Izumo-taisha
Shinto shrine · Izumo
4.6 (33,583)Closed · opens Monday 6:30 AM
Creator's voice
One of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan, so ancient that there isn't any recorded date of its establishment. According to legends, the deity enshrined here created the land of Japan. The shrine is always open, but I recommend coming during the day so you can also visit the treasure hall, which houses documents and historical artifacts.
Izumo Taisha, 195 Taishacho Kizukihigashi, Izumo, Shimane 699-0701, Japan
3
Lake Banryu
Scenic spot · Masuda
3.9 (397)Closed
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Located in Masuda city, this tranquil lake is perfect for a picnic. They sell food and drinks, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own. Pedal boats were available for rent, but management said it was risky due to strong winds.
Lake Banryu, Takatsucho, Masuda, Shimane 698-0041, Japan
4
Taikodani Inari-jinja Shrine
Shinto shrine · Tsuwano
4.3 (3,151)Closed
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One of the five greatest Inari Shrines in Japan, distinguished by its red-colored torii gates and guardian fox statues. The climb to the top was only around 20 minutes. If you have a vehicle, you can take a road that leads to the shrine's car park, but you'll miss out on the beautiful torii gates. I came here on the 3rd week of October, so there were barely any tourists around. Tsuwano is a beautiful place, almost having the same atmosphere as Kyoto.
Taikodani Inari-jinja Shrine, 409 Ushiroda, Tsuwano, Kanoashi District, Shimane 699-5605, Japan

Plan · 3 places · Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Evening and Morning Exploration

“I also included, Meiji shrine, the only location I was able to go In Tokyo. A shrine that's surrounded by beautiful nature you don't expect to see in a middle of a metropolis.”

5
Senso-ji Temple
Tourist attraction · Taito City
4.6 (99,962)
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A historic temple in Tokyo with a busy shopping district. Everything was already closed by the time I got there at night.
Sensō-ji, 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
6
Meiji Jingu
Tourist attraction · Shibuya
4.7 (53,577)
Creator's voice
A shrine surrounded by beautiful nature that you don't expect to see in the middle of a metropolis. The shrine was built to honor the first emperor and consort of modern Japan, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. There are three beautiful torii gates on the way to the shrine.
Meiji Jingu, 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557
- Sake barrels — These are empty sake barrels, displayed to give honor to the gods. They were sent by different sake manufacturers in Japan.
7
Kokyo Gaien National Garden
National park · Chiyoda City
4.4 (9,850)Closed
This grassy park with flowers with views of the Imperial Palace is a popular place to walk & relax.
Kokyo Gaien National Garden, 1-1 Kokyogaien, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0002, Japan

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8
Kagura Hall
Shinto shrine · Izumo
4.6 (497)Open · until 6 PM
Creator's voice
Built in the late 1700s as a place for traditional prayers and rituals. It currently holds the heaviest straw rope in Japan, weighing 5 tons.
Izumo Taisha Kaguraden, 大社町杵築東 Izumo, Shimane 699-0701, Japan

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