Destinations

Shimane

Adachi Museum of Art

Located about 50 minutes from the port, the Adachi Museum of Art offers a world-class cultural experience.
It is renowned for its award-winning Japanese gardens, which have been ranked No. 1 in Japan every year since 2003 by Sukiya Living Magazine: The Journal of Japanese Gardening, as well as for its three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
Through large panoramic windows, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the garden from inside the museum, making it an ideal destination in any weather and suitable for all ages.
The museum also houses an outstanding collection of modern Japanese art, including works by Yokoyama Taikan, a leading figure in the Nihonga tradition.
In addition, the museum features a café where guests can enjoy drinks and meals while admiring the garden, making it a top choice for a relaxing and inspiring cultural experience.

Adachi Museum of Art
Adachi Museum of Art (official website)

Izumo Taisha

About ninety minutes west stands Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred shrines, dedicated to Ōkuninushi, the deity of relationships and connections.
This region is often called “The Land of the Gods”, because many of Japan’s oldest myths are rooted here.
According to mythology, Ōkunínushi, the god of nation-building and creation, once ruled the human world.
Amaterasu, the sun goddess, later asked him to yield his land to her descendants.
Ōkuninushi agreed — on the condition that a magnificent shrine would be built in his honor.
At that time, Amaterasu blessed him with the divine power of matchmaking, thus making him the deity of human connections.
Even today, Izumo Taisha is regarded as Japan’s foremost shrine for matchmaking and human relationships.

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
Izumo Oyashiro Shrine
Territory of the Gods Yokozuna and Izumo Taisha

National Treasure Matsue Castle

Just forty minutes from the port stands Matsue Castle, one of only twelve original castles remaining in Japan and a National Treasure.
The castle is surrounded by moats and historic samurai residences, and visitors can enjoy a scenic boat tour around the castle with lively songs and guided explanations from the boatmen.
Matsue, known as the “City of Tea and Sweets,” is one of Japan’s top three confectionery cities, along with Kyoto and Kanazawa.
Around the castle town, visitors can enjoy tea ceremonies, try making traditional Japanese sweets, and admire the stunning sunsets over Lake Shinji.

Matsue Castle (National Treasure)
VISIT MATSUE

Yuushien

A traditional Japanese garden, Yuushien is most famous for its large, beautiful peonies and spectacular scenery. The
numerous restaurants within the garden offer magnificent views and cuisine made from Korean ginseng and other local,
seasonal ingredients.

Yuushien Garden

Miho Shrine

Miho Shrine is an important Shinto shrine located in the historic fishing town of Mihonoseki, about 35 minutes from Sakaiminato Port.
The shrine is dedicated to Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, a deity associated with good fortune, business success, and safe maritime activities. He is also connected to Ebisu, one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods and the patron deity of fishermen and merchants.
Miho Shrine has a close relationship with Izumo Taisha, one of the most famous shrines in Japan. According to Japanese mythology, the god worshiped here is the son of the main deity of Izumo Taisha, so many pilgrims traditionally visit both shrines together.
The shrine buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The main sanctuary has a rare architectural style called “Miho-zukuri,” where two shrine halls stand side by side under traditional cypress bark roofs.
Miho Shrine is also known for its sacred Miko dance, performed by shrine maidens during traditional ceremonies.
Just outside the shrine is Aoishidatami Street, or “Blue Stone Pavement Street.” This historic street was once the approach used by fishermen, merchants, and pilgrims visiting the shrine, and it still preserves the atmosphere of an old Japanese port town.
Surrounded by mountains and facing the Sea of Japan, Miho Shrine offers visitors a peaceful glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions and maritime culture.

Miho Shrine