SHIMANE PREFECTURE

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SHIMANE MAIN CITIES and TOWNS

Matsue is located between Lake Shinji and Lake Nakaumi along the Ohashi River which connects the two lakes, near the Sea of Japan in Shimane Prefecture Chugoku Region. Matsue, the capital of Shimane Prefecture, is sometimes called the water city because it features many canals. Matsue attractions include Matsue Castle and the nearby Izumo Taisha Shrine which is one of the oldest in Japan and is the second most important Shinto Shrine in Japan. Matsue is considered to one of the top three areas in Japan for Tea Ceremony.

SHIMANE CASTLES

Gassan Toda Castle, also known as Toda Castle, was a hilltop style Japanese Castle located in Yasugi Shimane Prefecture. Gassan Toda Castle is regarded as one of Japan's Five Greatest Mountain Castles. In 1195 Gassan Toda Castle was constructed by the Sasaki clan. In 1542 the Siege of Gassan Toda Castle occurred with forces led by Ouchi Yoshitaka laying siege and Amago Haruhisa defending the castle. After a long siege, Yoshitaka was defeated and withdrew to Yamaguchi. Gassan Toda Castle was abandoned in 1611 when Horio Yoshiharu moved to Matsue Castle. Today only ruins remain, plus a few reconstructed buildings.

Matsue Castle is located in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture and was completed in 1611. Matsue Castle, also known as "black" or "Plover" castle, is the second largest Japanese Castle. In 1875 all the buildings except the main donjon (keep) were removed as a part of Meiji Restoration. Between 1950 and 1955 the remaining parts of the castle were repaired or reconstructed. Today only the donjon and some walls remain.

SHIMANE SHRINES and TEMPLES

Izumo Taisha Shrine, also known as Izumo Oyashiro, is considered to be one of the most important Shinto Shrines in Japan. Izumo Taisha Shrine is located in Izumo of Shimane Prefecture, which is close to Matsue. Izumo Taisha Shrine is dedicated to the god Okuninushi which famous as the Shinto deity of marriage. In 1952 the main hall, Izumo Taisha, and its attached buildings were designated National Treasures of Japan. Izumo Taisha Shrine complex includes several other buildings that are designated Important Cultural Properties. The current Izumo Taisha (main hall) was built in 1744, which replaced the one built around 1200AD, which was smaller than the original Izumo Taisha. There is no known date of construction of the original main hall, but records from 950AD record its height as 48m.

SHIMANE LANDMARKS

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was first developed in 1526, but reached its peak production in the early 17th century when it was producing a third of the world's then silver production. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine ceased production in the early 20th century. Prior to 1600 the mine was fought over several times until Tokugawa Shogunate gained control. In the mid 17th century the mine was then protected by fences, pine trees and the Yamabuki Castle. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine was also under threat from outside of Japan as it is located on the western coastline of Honshu in today's city of Oda in Shimane Prefecture. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape" listing.

SHIMANE GARDENS and PARKS

Hii River Bank at Unnan in Shimane Prefecture is famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The Hii River Bank at Unnan has around 800 trees.

Matsue Castle Park, also known as Matsue Shiroyama Park, is located in Matsue Shimane Prefecture and contains the reconstructed Matsue Castle. Matsue Castle Park is also famous for its 300 cherry blossom trees and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.