Shimane Prefecture (島根県)

Shimane Prefecture (島根県) is a prefecture of Japan facing the Sea of Japan in the west. It is located within the Chugoku Region, on the island of Honshu. Shimane Prefecture covers 6,707.29 sq km and has a population of 715,000 (2011 estimate). Its capital is Matsue City. The prefecture is bordered by Tottori Prefecture to the east, Hiroshima Prefecture to the southeast, and Yamaguchi Prefecture to the south. Also within Shimane Prefecture are the Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan.

Izumo Shrine, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture


Shimane Prefecture was created when the old Han System of administrative division was abolished by the Meiji Restoration in 1871, and replaced with the Prefecture System. Shimane Prefecture was the result of merging Iwami Province, Izumo Province and Oki Province. It absorbed Hamada Prefecture and Tottori Prefecture in 1876. Then in 1881, it assumed its present boundaries when Tottori Prefecture was separated out once again.

According to Japanese mythology, Izumo Province was the dwelling of Okuninushi, the Shinto deity of marriage, which is honored by the Izumo-taisha Shrine in Izumo City. The prefecture is mountainous, so only small areas were suitable for rice cultivation, mainly in the Izuo plain. Most of the towns and villages of Shimane Prefecture are located along the coast.

Street in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture

Planning your trip to Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture is outside the main bullet train service line. You need to take the local trains to Shimane Prefecture such as the Yamaguchi Line and Super Oki limited express trains which travel from Tottori to Shin-Yamaguchi, passing various towns in Shimane Prefecture.

Alternatively, you can also fly to Shimane Prefecture, landing at the Izumo Airport in Hikawa. It receives flights from Haneda Airport, Tokyo, as well as Osaka Airport, Fukuoka Airport and Oki Airport.

Matsue Castle, Shimane Prefecture

Cities of Shimane Prefecture

Tourist Attractions of Shimane Prefecture

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