Tsuwano
Known as the “Little Kyoto of the San-in Region”, Tsuwano is located on the western edge of Shimane. The peaceful castle town, at the base of Mt. Aono, welcomes you with its koi- filled canals, white plaster buildings and quaint streets.
ACCESS
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Train
JR Shin-Yamaguchi ＞ JR Tsuwano
(1hr JR Yamaguchi Line/ Ltd. Express) JR Matsue ＞ JR Tsuwano (3hr Ltd. Express) |
|
Taxi
Hagi Iwami Airport ＞ Tsuwano (40min)
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･ Prices listed do not include tax.
･ The admission prices listed in this website are for adults. Please inquire about the child’s price at each venue.
･ Information in this website is subject to change.
･ Pricing is current as of February 2016.
･ Inquiries made to the email addresses listed in this website may not receive an immediate reply. Thank you in advance for your patience.
･ Individual location webpages may only be in Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.
･ The admission prices listed in this website are for adults. Please inquire about the child’s price at each venue.
･ Information in this website is subject to change.
･ Pricing is current as of February 2016.
･ Inquiries made to the email addresses listed in this website may not receive an immediate reply. Thank you in advance for your patience.
･ Individual location webpages may only be in Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.
Rental Bikes
Bicycles can be a useful way to get around town. They can be rented from various locations (see map). Please make sure to return all rentals by closing time.
Kamai Shoten
Opening hours | 8am-7pm | ||
Price | ￥500 (2hr) ※100 yen ea addl hr. ￥800 (1day) | ||
Address | 49-6 Ushiroda,Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0342 | ||
Oto Saikuru Oba
Opening hours | 8am-6pm | ||
Price | ￥500 (2hr) ※100 yen ea addl hr. ￥800 (1day) | ||
Address | 93-3 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0466 | ||
Tachibana Saikuru
Opening hours | 8am-5pm | ||
Price | ￥500 (2hr) ※100 yen ea addl hr. ￥800 (1day) | ||
Address | 269-1 Machida, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-1154 | ||
Heron Dance
Originating in Kyoto, Tsuwano is the only location in Japan where the Heron Dance (a nationally designated intangible cultural asset) has been continuously held for over 400 years.
Opening hours | July 20, July 27 | ||
Horseback Archery
Performed only once a year, this is a unique, traditional ceremony conducted on the grounds of a shrine. The 270-meter course, constructed in the 16th century, is the only original horseback archery course still in use today.
Opening hours | 2nd Sun. of April | ||
Tsuwano Sightseeing spot
Taikodani Inari Shrine
One of the most important Inari (god of harvest) shrines in Japan. The uphill approach to the shrine is lined with almost one thousand torii gates, which create a spectacular red tunnel up the mountain. Praying here is said to make your wish come true.
Address | 409 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0219 | ||
Tsuwano Castle Ruins
A tourist lift carries you up to the castle ruins, where you can enjoy views of Tsuwano’s red-tile roofed buildings. The castle was struck by lightning in 1686 and destroyed by the subsequent fire but the plunging views from the 200-meter castle remnants are an impressive sight.
Other |  | ||
Tsuwano Castle
Ruins Tourist
Chair Lift
Opening hours | 9am-4:30pm
Mar.1- Nov.30: Everyday
Dec.1- Feb.29: Sat., Sun.,
national holidays.
Closed occasionally | ||
Price | ￥450 round trip | ||
Address | Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number
| 0856-72-0376 | ||
Chapel of Saint Maria
The Chapel of Saint Maria was constructed in 1948 as a memorial for Christians who were martyred in the late 19th century when Christianity was still forbidden in Japan. On May 3rd, a solemn outdoor procession and mass is performed for the Otome Toge Festival, which draws Catholics from all over Japan.
Address | Otome-toge, Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0251
(Tsuwano Catholic Church) | ||
Other | | ||
Tsuwano Catholic Church
The Tsuwano Catholic Church was founded by a Christian missionary in 1892 and rebuilt after a fire in 1931. Sunlight pouring through the stained glass and reflecting onto tatami prayer mats make this chapel unique.
Opening hours
| 8am-5:30pm | ||
Price | FREE | ||
Address | 66-7 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0251 | ||
Other | | ||
Yomeiji Temple
This temple dates back to the 15th century and was passed down through generations of Tsuwano feudal lords. The surviving thatched roof is rare for a temple. It is especially beautiful in autumn.
Opening hours | 8:30am-3pm Closed occasionally | ||
Price | ￥300 | ||
Address | 107 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856‐72‐0137 | ||
Other | | ||
Tsuwano Japan Heritage Center
This center exhibits a rotating display of the “Tsuwano Hyakkeizu”, drawings and panels by the artist, Kurimoto Kakusai. They depict the seasons, scenic spots and foods of Tsuwano as the artist saw them over 150 years ago and demonstrate how little the town has changed over the years.
Opening hours | 9am-5pm
Closed Mon. (or Tues. if Mon. is a holiday) | ||
Price | FREE | ||
Address | 253 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-1901 | ||
Other | | ||
Tsuwano Eating
Tsuwano Hot Spring
Nagomi no Sato
A natural radon hot spring with various baths to enjoy. It also has a restaurant that uses local ingredients and a shop offering local handicrafts, vegetables, etc.
Opening hours | Hot Spring: 10am-9pm (Last entry 8:30pm)
Closed Thursday
Shop: 9am-9pm
Restaurant: 11am-9pm (Last order 8:30pm) | ||
Address | 256 Washibara, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-4122 | ||
Other |  | ||
Minoya
This restaurant was constructed to resemble an Edo period teahouse. The kushi dango (sweet dumplings on a stick) and shikotama udon (noodles with assorted toppings) are popular menu items.
Opening hours | 9:30am-5:30pmClosed Wed., Thurs. | ||
Address | 75-1 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-1531 | ||
Other |  | ||
Pino Rosso
This authentic Italian restaurant uses a variety of fresh, locally grown ingredients.
Opening hours | 11:30am-9pmClosed Thursday | ||
Address | 284 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-2778 | ||
Other | | ||
Sara no Ki Shointei
There is a cafe space that can be enjoyed all day. Additional menu options are available.Credit cards accepted (only for
charges of 5,000 yen or more)
Opening hours | 9am-6pm
Lunch: 11am-3pm (Last order 2pm)
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Other |  | ||
Tsuwano Shopping
Exploring Sake Breweries
There are currently three sake breweries in Tsuwano, all of which were founded in the 1700s. In winter, you can observe the brewing process.
Kasen Shuzo
Opening hours | 8am-7pm | ||
Address | 221 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Other |  | ||
Furuhashi Shuzo
Opening hours | 8:30am-5pm | ||
Address | 196 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0048 | ||
Other | | ||
Zaima Sakaba
Opening hours | 9am-4pm | ||
Address | 34 Nakaza, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0039 | ||
Other | | ||
Fundoya
Established approximately 300 years ago, this shop functioned as a supplier for the Tsuwano feudal domain. It sells an assortment of small Japanese objects such as incense.
Opening hours | 8:30am-5:30pmClosed occasionally | ||
Address | 190 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0021 | ||
Other | | ||
Sanshodo
This shop’s genjimaki is stamped with a smile, making it a great souvenir (good for one week after purchase).
Sanshodo
Opening hours | 8am-6pm | ||
Address | Honmachi, Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0856 | ||
Kashin-an
Opening hours | 9:30am-5:30pm | ||
Address |
Honmachi, Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0856 | ||
Chikufuken (Making genjimaki)
This confectionary shop was founded in 1885. You can try making your own genjimaki.
Opening hours | 12pm-3pm; First come, first serve;
Open on weekends and national holidays when
the SL steam train is running
(end of Mar. to beginning of Nov.). | ||
Price | ￥500 (Includes 1 genjimaki souvenir) | ||
Address | 240 Ushiro-da, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0041 | ||
Tsuwano Accommodation
Yoshinoya
A long-standing, all tatami mat ryokan that has recently undergone renovation. It even has a cafe corner for relaxing. It is conveniently located for sightseeing. Wi-Fi access is only available in the lobby.
Price | ￥7,000-￥15,000 | ||
Address | 185-3 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-4039 | ||
Other |  | ||
Noren Yado Meigetsu
Constructed over 100 years ago, this is a genuine Japanese ryokan. Gardens and rooms showcase Japan’s aesthetic sense while the regional cuisine displays local ingredients.
Price | ￥7,000-￥15,000 | ||
Address | 665 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0685 | ||
Other | | ||
Wataya
The only ryokan in Tsuwano with a natural hot spring. Enjoy views from the elegant outdoor bath of the sparkling night sky, the town wrapped in the morning mist and its natural surroundings. Wi-Fi access is only available on the 1st floor.
Price | Under \7,000 | ||
Address | 82-3 Ushiroda,Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0333 | ||
Other |  | ||
Tsuwano Hotel
This Western-style hotel sits on a hill overlooking Tsuwano (about a 15- minute walk from the station). It offers comfortable beds and a communal bath for a reasonable rate.
Price | Under \7,000 | ||
Address | 845-1 Terada, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-3232 | ||
Other |  | ||
Hoshi Ryokan
Come stretch out your legs and relax as you enjoy the flavors of the four seasons. Enjoy lovingly prepared food and warm service. A nice place to unwind from the hectic pace of traveling.
Price | Under \7,000 | ||
Address | 53-6 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho | ||
Phone number | 0856-72-0136 | ||
Other |  | ||
Yoshika
A delightful village in the mountains near Tsuwano, Yoshika offers a variety of beautiful natural spots and hot springs.
ACCESS
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Bus
Hiroshima ＞ Muikaichi, Yoshika (1hr 50min)
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Car
Tsuwano ＞ Oidani Rice Fields (30min)
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･ Prices listed do not include tax.
･ The admission prices listed in this website are for adults. Please inquire about the child’s price at each venue.
･ Information in this website is subject to change.
･ Pricing is current as of February 2016.
･ Inquiries made to the email addresses listed in this website may not receive an immediate reply. Thank you in advance for your patience.
･ Individual location webpages may only be in Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.
･ The admission prices listed in this website are for adults. Please inquire about the child’s price at each venue.
･ Information in this website is subject to change.
･ Pricing is current as of February 2016.
･ Inquiries made to the email addresses listed in this website may not receive an immediate reply. Thank you in advance for your patience.
･ Individual location webpages may only be in Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.
Oidani Rice Fields
Located in the westernmost corner of Shimane Prefecture, these terraced rice fields have been cultivated for over 600 years. The lovely stonework of the regularly spaced terracing flows out in front of you while the private residences melt into the landscape creating a breathtaking scene.
Other | | ||
Headwaters Festival
This traditional festival, held in a luscious green park, formed around a Shinto ritual to pray for rain in years of drought. The highlight is a giant dragon woven from dried rice stalks. It is carried around and then plunged into a pool that is the source of the Takatsu River. Dragon and lion objects are often paraded at festivals around Japan. Receiving a bite from one is thought to be a wish for good health, particularly for children. Don’t miss the chance to see this exciting ancient ritual and mingle with local citizens.
Opening hours | 3rd Sunday of June | ||
Masuda
A city with a long history dating back to the Stone Age, Masuda is a nice stop during your travels along the rugged San-in coast. Enjoy Iwami Kagura performances and fresh seafood.
ACCESS
|
Train
JR Tsuwano ＞ JR Masuda
(40min Local, 30min Ltd. Express) JR Matsue ＞ JR Masuda (2hr 20 min Ltd. Express) |
|
Airplane
Haneda/Tokyo ＞ Hagi Iwami Airport (1hr 30min)
|
|
Bus
Hiroshima ＞ Masuda (3hr 30 min)
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･ Prices listed do not include tax.
･ The admission prices listed in this website are for adults. Please inquire about the child’s price at each venue.
･ Information in this website is subject to change.
･ Pricing is current as of February 2016.
･ Inquiries made to the email addresses listed in this website may not receive an immediate reply. Thank you in advance for your patience.
･ Individual location webpages may only be in Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.
･ The admission prices listed in this website are for adults. Please inquire about the child’s price at each venue.
･ Information in this website is subject to change.
･ Pricing is current as of February 2016.
･ Inquiries made to the email addresses listed in this website may not receive an immediate reply. Thank you in advance for your patience.
･ Individual location webpages may only be in Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.
Sanrigahama Beach
This beautiful sandy beach stretches out for many kilometers and is a popular spot for water sports. It is also a spectacular place to watch the sun sink into the Sea of Japan.
Address | Takatsu-cho, Masuda-shi | ||
Shimane Arts Center Grand Toit
This is a unique building that combines an art museum and theatre. Various exhibitions and performances are held throughout the year. Grand Toit means “large roof” in French and locally made Sekishu roof tiles spread out across the roof and walls of this grand building. It gives off different impressions depending on the time of day and the angle of the light, making it a work of art in its own right.
Opening hours | Center: 9am-10pm,
Closed 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month
(Wed. if Tues. is a holiday), New Year holidays
Museum: 10am-6:30pm (Last Entry 6pm),
Closed Tues. (Wed. if Tues. is a holiday),
New Year holidays
Restaurant: 11am-10pm,
Closed 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, occasionally
*Reservation required for dinner
Shop: 10am-6:30pm, Closed Tuesday | ||
Price | Museum: from ￥1,000 | ||
Address | 5-15, Ariake-cho, Masuda-shi | ||
Phone number | 0856-31-1860 | ||
Other |  | ||
Masuda EAGA
Building
Adjacent to Masuda Station, the EAGA building offers a variety of convenient services for travelers (restaurants, drug store, business hotel, etc.). On Saturday evenings, Iwami Kagura is performed in the large hall on the 3rd floor.
Opening hours | 7:30pm-9pm, Every Saturday (Except Sep. to Nov.) | ||
Price | ￥500 | ||
Address | 3F 17-1 Ekimae-cho, Masuda-shi | ||
Other | | ||
Tagosaku
A short distance from Masuda Station, this restaurant offers set meals full of extremely fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
Opening hours | 12pm-12amClosed occasionally | ||
Address | 10-3 Akagi-chi, Masuda-shi | ||
Phone number | 0856-22-3022 | ||
Other |  | ||
Araisokan
This ryokan is located on the shores of the Sea of Japan. The guest rooms, as well as the large hot spring bath, all have gorgeous sunset views. You can also indulge in a room with its own private outdoor bath.
Opening hours | 11am-2pm | ||
Price | Accommodation: over \15,000Day Trip Bathing: ￥600 (varies with season) | ||
Address | 1019-1 Nishihirabara-cho, Masuda-shi | ||
Phone number | 0856-27-0811 | ||
Other |  | ||
Masuda Green Hotel Morris
Conveniently located adjacent to Masuda Station (inside Masuda EAGA Bldg.), this 141-room business hotel offers barrier-free rooms, a large, fully equipped public bath and Internet service.
Price | Under \7,000 | ||
Address | 17-2 Ekimae-cho, Masuda-shi | ||
Phone number | 0856-31-8111 | ||
Other | | ||
General Inquiries
Iwami Tourism Promotion Committee TEL.0855-29-5647 Shimane Prefectural Government, International Tourism Group TEL.0852-22-5579