Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peaceful countryside. Staying in an old traditional house in a small village located in the heart of Shimane Prefecture feels like traveling back in time. From the window, you can see rice fields and a slow-paced lifestyle. This secluded place, accessible only by car, offers a special retreat where you can leave your busy daily life behind.
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Where is Shimane Prefecture?
When planning a trip to Japan, the most common destinations might be Tokyo, Osaka, or Hokkaido. But have you ever heard of Shimane?
Shimane Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region of western Honshu, Japan. It faces the Sea of Japan to the north and shares borders with Tottori Prefecture to the east, Yamaguchi Prefecture to the west, and Hiroshima Prefecture to the south. The Oki Islands, located off the Shimane Peninsula, are also part of Shimane Prefecture.
Famous Tourist Spots
- Izumo Taisha Shrine – One of Japan’s most important shrines, known for its deity of matchmaking
- Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, once a thriving silver mine
- Matsue Castle – A beautiful, well-preserved national treasure
Local Cuisine
- Izumo Soba – One of Japan’s three major soba varieties, featuring dark-colored noodles
- Shijimi Miso Soup – Made with freshwater clams from Lake Shinji, full of rich umami flavor
- Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch) – A premium fish known for its fatty texture, often grilled or served as sashimi
- Akaten – A spicy fish cake, a specialty of Hamada City
Special Products
- Nita Rice – A premium rice brand from Okuizumo, known for its sweetness and sticky texture
- Jurosu Seaweed – A fragrant, high-quality seaweed grown in the rough waters of the Sea of Japan
- Shimane Wagyu – A top-tier wagyu beef, even winning high honors in wagyu competitions
Shimane is full of hidden treasures! Is there a place you’d like to visit or a local dish you’d love to try?
1. A Small Village in Shimane: A Unique Experience
Located in central Shimane, this village is surrounded by nature and has a peaceful atmosphere. There are no supermarkets or convenience stores nearby, making it a break from everyday convenience. However, this place offers a unique richness that cities cannot provide.
Visitors come here to enjoy the luxury of “doing nothing.”
2. Staying in a Traditional House: A Taste of Old Japan
This time, I stayed in a single-story traditional Japanese house that had been renovated. While the exterior retained its historical charm, the interior was remodeled for modern comfort. The house still preserved traditional design elements, such as a sliding wooden entrance door and an earthen floor (doma), which was once used for cooking and farm work.
Beyond the doma, there was a tatami-mat room. Large windows framed a countryside view, accompanied by the gentle sounds of birds and insects. The house even had a spacious hinoki cypress bath, large enough for a five-person family to bathe together!
3. A Relaxing Time: Scenic Views from the Window
Sunlight poured through the large windows, revealing the tranquil rice fields outside. In the morning, the scent of the rice paddies drifted in with the breeze, accompanied by birdsong from afar. At night, frogs filled the air with their chorus.
These sounds and scents help visitors reconnect with the natural flow of time—something often forgotten in city life.
It was a rainy day, but watching the rain through the large window had its own charm. The world outside was veiled in gentle rainfall, and the moist air seeped into my soul, washing away unnecessary thoughts. A profound sense of tranquility filled my heart, and with a deep breath, a refreshing clarity spread within me. It was an extraordinary escape from the ordinary—a truly luxurious way to spend time.
The Beauty of Spending Time in the Countryside
On a sunny day, I took a walk through the village. Surrounded by mountains in every direction, this area felt like a place embraced by nature. No matter where I looked, towering peaks stood majestically, their rolling green slopes bringing a deep sense of calm. The crisp air filled my lungs, while the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of trees created a soothing harmony.
In this nature-rich region, river activities are also possible. I spent a little time playing in the tranquil waters of a river, home to Japanese giant salamanders. The water in May felt slightly chilly, yet it was refreshing and enjoyable. As I watched the peaceful rhythm of life unfold before me, I felt as though time was unraveling at a slower, more serene pace.
The time spent in this village was not flashy, but it provided something city life cannot offer—the luxury of doing nothing and the feeling of time flowing naturally.
Whether reading a book quietly or simply gazing at the scenery, every moment here felt priceless.
And someday, I’d love to return.
