The Shimane Prefecture is located in the northern region of West Japan, facing a shoreline of the Sea of Japan. The prefecture stretches wide, blessed with both sea and mountains.

Found in the Chugoku Region, the Shimane Prefecture holds several touristic highlights. This includes its capital, Matsue, known for its original-standing “black castle”. Additionally, it is home to Japan’s oldest shrine, Izumo shrine. There is also the historic Iwami Ginzan silver mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and unique atmosphere to stroll through. The beautiful Adachi Art Museum can also be found in the Shimane Prefecture, along with its award-winning garden. The Oki Islands, found in the Sea of Japan, are also a part of the Shimane Prefecture and is part of the Global Geoparks Network.

The numerous square shaped kofun (burial mounds) found in Shimane Prefecture date back to the Yayoi Period (300 BC to 300 AD). For a time, the area remained outside the influence of the Yamato dynasty. Instead the region had strong connections with both ancient China and Korea. The history of Shimane dates all the way back to early Japanese mythology. Its culture and traditions are associated with the legends and folklore found around Shimane. Shimane is also known to be the meeting place for the myriads of Japanese gods to hold their annual meetings, specifically the Izumo Shrine. Additionally, the area is referred as “the land of the gods”, or “the land of the myths”.