When I referred to Japanese Tourism statistics by JNTO=Japan National Tourism Organization, Shimane Prefecture was ranked one of the lowest prefectures visited ranking in 2019. Top five were Tokyo, Osaka, Chiba, Kyoto and Nara. It is natural to understand why Tokyo and Osaka dominate for this ranking, but there should be other aspects when you choose places to visit, especially when you are visiting Japan for the second or more times. In this newsletter I will write about different aspects of choosing your destinations of the experience of my recent driving trip to Shimane.
How many of you will be able to point out the exact place of Shimane prefecture if I ask you? This Q&A will symbolize the concentration of foreign tourists to Tokyo and other major cities in Japan. Of course, Tokyo and Osaka have major international airports and visitors tend to stick to these major cities, especially when it is their first time of visit. Visiting major tourist attraction may fulfill first timer, but for those who are visiting second or even more time to Japan, it will be an option to enjoy quiet and untouched places. Shimane will be one of the best places from that point of view.
I will list some of points you can look at when you choose your destination once you arrive in Japan.
History
As I wrote about a bit of history on my previous newsletter “#016 The sacred place where all deities gather”, Izumo Taisha has very important meaning for the origin of the Japanese and it should be very interesting if you are keen on that part of history. I am sorry that there is not English site so that you have to rely on the translation function of your browser.
Less Foreign Tourist
I can guarantee that you will see much less foreign tourists as statistics show. There may be language assistance problem if you are going remote places since most of tourist attractions in this area may still focus on Japanese tourist. But don’t worry, there will be kind local people who will try to assist you and I quite like this part of the travel. This random encounter with local people will sometimes bring a forth to an unexpected friendship and this part of travel is a true charm of visiting different world. Additionally, you can make use of your smartphone and find your way or even Japanese translation of specific expressions.
Hospitality
There might be some places where local people are unfamiliar with foreign tourists, but it is not the case anymore. The situation has changed from a couple of decades ago. There used to be some local people think foreign tourists as aliens, but it doesn’t happen anymore. Please ask whatever assistances you need and this moment will be the starting point of exchanging the conversation. Because of smartphone and other devices, language barrier is no longer a big obstacle.
Expenses
When you compare the general expense of Tokyo and other local cities, it is so obvious that hotels, restaurants…. most things are expensive in Tokyo. It all depends on how you spend, but you can save lots of money. Supposedly staying overnight at a city hotel in Matsue, you can relax whatever you pay. But one thing, please avoid any kind of touristic restaurant. They will top up some of unnecessary cost.
Food
Travel delights of this area come with food and hot springs. The top must-eat dish is Izumo soba (buckwheat noodles) which is different from what you get in Tokyo. Izumo soba is one of Japan's top three buckwheat noodles and others are Wanko soba in Iwate and Togakushi soba in Nagano. Boiled buckwheat noodles served in round lacquer containers that can be stacked. The three-tiered bowl is common, with separate containers for condiments and dashi broth. This form is based on the lunchboxes used by the hobbyists of Matsue in the Edo period to eat soba outdoors.
The snow crab ban is lifted from November to March and the crab is widely available on the Sea of Japan side east of Shimane Prefecture. So if you like crab, it is one choice to visit this time of the year. But the weather of the Sea of Japan is normally dark and cold with the strong wind coming from the continent. Japanese people are crazy about crabs and winter is also high season for gourmet.
Hot Springs
I can’t say why, since I am not a geologist, major hot springs are found in the north of Chugoku Mountains. They are located in Tottori Prefecture and Shimane Prefecture. Tamatsukuri hot spring is one of the biggest in this region and known as “hot spring water for beautiful skin” all over Japan. The high quality of this hot spring water was recognized more than 1,700 years ago. There are over 10 large accommodation facilities here and most of facilities accommodates with 1 room with breakfast and dinner. So they offer typical Japanese hot spring “Ryokan” style. If you compare with Ryokan near from metropolitan area the cost is reasonable and this time I paid 11,000 yen for 1night with 2 meals. Quality of hot spring water is Sodium, calcium sulphate and chloride spring and it is accepted by anybody. I stayed there for two nights and it was relaxing and calm. I really had a good time.
Tips to visit Shimane
Early planning and booking: Most of people will use air flights from Tokyo and find a cheap one either to Yonago or Izumo. ANA and JAL are using dynamic pricing and the cost really varies depending on the timing.
For accommodation, avoid Friday to Sunday night. All the guest rooms are separated, but you have to share a large public bath and you will be disappointed with congestion of a large public bath.
Food, attraction or your valuable time at hot spring, consider what is most important to you in your journey. You have so many choices depending on what you think it the most important.
Regarding visiting season, winter weather tends to be harsh sometimes. Suspension of flights can be expected during the winter.
Your journey to Shimane should be unforgettable if you prepare with plenty of time to spare. Why don’t you consider Shimane for your next visit to Japan.
I went to Shimane last summer - took a night bus from Shinjuku to Izumo Taisha - and indeed, it was worth my time. I'd like to go again one day.