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Exploring Shimane Prefecture.
#Matsue.
Capital of Japan's least visited prefecture, Matsue is known as the "City of Water". The city is renowned for its historic samurai districts, as well as the 17th-century Matsue Castle, which is said to be one of only twelve original feudal castles remaining in Japan.
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Highlights: Gesshoji Temple, カラコロ工房 地下大金庫室 (Karakoro Workshop Underground Vault), Jozan Inari Shrine, Former Samurai Residence (Zashiki), Shimane Art Museum, 明々庵・赤山茶道会館 (Meimeian Akayama Tea Ceremony Hall), Matsue-jō Castle (pictured), Matsue Vogel Park.
#Tamatsukuri Onsen.
Tamatsukuri Onsen lies a brief train ride away from the Matsue city centre. The picturesque onsen town runs alongside the Tamayu, a river that offers natural foot baths for both locals and visitors alike, making it an excellent place to decompress after a day of sightseeing.
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Highlights: Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, Kirakira Bridge, 宮橋（恋叶い橋), Shiawase Blue Agate (pictured), Himegami Square, 曲水の庭 (Located in Hotel Gyokusen), Tamatsukuri Onsen Foot Bath, Yuyakushi Square Tarai-yu.
#Tsuwano.
Nestled amongst the mountains in Shimane's Kanoashi District, beautiful Tsuwano only receives a relatively small number of tourists each year. The town is home to the Taikodari Inari Jinja, an impressive hilltop shrine with numerous striking red torii gates through which visitors can walk.
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Highlights: Taikodani Inari-jinja (pictured), Yomeiji Temple and Japanese Garden, Tsuwano Catholic Church, Tsuwano castle-town viewpoint, Tsuwano Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings, Tonomachi.
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