Top Shimane Prefecture Bus Tours

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Eastern Shimane! Shimane Prefecture sits on the southwestern portion of Japan's main island of Honshu, and is the perfect spot to visit if you're looking for an off the beaten path travel experience. Often overlooked by visitors in favor of more well known destinations, the region has culture, nature and history by the bucketload – just without the massive crowds to battle! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Step into his world, married into a samurai family and transformed Japan’s ghost stories into literature to the world. Explore his former residence and the places he cherished, from samurai districts to Gessho-ji Temple at your pace. Background: When Lafcadio Hearn arrived in Japan in 1890—during the country's rapid rush toward modernization—he set out to explore the vanishing spirit of Japan. In Matsue, he encountered the everyday lives of ordinary people upholding age-old customs, and with a deep sense of reverence for the unseen, he captured these experiences in his writings. Schedule: 13:20 Meeting at the lobby of Matsue New Urban Hotel 13:30 Depart - tour begins 13:45 Matsue Castle — Otemon Gate area 13:55 Matsue Jozan Inari Shrine 14:45 Lafcadio Hearn Museum & Former Residence 15:46 Taking the Lake Line Bus 15:51 Gesshoji Temple 16:20 Dispersal at the site or Matsue New Urban Hotel

- Explore Shimane with a private car with a comfortable air conditioned. - Places that are hard to reach by public transport are now easily accessible by private car. - You can also visit the sights that are not included in the day trip, Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art and Izumo Taisha Shrine. You can learn the history of Shimane deeper and immerse the culture and tradition with long history Izumo. - You can customize the itinerary based on this default schedule.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Flourishing from the 16th century to 20th century, its silver was exported globally, and it is said it produced one-third of the world's silver in the 17th century. This significantly boosted the cultural and economical development in East Asia. This area still preserves its historical townscapes of the middle ages, and shows the coexistence of human industrial activities and nature.

Matsue, a city rich in history and culture, awaits your exploration with the Discover Another Japan Pass (DAJP). This tour provides a 1-day pass that unlocks access to around 120 facilities in the San'in region. With a knowledgeable guide fluent in English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese by your side, you can navigate the city effortlessly and tailor your own itinerary. The pass allows for flexibility in your journey, ensuring you experience the best of Matsue and even includes guidance at locations not covered by the DAJP. - Access to approximately 120 facilities with DAJP - Explore at your own pace and create a personalized itinerary - English, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese-speaking guide available - Flexible tour design with guidance for non-DAJP locations