Shimane City Pass|Have fun in Shimane|Shimane Fun Pass 1 Week Free Pass

Must Do Experiences

• Redeem your pass at the iconic Izumo Taisha to immerse yourself in Japan's ancient mythology and massive sacred ropes.

• Use your pass for a culinary experience at a participating local F&B restaurant to taste authentic Izumo soba or fresh Sea of Japan seafood.

• Visit Matsue Castle to enjoy breathtaking views of the moat and rich samurai history.

• Explore the Adachi Museum of Art to see stunning Japanese paintings set against a beautiful traditional garden backdrop.

Hidden Gems

• Many travellers miss the evening illuminations at participating gardens, which offer a magical, crowd-free atmosphere compared to daytime visits.

• Look out for participating local cafes that serve Warigo Soba, a traditional Izumo-style buckwheat noodle dish served in unique stacking wooden bowls.

• Use your pass at lesser-known historical museums in the Matsue area to uncover fascinating samurai artifacts without the heavy tourist crowds of Kyoto.

What Makes it Special

• The 270-day purchase validity gives you incredible flexibility to plan your trip without the stress of an immediate expiration date.

• You have a generous seven-day window to use your three chosen facilities once the pass is activated, allowing for a leisurely travel pace.

• It seamlessly combines cultural attractions with food and beverage venues, giving you a well-rounded taste of Shimane on a single ticket.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Autumn from October to November is arguably the best time to visit Shimane, offering stunning fall foliage at castle grounds and gardens alongside pleasant, crisp weather. To avoid crowds at major shrines like Izumo Taisha, aim to arrive right at opening time in the early morning. Note that October is known as Kamiarizuki, the month with gods, in Shimane, making it a uniquely vibrant and busy spiritual season.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• When photographing the massive shimenawa sacred rope at Izumo Taisha, use a wide-angle lens to capture its sheer scale against the grand shrine architecture.

• Capture the golden hour reflections on the moat surrounding Matsue Castle, which provides a stunning, symmetrical composition in the late afternoon.

• Always ask for permission before photographing staff or locals at participating F&B venues, and avoid using flash inside dimly lit historical museums.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting Shinto shrines included in the pass, remember to bow slightly before passing through the torii gates and walk along the edges of the path, as the center is reserved for the deities. At traditional F&B venues, it is customary to say itadakimasu before eating and gochisousama deshita after finishing your meal to show appreciation. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, so simply express your gratitude to the staff with a polite bow or a warm thank you.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Kamiari-sai Welcome Gods Festival in late autumn celebrates the arrival of deities to Izumo Taisha, offering a deeply spiritual and atmospheric experience.

• Matsue Castle hosts beautiful cherry blossom viewings and evening illuminations in early April, perfect for a romantic springtime pass redemption.

• The Izumo Taisha Grand Festival in May features spectacular traditional processions and horseback archery, bringing ancient samurai traditions to life.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Shimane's rural areas can have limited public transport in the late evening, so plan your transit routes carefully to avoid being stranded after dark.

• When exploring castle grounds or shrine forests, watch your step on uneven stone paths and mossy stairs, especially after rainfall.

• Carry a portable power bank to ensure your phone remains charged, as you will need it to display your digital pass and navigate between your three chosen facilities.