Shimane Prefecture is located on the Sea of Japan side in the western part of Honshu, within the Chugoku region of Japan. It occupies the western portion of the San'in area. The prefectural capital is Matsue City, and the region is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, with landmarks such as Izumo Taisha Shrine, the Oki Islands, and the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Shimane corresponds to the former provinces of Izumo, Iwami, and Oki, and it is still common to divide the prefecture into the Izumo region, the Iwami region, and the Oki region when describing it.
Geography and Composition
Shimane Prefecture has an elongated shape running east to west along the Sea of Japan coast on Honshu, and it also includes the offshore Oki Islands (about 180 km²). Additionally, Takeshima (administratively part of Okinoshima Town in Oki District), which is of international attention, is also considered part of Shimane Prefecture.
Climate Characteristics
While Shimane lies entirely within the Sea of Japan climate zone, it is located at the southwestern end of the coast, making it relatively mild and with fewer heavy snowfall areas compared to other regions. That said, it is also known for high humidity and frequent cloudy or rainy days.
Eastern Coastal Area (e.g., Matsue City, Izumo City)
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Some winters see snowfall, but persistent snow cover is rare; typically, there are 1–2 snowfalls per year with 15–30 cm of snow.
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Summers are relatively mild, with less intense heat than in the Sanyo region.
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Overall, annual temperature variations tend to be gentle.
Western Coastal Area (e.g., Hamada City, Masuda City, Gōtsu City)
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Winter average temperatures are around 5–6°C, about the same as central Tokyo or Osaka, making the climate quite mild.
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This is a transitional zone from Sea of Japan climate to Pacific Ocean climate, with more rain than snow.
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The region occasionally experiences heavy rainfalls due to late-season monsoons or typhoons.
Inland Area (e.g., Iinan Town, Ōnan Town)
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Winters are harsh, with some areas dropping below −15°C, and the region (excluding the far west) is designated as a heavy snowfall area.
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Summer nights are cool, and tropical nights are rare.
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In higher elevations, snowfall may exceed 1 meter in some years.
Climate Characteristics
While Shimane lies entirely within the Sea of Japan climate zone, it is located at the southwestern end of the coast, making it relatively mild and with fewer heavy snowfall areas compared to other regions. That said, it is also known for high humidity and frequent cloudy or rainy days.
Eastern Coastal Area (e.g., Matsue City, Izumo City)
-
Some winters see snowfall, but persistent snow cover is rare; typically, there are 1–2 snowfalls per year with 15–30 cm of snow.
-
Summers are relatively mild, with less intense heat than in the Sanyo region.
-
Overall, annual temperature variations tend to be gentle.
Western Coastal Area (e.g., Hamada City, Masuda City, Gōtsu City)
-
Winter average temperatures are around 5–6°C, about the same as central Tokyo or Osaka, making the climate quite mild.
-
This is a transitional zone from Sea of Japan climate to Pacific Ocean climate, with more rain than snow.
-
The region occasionally experiences heavy rainfalls due to late-season monsoons or typhoons.
Inland Area (e.g., Iinan Town, Ōnan Town)
-
Winters are harsh, with some areas dropping below −15°C, and the region (excluding the far west) is designated as a heavy snowfall area.
-
Summer nights are cool, and tropical nights are rare.
-
In higher elevations, snowfall may exceed 1 meter in some years.
Culture, History, and Tourism
Shimane Prefecture is deeply connected with Japanese mythology and ancient culture, and it is well-known as a central area of Shinto worship, with Izumo Taisha being a key landmark.
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The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the atmospheric castle town of Tsuwano are also popular tourist destinations.
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In the Oki Islands, a remote archipelago, traditional culture and lifestyle remain vividly preserved, blending rich nature with a way of life rooted in tradition.
Shimane Prefecture has a relatively small population and a slower pace of urban development, but this contributes to its peaceful lifestyle, beautiful natural surroundings, and cultural depth. In this serene setting, often seen as a representation of Japan’s original landscape, history and modern life quietly coexist.