Izumo, Matsue & Iwami Ginzan (No Car Required)
Explore Shimane without driving: visit Izumo Taisha, the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan, Matsue Castle, and the Adachi Museum of Art.
Relying entirely on trains and buses, this itinerary starts with a stay near Izumo Taisha. On the second day, visit Iwami Ginzan before returning to Tamatsukuri to soak in the hot springs. Next, head to Matsue to explore the castle and watch the sunset, and finish at the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi. Perfect for travelers who prefer not to drive. It combines mythology, historic mines, and Japanese gardens. Sakaiminato and Hinomisaki have been omitted to minimize transfers.
Accommodations in Izumo are extremely tight during the Kamiarizuki (the Month of the Gods, around October of the lunar calendar); book well in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Visiting Izumo Taisha
Izumo & Matsue（Izumo Taisha、Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo、Shinmon-dori Street、Inasa Beach）
Take the airport shuttle bus to Izumo Taisha (about 40 minutes), and explore the temple town and the coast on foot.
Stay: In Front of Izumo Taisha
Day 2 · Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Historic Site
Izumo & Matsue（Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine、Tamatsukuri Onsen）
Take the Ichibata Railway to Izumoshi, then the JR train to Odashi, transfer to a bus to Omori (about 30 minutes), and take the JR train back to Tamatsukuri Onsen.
The walk to and from the Ryugenji Mabu Shaft is quite long; comfortable walking shoes are recommended, or you can rent a bicycle.
Stay: Tamatsukuri Onsen
Day 3 · Matsue Castle & Lake Shinji
Izumo & Matsue（Matsue Castle、Horikawa Pleasure Boat、Shiomi Nawate & Lafcadio Hearn Residence、Lake Shinji Sunset）
Take the JR train from Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station to Matsue (about 10 minutes), then transfer to the Lake Line sightseeing bus to Matsue Castle (about 10 minutes).
The sunset viewing at Lake Shinji depends on the daily sunset time; arrive at the lakeshore half an hour early.
Stay: Matsue Shinjiko Onsen
Day 4 · Adachi Museum of Art & Departure
Izumo & Matsue（Adachi Museum of Art）
Take the JR train from Matsue to Yasugi (about 25 minutes), then take the free shuttle bus to the museum (about 20 minutes). Return to Yasugi to continue your journey.
The shuttle bus is not convenient for large luggage; store your bags at Matsue or Yasugi Station beforehand.