Shimane in four days: add Adachi gardens or lakeside exhibitions?
Spend 2 nights in Matsue, then 1 in Izumo to separate shrine and beach visits. For gardens and Japanese paintings, visit Adachi in Yasugi on day 2, allowing return JR and shuttle time. For a collection exhibition in central Matsue, choose Shimane Art Museum and walk both ways from Matsue Station.
Choose a 3 nights, 4 days itinerary
Castle, gardens, shrine and beach
Spend 2 nights in Matsue, then 1 in Izumoshi. See the castle and Adachi Museum first, then move to Izumo for separate shrine, approach-street and beach visits.
Castle, gardens, shrine and beach →3 nights, 4 days BCastle and lakeside exhibition, then Izumo
Spend 2 nights in Matsue, then 1 in Izumoshi if you want the collection exhibition and lakeside walk in Matsue. This option spends more time in central Matsue instead of making the Yasugi trip to Adachi Museum.
Castle and lakeside exhibition, then Izumo →Castle, gardens, shrine and beach
Spend 2 nights in Matsue, then 1 in Izumoshi. See the castle and Adachi Museum first, then move to Izumo for separate shrine, approach-street and beach visits.
Day 1 · Matsue Castle keep and surroundings
Matsue Castle keep and surroundings
- Matsue Station → Matsue Castle stop
From stand 7 at Matsue Station, take the Lake Line to Kokuho Matsuejo (Otemae) (国宝松江城（大手前）). Follow signs through the castle grounds to the keep entrance. Use the current timetable to choose your return to Matsue Station after the visit too.
- Matsue Castle stop → Keep visit and lunch
Follow park signs through Honmaru to the keep entrance. Walking from the stop to the entrance is extra. As a suggested pace, allow about 90 minutes for the keep, including internal stairs and removing shoes, then about 60 minutes for lunch and a rest nearby. Follow the facility’s admission deadline.
Open Matsue Castle’s official guideMore transport and operating information
- Matsue Castle → Matsue hotel
Return to the same stop and board the Lake Line in its continuing circular direction towards Matsue Station. This differs from ordinary buses at Kencho-mae and completes the remaining loop after the castle. Stay in Matsue tonight.
Day 2 · Gardens and Japanese paintings, then return to the same hotel
Gardens and Japanese paintings, then return to the same hotel
- Matsue Station and hotel → Yasugi shuttle stop
From Matsue Station, take a Yonago-bound JR local train to Yasugi. The free Adachi shuttle stop is about 15 metres to the right outside the station building. Allow platform and exit transfer time between the JR arrival and shuttle departure.
Dynamic journey searchMore transport and operating information
- Yasugi Station → Adachi Museum of Art
The free shuttle takes about 20 minutes to the museum. It seats 25 on a first-come basis; arriving by JR does not secure a seat. If full, choose the next free service or the official paid Yellow Bus and add its fare to the subtotal.
- Adachi Museum entrance → Return shuttle ticket and museum visit
After entering, first collect a numbered return-shuttle ticket for each person at the entrance counter. Arrange the garden, Japanese paintings and lunch around the return service secured. The museum recommends at least 2 hours for a visit, with ticket and meal queues extra. Check annex closures too.
More transport and operating informationOpen Adachi Museum’s official guide
- Adachi Museum of Art → Matsue hotel
Return to Yasugi on the shuttle indicated by your numbered tickets, then take JR towards Matsue. If you cannot secure a free return, check the paid Yellow Bus. Its stop is about a 2-minute walk from the museum, and it adds JPY 200 one way. Stay in Matsue and check JR connections for your selected return service.
More transport and operating informationDynamic journey search
Day 3 · Move to Izumo for the shrine and approach street
Move to Izumo for the shrine and approach street
- Matsue hotel → Izumoshi Station and new hotel
Move from Matsue to Izumoshi by JR. Stay in Izumoshi and visit the shrine and Shinmondori today. Choose a bus that leaves enough time for both the city transfer and shrine visit, rather than a tight connection immediately after the train arrives.
- Izumoshi Station → Seimon-mae
From stand 1 outside JR Izumoshi Station’s north exit, take an Izumo Taisha-bound bus via AEON Mall to Seimon-mae (正門前). Adult fare is JPY 510 one way or JPY 1,020 return; do not apply it to buses via Youme Town. Events can change stops and times, so check current operator notices and return services together.
Ichibata Taisha Line current timetable and faresRegular outward timetableSpecial timetable for 10–11 OctoberSpecial timetable for 12 October
- Seimon-mae → Shrine and Shinmondori
Walk about 1 minute from the stop to the Seidamari main torii, then follow the approach, Harae Bridge and pine-lined path into the grounds. Suggested time is 75–90 minutes for the shrine and about 60 minutes for lunch on Shinmondori. The area behind the main sanctuary closes at 16:30; the treasure hall is excluded. Entrance walking and food queues are extra.
Walk to the main entrance and approach guideMore transport and operating information
- Shrine and Shinmondori → Izumoshi hotel
From Seimon-mae, return on an Izumoshi Station-bound bus via AEON Mall. Choose a return service after worship and lunch. Stay in Izumoshi tonight.
Regular return timetableSpecial timetable for 10–11 OctoberSpecial timetable for 12 October
Day 4 · Beach walk, ending at Izumoshi Station
Beach walk, ending at Izumoshi Station
- Izumoshi Station and hotel → Seimon-mae
From stand 1 outside JR Izumoshi Station’s north exit, take an Izumo Taisha-bound bus via AEON Mall to Seimon-mae (正門前). Adult fare is JPY 510 one way or JPY 1,020 return; do not apply it to buses via Youme Town. Events can change stops and times, so check current operator notices and return services together.
Ichibata Taisha Line current timetable and faresRegular outward timetableSpecial timetable for 10–11 OctoberSpecial timetable for 12 October
- Seimon-mae → Inasa-no-Hama
Walk about 1 minute to the Seidamari main torii, then head west from the shrine towards Inasa-no-Hama. The tourism guide’s roughly 15-minute walk starts at the shrine, not when your bus arrives. Follow local signs for crossings. The shrine’s surrounding-area map also marks beach parking and toilets.
Walk to the main entrance and approach guideShimane tourism beach guideMore transport and operating information
- Beach entrance → Beach walk
Allow a suggested 30–45 minutes for the beach walk without repeating yesterday’s shrine visit. Omit the beach return trip in rain, strong wind or if there is too little time before departure.
- Inasa-no-Hama → Izumoshi Station and hotel
Retrace the path towards the shrine’s main entrance and reach the Izumoshi-bound boarding point at Seimon-mae. Take the bus via AEON Mall for JPY 510 one way. Shorten the beach trip in wind or rain, or if departure time is tight. This route ends at Izumoshi Station.
Regular return timetableSpecial timetable for 10–11 OctoberSpecial timetable for 12 OctoberIchibata Taisha Line current timetable and fares
Included: The subtotal includes JPY 1,200 for the castle, JPY 2,500 for Adachi, Lake Line buses at JPY 250 × 2 rides, buses via AEON Mall at JPY 510 × 4 rides, return JR travel to Yasugi at JPY 420 × 2 journeys and JPY 590 for JR travel from Matsue to Izumoshi.
Extra costs and conditions: The subtotal assumes the free Adachi shuttle. The paid Yellow Bus adds JPY 200 one way or JPY 400 return. Accommodation, meals, airport journeys and unlisted JR, private railway or bus journeys cost extra. Separate paid choices such as prayer services and the treasure hall are excluded.
Open Matsue Castle’s official guideOpen Adachi Museum’s official guideMore transport and operating informationIchibata Taisha Line current timetable and faresDynamic journey search
Castle and lakeside exhibition, then Izumo
Spend 2 nights in Matsue, then 1 in Izumoshi if you want the collection exhibition and lakeside walk in Matsue. This option spends more time in central Matsue instead of making the Yasugi trip to Adachi Museum.
Day 1 · Explore Matsue Castle keep
Visit Matsue Castle keep on the first day and stay in Matsue.
- Matsue Station → Matsue Castle stop
From stand 7 at Matsue Station, take the Lake Line to Kokuho Matsuejo (Otemae) (国宝松江城（大手前）). Follow signs through the castle grounds to the keep entrance. Use the current timetable to choose your return to Matsue Station after the visit too.
- Matsue Castle stop → Keep visit and lunch
Follow park signs through Honmaru to the keep entrance. Walking from the stop to the entrance is extra. As a suggested pace, allow about 90 minutes for the keep, including internal stairs and removing shoes, then about 60 minutes for lunch and a rest nearby. Follow the facility’s admission deadline.
Open Matsue Castle’s official guideMore transport and operating information
- Matsue Castle → Matsue hotel
Return to the same stop and board the Lake Line in its continuing circular direction towards Matsue Station. This differs from ordinary buses at Kencho-mae and completes the remaining loop after the castle. Stay in Matsue tonight.
Day 2 · Shimane Art Museum and the lakeside
Collection exhibition at Shimane Art Museum, then a lakeside walk
- Matsue Station and hotel → Shimane Art Museum
Walk about 15 minutes from Matsue Station to Shimane Art Museum. After seeing the collection exhibition, return to the station along the same path.
- Museum entrance → Collection exhibition
After the 10:00 opening, allow 60–90 minutes for the collection exhibition. If it is closed on Tuesday, move the visit to another open day or omit the interior. Special exhibitions are excluded from this route. Allow separate time for lakeside rest or lunch afterwards. This walk does not guarantee a sunset view.
- Shimane Art Museum → Matsue Station and hotel
Walk back along the same path for about 15 minutes to Matsue Station. Stay in Matsue again tonight.
Day 3 · Move to Izumo and eat on Shinmondori
Move to Izumo and eat on Shinmondori
- Matsue hotel → Izumoshi Station and new hotel
Move from Matsue to Izumoshi by JR. Stay in Izumoshi and visit the shrine and Shinmondori today. Choose a bus that leaves enough time for both the city transfer and shrine visit, rather than a tight connection immediately after the train arrives.
- Izumoshi Station → Seimon-mae
From stand 1 outside JR Izumoshi Station’s north exit, take an Izumo Taisha-bound bus via AEON Mall to Seimon-mae (正門前). Adult fare is JPY 510 one way or JPY 1,020 return; do not apply it to buses via Youme Town. Events can change stops and times, so check current operator notices and return services together.
Ichibata Taisha Line current timetable and faresRegular outward timetableSpecial timetable for 10–11 OctoberSpecial timetable for 12 October
- Seimon-mae → Shrine and Shinmondori
Walk about 1 minute from the stop to the Seidamari main torii, then follow the approach, Harae Bridge and pine-lined path into the grounds. Suggested time is 75–90 minutes for the shrine and about 60 minutes for lunch on Shinmondori. The area behind the main sanctuary closes at 16:30; the treasure hall is excluded. Entrance walking and food queues are extra.
Walk to the main entrance and approach guideMore transport and operating information
- Shrine and Shinmondori → Izumoshi hotel
From Seimon-mae, return on an Izumoshi Station-bound bus via AEON Mall. Choose a return service after worship and lunch. Stay in Izumoshi tonight.
Regular return timetableSpecial timetable for 10–11 OctoberSpecial timetable for 12 October
Day 4 · Inasa beach, then return to the station
Inasa beach, then return to the station
- Izumoshi Station and hotel → Seimon-mae
From stand 1 outside JR Izumoshi Station’s north exit, take an Izumo Taisha-bound bus via AEON Mall to Seimon-mae (正門前). Adult fare is JPY 510 one way or JPY 1,020 return; do not apply it to buses via Youme Town. Events can change stops and times, so check current operator notices and return services together.
Ichibata Taisha Line current timetable and faresRegular outward timetableSpecial timetable for 10–11 OctoberSpecial timetable for 12 October
- Seimon-mae → Inasa-no-Hama
Walk about 1 minute to the Seidamari main torii, then head west from the shrine towards Inasa-no-Hama. The tourism guide’s roughly 15-minute walk starts at the shrine, not when your bus arrives. Follow local signs for crossings. The shrine’s surrounding-area map also marks beach parking and toilets.
Walk to the main entrance and approach guideShimane tourism beach guideMore transport and operating information
- Beach entrance → Beach walk
Allow a suggested 30–45 minutes for the beach walk without repeating yesterday’s shrine visit. Omit the beach return trip in rain, strong wind or if there is too little time before departure.
- Inasa-no-Hama → Izumoshi Station and hotel
Retrace the path towards the shrine’s main entrance and reach the Izumoshi-bound boarding point at Seimon-mae. Take the bus via AEON Mall for JPY 510 one way. Shorten the beach trip in wind or rain, or if departure time is tight. This route ends at Izumoshi Station.
Regular return timetableSpecial timetable for 10–11 OctoberSpecial timetable for 12 OctoberIchibata Taisha Line current timetable and fares
Included: The subtotal includes JPY 1,200 for Matsue Castle, JPY 400 for the art museum collection, Lake Line buses at JPY 250 × 2 rides, buses via AEON Mall at JPY 510 × 4 rides and JPY 590 for JR travel from Matsue to Izumoshi.
Extra costs and conditions: Walk both ways between station and museum. Deduct JPY 400 if omitting the indoor collection exhibition. Special exhibitions, accommodation, meals, airport journeys and unlisted transport or activities cost extra. Separate paid choices at Izumo Taisha, such as prayer services and the treasure hall, are excluded.
Open Matsue Castle’s official guideHorikawa operatorMore transport and operating informationIchibata Taisha Line current timetable and faresDynamic journey searchOfficial English hours, admission and walkMuseum FAQCurrent opening and admission guide
Frequently asked questions
Do you visit Adachi and the Izumo shrine on the same day?
The Adachi route makes a Yasugi day trip from Matsue on day 2 for gardens and Japanese paintings, returning to Matsue. Shrine and approach visits follow the move to Izumo on day 3. This keeps museum time and the city move on different days. Check the return shuttle and Yasugi-departing JR train together.
More transport and operating informationJR official journey planner entry
Official sources and confirmation dates
- Horikawa operator ·
- Open Matsue Castle’s official guide ·
- More transport and operating information ·
- More transport and operating information ·
- More transport and operating information ·
- Open Adachi Museum’s official guide ·
- More transport and operating information ·
- Museum FAQ ·
- Official English hours, admission and walk ·
- Current opening and admission guide ·
- Shimane tourism beach guide ·
- JR official journey planner entry ·
- Dynamic journey search ·
- Special timetable for 10–11 October ·
- Special timetable for 12 October ·
- Ichibata Taisha Line current timetable and fares ·
- Walk to the main entrance and approach guide ·
- Regular outward timetable ·
- Regular return timetable ·