Shimane
Prefecture

Shimane

Shimane is located in the Chubu region and faces the Sea of Japan. Matsue Castle is one of 12 original castles that remained in Japan. It was initially completed in 1611 and is called “Black Castle” due to the dark color of the exterior. You can enjoy a small riverboat cruise around the castle. Shimane has the oldest shrine in the nation called Izumo Taisha.  The same year it was built is unknown but has been existed since the early 700s. Shimane offers super sweet fruits like grapes, melons, Asian pears, Izumo soba noodles, and Shimane Wagyu. The Capital is Matsue City.