Shimane

Discover a land of myths and legends.

Don’t let Shimane’s small population and rural reputation fool you. Known as the ‘birthplace of Japan’, this remote prefecture has deep cultural roots and a profound significance in Japan’s native Shinto religion. Shimane is indeed the hidden gem of the Chugoku region and the perfect place to experience a seldom-seen side of Japan. The least populous of the country’s forty-seven prefectures, you’ll find no sleek bullet trains, labyrinthine subway systems, or shimmering skyscrapers here. Instead, this is a chance to immerse yourself in lush nature, observe vivid ritualistic kagura dances, and discover ancient Japanese folk history and culture. In Shimane, take the path less traveled and enter a land of gods and legends.

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Access

90 minutes by direct flight from Tokyo

50 minutes by direct flight from Osaka

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Price

From $2,450 per person

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When to Go

These tours are available year-round.

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Duration

From 3 days / 2 nights

All Destination Highlights

Kagura Culture

Delve into a realm of gods, demons, dragons, and heroes as you explore the fascinating world of ‘kagura’, one of Japan’s oldest and most exciting performing arts.

Traditional Craft

Step inside the private studios of Shimane’s master craftspeople to hear their stories, witness their skills, and even try your hand at creating pieces of your own.

Charming Villages

Leave the beaten path behind as you move deep into the Japanese countryside to experience authentic tradition and classic, small-town hospitality.

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Kagura Culture

Delve into a realm of gods, demons, dragons, and heroes as you explore the fascinating world of ‘kagura’, one of Japan’s oldest and most exciting performing arts.

Traditional Craft

Step inside the private studios of Shimane’s master craftspeople to hear their stories, witness their skills, and even try your hand at creating pieces of your own.

Charming Villages

Leave the beaten path behind as you move deep into the Japanese countryside to experience authentic tradition and classic, small-town hospitality.

Featured

Kagura Performance Tour

4 days / 3 nights

Watch Japan’s myths brought to life before your eyes

Visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most prominent Shinto shrines.

•

Watch an exciting, live ‘kagura’ performance with the local community.

•

Meet a master ‘kagura’ mask maker, and try your hand at painting a mask of your own.

Learn More

Traditional Culture Tour

3 days / 2 nights

Embrace a slower pace as you roam the Japanese countryside

Explore the Izumo region to witness the birthplace of Japanese spiritual culture.

•

Delve deep into the Japanese countryside far from the tourist trail.

•

Glimpse a Japan from another era during a visit to a historic ‘onsen’ hot spring town seemingly frozen in time.

Learn More

Artisan Craft Tour

4 days / 3 nights

Hear the remarkable stories of Japan’s master craftspeople

Visit the Adachi Art Museum and explore its expansive garden, one of the finest in the country.

•

Visit the studios of generational craft families to hear their stories, and try your hand at creating some works of your own.

•

Explore the rural heartland of Japan and partake in traditional culture unchanged for centuries.

Learn More

All Tours

Kagura Performance Tour

4 days / 3 nights

Watch Japan’s myths brought to life before your eyes

Visit Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most prominent Shinto shrines.

•

Watch an exciting, live ‘kagura’ performance with the local community.

•

Meet a master ‘kagura’ mask maker, and try your hand at painting a mask of your own.

Learn More

Traditional Culture Tour

3 days / 2 nights

Embrace a slower pace as you roam the Japanese countryside

Explore the Izumo region to witness the birthplace of Japanese spiritual culture.

•

Delve deep into the Japanese countryside far from the tourist trail.

•

Glimpse a Japan from another era during a visit to a historic ‘onsen’ hot spring town seemingly frozen in time.

Learn More

Artisan Craft Tour

4 days / 3 nights

Hear the remarkable stories of Japan’s master craftspeople

Visit the Adachi Art Museum and explore its expansive garden, one of the finest in the country.

•

Visit the studios of generational craft families to hear their stories, and try your hand at creating some works of your own.

•

Explore the rural heartland of Japan and partake in traditional culture unchanged for centuries.

Learn More

Explore more Multi-Day Excursions.

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The Land's End

Explore the untouched lands at the end of the world. Encounter roaming bears, dive into volcanic lakes and hike across giant blocks of drift ice.

Volcanic Nature Tour • Northern Wildlife Tour • Winter Wonderland Tour

DISCOVER HOKKAIDO

Spiritual Heartland

Journey into Japan’s spiritual heartland. Abandon your mind and body to the forces of the mountain as you join the Zen pilgrims of the Shugendō sect to traverse the trails linking numerous forest temples and shrines.

Yamabushi Tour • Zen Spiritual Tour • Mountain Harvest Tour

• Full Yamabushi Programs

DISCOVER YAMAGATA

Kanazawa and Beyond

Wander through the winding streets of Kanazawa’s picturesque historical districts and visit the studios of the talented artisans behind the city’s rich craft traditions.

Master Artisan Tour • Craft Experience Tour • Samurai History Tour

DISCOVER ISHIKAWA

Fairytale Landscapes

Roam the fairytale landscapes of Japan's south. Hike to the top of active volcanoes, encounter wild deer and monkeys in lush forests, or relax in one of the area’s many natural hot springs.

Volcano Discovery Tour • Fairytale Island Tour • Tropical Island Tour

DISCOVER KAGOSHIMA

Tropical Paradise

Relax on the white sand beaches of Okinawa’s Yaeyama islands and swim in their sparkling turquoise waters surrounded by colorful marine life. Trek through dense rainforests to hidden waterfalls and remote caves.

Island Paradise Tour • Jungle Adventure Tour

DISCOVER OKINAWA

Shimane

Get in touch to start booking your Shimane Excursion.

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