Museums in Shimane

Shimane Prefecture offers 29 museums, including the Itohara Memorial Museum and the Nima Sand Museum. Visitors can find a variety of cultural and historical experiences across the prefecture.

Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the 20 best

Tsuwano Kyōdokan

Tsuwano Kyōdokan

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Tsuwano Kyōdokan is a history museum preserving local heritage from ancient to modern times.

Itohara Memorial Museum

Itohara Memorial Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore the history of an 'Iron Master' family and their traditional iron-making legacy.

Shimane Prefectural Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-oka

Shimane Prefectural Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-oka

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore ancient ruins and artifacts at this historical park and open-air museum.

Nakamura Hajime Memorial Hall

Nakamura Hajime Memorial Hall

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore a free hall dedicated to Hajime Nakamura's Oriental thought and cultural research.

Nima Sand Museum

Nima Sand Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

See the world's largest hourglass and unique pyramid architecture at this sand museum.

Wakō Museum

Wakō Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

This museum explains the traditional Japanese steelmaking process that produces steel for fine s...

Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence

Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore the historic samurai house where Lafcadio Hearn lived and wrote in Matsue.

Shimane University Old Okudani Lodging

Shimane University Old Okudani Lodging

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore a preserved Taisho-era Western building, once a foreign teacher's dormitory, now a unive...

Shimane Nature Museum of Mt. Sanbe

Shimane Nature Museum of Mt. Sanbe

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore Shimane's nature, including a buried forest and a giant sea lion, at this unique museum.

Shimane Arts Center "Grand Toit"

Shimane Arts Center "Grand Toit"

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Modern arts center in Shimane, notable for its unique red tile roof and cultural facilities.

Buke Yashiki

Buke Yashiki

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

This restored samurai residence offers insight into the modest lifestyle of a mid-ranking samura...

Mizu no Kuni

Mizu no Kuni

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Mizu no Kuni is a unique museum and park, recognized for its award-winning design.

Hamada Children's Museum of Art

Hamada Children's Museum of Art

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

This museum showcases children's art from around the world, offering creative activities for fam...

Tanabe Art Museum

Tanabe Art Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

See tea ceremony art in a modern building by Matsue Castle moat.

Takeshima Reference Room

Takeshima Reference Room

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Learn about the Takeshima territorial dispute through documents and exhibits at this free museum...

Kōunkaku

Kōunkaku

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Kōunkaku is a historic guesthouse in Matsue Castle, offering a glimpse into Meiji-era architectu...

Iwami Art Museum

Iwami Art Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Iwami Art Museum: a modern cultural hub in Shimane, known for its unique red-tiled roof.

Izumo Cultural Heritage Museum

Izumo Cultural Heritage Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

This museum features a reassembled 19th-century farmhouse, a teahouse, and a restaurant serving...

Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum

Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

A literary museum in Matsue dedicated to Lafcadio Hearn, offering insight into his life.

Izumo Magatama no Sato Traditional Museum

Izumo Magatama no Sato Traditional Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore the history of Izumo magatama and agate craftsmanship.

Oki Kyōdo-kan Museum

Oki Kyōdo-kan Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore Oki Islands history and culture in a historic 1885 building.

Shimane Art Museum

Shimane Art Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Japan's largest museum dedicated to water-themed art, with stunning Lake Shinji sunset views.

Matsue History Museum

Matsue History Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore Matsue's Edo period history in a modern museum with a traditional Japanese aesthetic.

Adachi Museum of Art

Adachi Museum of Art

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

See a top-ranked Japanese garden and art collection, including Yokoyama Taikan's works.

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore ancient Izumo culture and artifacts at this modern history museum.

Iwami Silver Mine Museum

Iwami Silver Mine Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Explore the history of the Iwami Silver Mine at this museum, a National Historic Site.

Ama Town Emperor Go-Toba Museum

Ama Town Emperor Go-Toba Museum

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Local history museum dedicated to Emperor Go-Toba, with diverse exhibits from Oki's past.

Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center

Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

This center introduces Iwami Ginzan's history and silver production, enhancing a visit to the mi...

Izumo Science Center

Izumo Science Center

SHIMANE · MUSEUM

Izumo Science Center offers free science exhibits and a planetarium, ideal for families and curi...

Museums elsewhere

See everything by prefecture and type