2025 Tsuwano Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

The ruins of Tsuwano Castle are located on a mountain in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture, at an elevation of approximately 362 meters. This mountain castle was built by Yoshimi Masayori during the late Sengoku period and later developed by the Kamei clan during the Edo period. It is now designated as a National Historic Site. Although the main keep no longer exists, the impressive stone walls and hiking trails remain intact. From "JR Tsuwano Station," it takes about 15 minutes on foot to reach the cable car boarding area. The cable car ride takes approximately 5 minutes, followed by a 10–15 minute walk to the main ruins. 🕰️ Operating Hours: Cable car service hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last uphill ride at 4:00 PM) 💰 Cost: Round-trip cable car fare: Adults: ¥700, Children: ¥350 Access to the castle ruins is free.

Tsuwano Town is located in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, Japan, bordering Yamaguchi Prefecture. Known as the "Little Kyoto of the San'in Region," this historic town is famous for its white-walled samurai residences, koi-filled canals, traditional Japanese townhouses, churches, castle ruins, and literary landmarks. The town blends traditional Japanese culture with Meiji-era Western cultural heritage, retaining a strong Showa-era charm and a tranquil mountain-town atmosphere. When I visited, there was a light snowfall, and very few tourists were around. Most shops were closed, but the town was great for photography. I recommend spending 1-2 hours here.

#cityplaybook #stunningview #familytrip #localguides Tucked into the misty mountains of western Shimane Prefecture, Tsuwano is a town that feels like a step back in time. Often called the “Little Kyoto of San’in,” it’s a place where tradition thrives quietly—among white-walled streets, koi-filled canals, and sacred shrines nestled in forested hills. I wandered the quaint Tonomachi Street, lined with preserved samurai residences and canals swimming with vibrant koi. The atmosphere was serene, the pace unhurried, and the beauty—subtle yet deep. Every turn revealed delicate details: latticed windows, rustic wooden facades, and gentle echoes of the past. A must-visit is Taikodani Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s five major Inari shrines. Walking up through hundreds of vermilion torii gates felt both spiritual and cinematic. The view from the shrine was breathtaking—rolling mountains, tiled rooftops, and layers of history below. I also visited the Tsuwano Catholic Church, a symbol of the town’s lesser-known Christian legacy and the resilience of hidden believers during times of persecution. It stands humbly beside old Japanese homes, embodying a peaceful coexistence of cultures. Tsuwano’s specialty—Genji maki, a sweet red bean roll—made a perfect afternoon treat, paired with local green tea in a cozy tearoom. As the old steam locomotive chugged by (yes, it still runs on weekends!), I felt as though I’d stepped into a timeless picture book. Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for fiery foliage. The Yabusame horseback archery festival in April is a dynamic display of ancient tradition. Helpful Tips: Rent a bike to explore the scenic countryside and shrines. Visit the Mori Ogai Memorial Museum, dedicated to the famous writer born here. Ride the SL Yamaguchi steam train for a nostalgic journey into Tsuwano. Location: Tsuwano, Shimane, Japan Hashtags: #TsuwanoTown #LittleKyoto #SaninSecrets #TaikodaniInari #HiddenJapan #SamuraiStreets #KoiCanals #SteamTrainJapan #TraditionalJapan #OffTheBeatenPath

#FukuokaItinerary The Mitsumasa Anno Museum of Art is the most poetic and childlike art museum in Fukuoka, specializing in the works of the famous Japanese picture book painter "Mitsumasa Anno". His painting style is delicate and he is good at using watercolors to depict fairy-tale scenes. His works are full of fantasy and nostalgia and are loved by readers of all ages. The interior design of the museum is like a fairy-tale town, exhibiting a large number of exquisite original paintings, illustration manuscripts and picture books, allowing the audience to experience the painter's brushstrokes and use of colors up close. In addition, there is an interactive display area in the museum, which is suitable for parents and children to visit together. Children can participate in simple painting experiences to make art more vivid and interesting. The environment around the art museum is quiet, and there is also a cafe full of literary atmosphere, which is suitable for enjoying a leisurely time after the visit. If you like picture book art and warm fairy-tale-style paintings, the Anno Mitsumasa Museum in Fukuoka is definitely worth a visit.

Taikodani Inari Shrine is one of the five major Inari shrines in Japan, and is characterized by its approach lined with about 1,000 vermilion torii gates! Going through this torii tunnel, you will arrive at the main shrine, which offers a panoramic view of Tsuwano's townscape. It is said to bring good luck in business and the fulfillment of wishes✨ Fried tofu is sold here as an offering to the gods. Spot💎: Taikodani Inari Shrine Address: 409 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho, Kashima-gun, Shimane Prefecture  *Nearest station: About 30 minutes on foot or about 5 minutes by taxi from JR Yamaguchi Line "Tsuwano Station"  *Parking: Free parking for about 100 cars is available under the shrine grounds  #Free hotel stay

✵ Shimane Prefecture 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟣.𝟣𝟣 I went to a power spot in Shimane❤️ "Taikodani Inari Shrine" with a magnificent vermilion gate This is one of the five major Inari shrines in Japan🙂 It is said that the name "Inari Shrine" is taken from the "nari" (success) of wish fulfillment. It's lovely💫 I wrote my wish on a fox votive tablet and made a wish𖧷 The grounds offer a panoramic view of Tsuwano city, so this is also a must-see! 📍 Taikodani Inari Shrine 409 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho, Kashima-gun, Shimane Prefecture 699-5605 #0 yen trip January 2025

#FuriTabi #TaikodaniInariShrine #Shrine #ShimaneTrip #ShimaneTourism It is said to be one of the top 5 Inari shrines in Japan, located in Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture. It is a very large and impressive shrine⛩️The vermilion torii gate welcomes you, and it is a very fantastic and sacred place! I bought some fried tofu as an offering and visited the shrine. You can get to Kodakai by car, but you can also go by climbing up the slope from the bottom🚶♀️The shops around there also have genji rolls, which are very delicious😋It might be nice to go there slowly while walking⭐️ ☑️409 Ushiroda, Tsuwano-cho, Kashima-gun, Shimane Prefecture 699-5605

A lovely cafe within walking distance of Tsuwano Station Amakaraya They only serve shaved ice in the summer It's a basin, so the rural scenery is beautiful It's a place that's even called Little Kyoto Amakaraya is a place with kind people in such a place Please visit By the way, I think they had a different menu every day, and there are a few regulars, but they are all very kind It was very reassuring for me, who doesn't know much about Shimane Have a wonderful trip to Shimane #summertrip #shavedice #shimane #tsuwano #shimanetourism #shimanetrip

A cafe in Tsuwano town, Shimane prefecture, renovated from a hospital, called KATE 🍽️ Old building glasses let in light so gently ✨ The view through the glass is exceptional 🪟 What I had this time was the 'Tsuwano Vegetable Platter Buffet' You can only get it once, but you can have as much Tsuwano vegetables on your plate as you like. Eating a lot is still healthy because it's vegetables 🥬 It's nice that soup and rice come with the set 👍 It's a popular cafe, so making a reservation is recommended ♥️ At the back of the building, you can enter for 200 yen and feel the remnants of the old hospital 💉

This is my first time to visit Hori Gardens. I noticed that if you come in different seasons, there will be different atmospheres. Just like in spring, you can see fresh green leaves, in autumn, you can see autumn leaves that I also like, in summer, you can try your luck to see fireflies, and in winter, you can see the scenery with snow. In short, if you come here all year round, you can enjoy different natural scenery. This is a mansion with a very old history and atmosphere, and the backyard is also very beautiful! We are visiting and strolling here slowly👣There weren't many people here when I went, so we could take a slow walk and enjoy the time here quietly! But of course I would really want to take photos and check in here as a souvenir, this place is so quaint🤎The transportation is convenient and you can drive from Tsuwano Station in about 15 minutes to get here. I think there is actually not much to go around Tsuwano Station, so let's just come here directly~ A little tip: you have to pay for admission, which is 500 yen per adult💴If you are interested, please collect it! Former Hori Gardens Address: 795 Muraki, Tsuwano, Kanoashi District, Shimane 699-5622 Japan Opening hours: 09:00-16:30 (Closed on Mondays) #Japan Good Places #Japan Photoshoot #Japan Check-in #Photoshooting Tips #Photo Recommendations #Japan Must-visit Check-in Spots

Located on a small hill, you can get a panoramic view of Tsuwano city. There is a corridor of torii gates, but it is made up of stairs, so you have to walk quite a bit. It is popular with foreigners, so there were many people taking photos. On the way to the shrine, there was a sightseeing lift like the ones you would take at a ski resort, although I didn't ride it this time. It might be good for families with children.

One of the five great Inari shrines. You can drive up to the shrine. You can also walk along the approach to the shrine, where vermilion torii gates line the grounds like a tunnel. The view of Tsuwano's townscape from the shrine grounds is spectacular.

Tsuwano Town in Shimane Prefecture is a charming castle town also known as the "Little Kyoto of Sanin." On Tonomachi Street, you can see a fantastical scene of samurai residences and Christian churches lined up. From Taikodani Inari Shrine, you can get a panoramic view of the tranquil town. #Historic sites with a sense of history#Supporting tourism#Breathtaking views