Mt. Sanbe and Nishi-no-Hara: Highland Scenery Created by Shimane's Volcano and Autumn Pampas Grass Fields

Mt. Sanbe in Oda City, Shimane is an isolated peak at 1,126 meters elevation formed by volcanic activity approximately 10,000 years ago. Comprising four mountain bodies — male Sanbe, female Sanbe, child Sanbe, and grandchild Sanbe — it is known as the highest volcano in Shimane Prefecture.

Four Seasons of Nishi-no-Hara

"Nishi-no-Hara" spreading at Mt. Sanbe's base is a highland with vast grasslands. Particularly in autumn (September-November), pampas grass (susuki) spreads everywhere, and the scenery created by silver pampas swaying in the wind and Mt. Sanbe's silhouette is known as one of Shimane's representative spectacular views. Alpine plants including violets and potentilla bloom in spring, and cool highland breezes blow through in summer.

Mt. Sanbe Climbing

Mt. Sanbe has multiple climbing courses. The most common "Kita-no-Hara Course" reaches the summit of male Sanbe (1,126m) in approximately 2 hours. From the summit, spectacular panoramas of Mt. Daisen, Lake Shinji, and the Sea of Japan spread out.

Sanbe Natural Museum Sahimel

At Mt. Sanbe's base is the "Sanbe Natural Museum Sahimel." This facility for learning about Shimane's nature, geology, and starry skies also has a planetarium for enjoying the clear highland starry skies at night.

Access

About 40 minutes by Iwami Kotsu bus from JR Oda-shi Station to Nishi-no-Hara.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Parking (Nishi-no-hara): The Sanbe Nishi-no-hara car park is free of charge, with 88 spaces for ordinary cars and 44 for large vehicles. Western-style toilets are available
• Opening hours (Shimane Nature Museum of Mt. Sanbe, Sahimel): 9:30 to 17:00 (last admission 16:30). The car park has 150 spaces and is free of charge (large buses can park there)
• Fees (Sahimel): 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students (different during special exhibitions). Stargazing sessions are 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students
• Closed days (Sahimel): Every Tuesday (the following weekday when Tuesday is a public holiday), the New Year period and maintenance periods. It opens every day during the summer holidays (20 July to 31 August)
• Sanbe Jomon no Mori Museum (Sanbe Azukihara Buried Forest Park): 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30); admission is 350 yen for adults and 100 yen for elementary, junior high and high school students. Closed on Tuesdays (the following weekday when Tuesday is a public holiday), the first Monday to Friday in March and December, and the New Year period (28 December to 1 January). Parking is free of charge, with 15 spaces for ordinary cars and 2 for large buses
• Enquiries: 0854-86-0500 (Shimane Nature Museum of Mt. Sanbe, Sahimel), 0854-86-9500 (Sanbe Jomon no Mori Museum), 0854-83-2053 (Nishi-no-hara Rest House Management Council)
• Official information: Official website of the Shimane Nature Museum of Mt. Sanbe (Sahimel) / official website of the Sanbe Jomon no Mori Museum / Shimane Kanko Navi (Shimane Prefecture Tourism Federation)

*The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local authority. Hours and fees may change, so please check the official information before you set out.