5 Photogenic Power Spots in Shimane

In Shimane, the land of mythology, breathtakingly beautiful power spots are dotted around. The vermilion of the torii gates, the charm of cobblestones, mystical light... We introduce five carefully selected stunning views that become picturesque even without a filter

1. Izumo Oyashiro (Izumo Grand Shrine) | The God of Matchmaking and an Overwhelming Sense of Scale

One of Japan's oldest shrines, Izumo Oyashiro is a treasure trove of "photogenic" scenes. The pine tree-lined avenue and cobblestones continuing along the approach create a dreamlike shot with depth.

• Photogenic point: A composition looking up at the great torii gate of Seidamari from a low angle is excellent. The great shimenawa rope of the vermilion Kaguraden is also full of impact!
• Best time: The time slot when the soft morning light shines onto the cobblestones (the 7 to 8 a.m. hour)
• Recommended season: May with fresh greenery, November with fall foliage
• Access: About 5 minutes on foot from "Izumo-Taisha-mae Station" on the Ichibata Electric Railway

2. Yaegaki Shrine | Love Fortune-Telling at the Mirror Pond

Yaegaki Shrine, known as a sacred site for matchmaking. The "Mirror Pond" at the inner sanctuary is now attracting great attention on social media!

• Photogenic point: The green of the trees and the blue of the sky reflected on the water surface are dreamlike. The moment you float the fortune-telling paper on the water is also photogenic
• Best time: The morning when dappled sunlight shines in (9 to 11 a.m.)
• Recommended season: April to May, when the fresh greenery is beautiful
• Access: About 20 minutes by bus from JR Matsue Station

3. Susa Shrine | A Mystical Giant Tree Where Susanoo Dwells

At Susa Shrine, which enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the sacred great cedar, over 1,300 years old, towers up.

• Photogenic point: From a looking-up angle, aim for the trunk stretching toward the heavens and the gaps where light shines in. A mystical aura dwells in the photo too
• Best time: The somewhat backlit light of the morning creates a solemn atmosphere
• Recommended season: Early morning in autumn, when mist tends to occur, is especially recommended
• Access: About 50 minutes by bus from JR Izumoshi Station

4. Hinomisaki Shrine | A Stunning Contrast of Vermilion and the Sea of Japan

This shrine standing at Hinomisaki, also selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Sunsets, has a one-of-a-kind contrast of a bright red shrine building and the blue sea!

• Photogenic point: A horizontal composition that takes in the vermilion of the shrine building with the sea as the background is the strongest. You can also aim for a two-shot with the lighthouse
• Best time: At dusk. The orange sky further sets off the vermilion shrine building
• Recommended season: Autumn to winter, when the air is clear
• Access: About 20 minutes by route bus from Izumo Oyashiro

5. Tamatsukuriyu Shrine | Good-Luck Photos with the Wishing Stone

A shrine seated at Tamatsukuri Onsen, also famous as Yunotsu. The scene of touching the "Wishing Stone" is exploding as a topic on social media!

• Photogenic point: The moss-covered cobblestones, the tasteful shrine building, and a close-up of the wishing stone. It finishes as a natural photo that makes use of natural light
• Best time: On a cloudy day the light becomes even, and the texture of the stone stands out
• Recommended season: October to November, when the co-starring with fall foliage is beautiful
• Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station

Shimane, where the breath of mythology remains, is a special place where you can take photos with a story no matter where you frame it. By all means, come with your camera to find a shot that is uniquely yours

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening and worship hours / closed days: Tamatsukuriyu Shrine can be visited freely and has no closed days. However, the shrine office where you receive a "kanai-ishi" wish stone has set reception hours, so if your aim is to make a wish at the Wish Stone, visit early in the day.
• Fees: Worship within the precincts is free of charge. At Tamatsukuriyu Shrine the kanai-ishi is issued at the shrine office for 600 yen.
• Access: Tamatsukuriyu Shrine is at 508 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. It is about 5 minutes by taxi from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station, and about 5 minutes on foot from the centre of the Tamatsukuri Onsen hot spring town. Yaegaki Shrine is reached by bus from JR Matsue Station, and Hinomisaki Shrine by local bus from Izumo Taisha.
• Parking: Around Tamatsukuriyu Shrine you use the car parks of the Tamatsukuri Onsen town. Spaces are limited, so if you are not staying overnight it is wise to check availability in advance.
• Etiquette for worship: The Wish Stone at Tamatsukuriyu Shrine is a precious stone treated as equivalent to a sacred object. Do not touch it firmly or move it; follow the proper form of holding against it the kanai-ishi you received at the shrine office as you make your wish. At the Mirror Pond of Yaegaki Shrine, take care not to cut in behind people who are having their fortune of love told.
• Photography rules: For photography inside the shrine halls, at the amulet office or during prayer ceremonies, follow the on-site notices and the instructions of the priests. At the Mirror Pond, take care not to capture other worshippers' fortune-telling papers in your shots.
• Safety notes: Hinomisaki is a cliff facing the Sea of Japan, where strong winds and high waves occur in winter. Never go beyond the railings. On the walking trail at Yaegaki Shrine's inner sanctuary (Sakusame-no-mori Forest) and in the precincts of Susa Shrine, the stone paving and tree roots become slippery in wet weather.

*"Yunotsu" is a different hot spring resort, located in Oda City. Tamatsukuriyu Shrine stands at Tamatsukuri Onsen in Matsue City.

(Sources: Matsue Tourism Association, "Tamatsukuriyu Shrine" / official tourism information of Shimane Prefecture)