Museum / Science Museum Spots in Shimane Area

Area

Shimane
- Japan
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  Hokkaido
  
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  Tokyo
  
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- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
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  Yamanashi
  
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  Mie
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  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
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  Wakayama
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  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Leisure / Hobbies

Leisure / Outdoors

Museum / Science Museum

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

4.5

367 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoukidukihigashi 99-4

This is a history museum located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. It exhibits materials highlighting the history of Izumo around the Izumo Taisha shrine, and the Iwami silver mine. This museum houses the 358 bronze swords, a national treasure, as well as bronze spearheads, and dotaku (a bell-shaped bronze vessel supposed to have been put to some ceremonial use) from the Kojindani ruins and 39 dotaku from the Kamoiwakura Ruins. The Uzu pillar groupings, thought to be from the Izumotaisha inner shrine dating back to mid-13th century and many other treasures are displayed. A miniature replica model of Izumotaisha inner shrine during the Heian period can be seen too. The museum also houses the Shinwa mythology theater, a cafe, and shop.

This museum is packed with artifact and info about the area. You should probably visit this before heading to the shrine. The audio guide was really nice and I enjoyed this museum a lot! Theres a...
Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center

4.0

118 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Odashi Omorichou A) 1597-3

This is a museum located in Omori Town, Ota City, Shimane Prefecture, introducing the history and mining technology of Iwami Silver Mine, a World Heritage site. The exhibition content is arranged in a way that is easy for both adults and children to understand, focused mainly on models, images and replicas. The permanent exhibit also features a diorama of the entire silver mine and actual silver ore that can be held. A limited guided walking tour of the mine’s largest tunnel “Okubomabu” is also popular.

Expect for unexpected Omori -cho a town of 400 people wa given a world heritage status by Unesco for its still remaining abundant nature together with its history the most active silver mines in the...
Matsue History Museum

4.0

127 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Tonomachi 279

This is a history museum in the east of Matsue Castle, and is a facility to introduce the history and culture of the Matsue castle town. The building is deeply influenced by the samurai residence style, and houses the national treasures “Matsue Castle Tower Prayer Notes.” The standard exhibit features original items and video materials connected to the Matsue domain and the lives and livelihoods in the castle town. At the building’s high-grade Japanese fresh confections teahouse “Kissa Kiharu,” on top of enjoying tea while looking out over the castle tower and gardens, one can watch the work of artisan Tsugio Itami. Alight at JR Matsue Station and take the municipal bus to Shiomi Nawate.

Interesting display of History of Matsue. Go and request for the audio guide so you would be able to understand fully what the display shows
Nima Sand Museum

3.5

56 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Odashi Nimachouamagouchi 975

"This is a museum that displays the largest hourglass in the world. There is also a replica of a sand calendar, art works of sand objects as well as a science corner where there is a singing sand map of the world and sand samples from around the world. Many events are held and visitors can also experience glass craft. Many people visit on the 31st of December for the ""Time Festival"". "

世界最大らしい砂時計、砂暦「「一年計砂時計」がありますよ。それだけかなぁー。「鳴り砂」で知られる「琴ヶ浜」の近くということで、作られたらしい「仁摩サンドミュージアム」。「砂」に関する展示の数々、体験コーナーなどもあります。家族連れには良いかもです。一つだけ言いたいことは、「仁摩サンドミュージアム」全体の建物の作りですね。「駐車場」から「施設」へ離れすぎているかな。なんとかしてもらいたいな。
Wakou Museum

4.0

29 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Yasugi-shi Yasugicho 1058

This museum presents the achievements and life of metallurgy pioneer Professor Kuniichi Tawara through exhibits discussing his research and results and displays containing writings, lecture notes, and other items used by the man. The professor achieved many things in life, including being the first person to do on-site studies of tatara foot-operated smelting furnaces, a time-honored Japanese technique which had long been kept a closely-guarded secret; and revealing the mysteries behind the beauty of Japanese swords.

安来駅から徒歩20分ほど。入館料310円。館名の「和鋼」とはたたらで生産される鋼という意味。かつて中国山地は「たたら製鉄」が盛んで、安来はその積出港として繁栄した。そのような歴史があり、現在も特殊鋼を製造するプロテリアル(旧日立金属)の工場があることからこの博物館が造られた。館内には、天秤ふいごなどのたたら製鉄用具、製鉄や安来の歴史資料、製鉄工程の模型などが展示されている。ある種マニアックな博物...
Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum

4.5

20 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Nitagunokuizumochou Yokota 1380-1

The Okuizumo Tatara & Katana Museum has exhibitions on the history of the Tatara (traditional Japanese steelmaking method) in recent centuries and on the Nittoho Tattara (a Tatara steel-making furnace which was established in 1977 to ensure a reliable supply of the type of steel needed for making traditional Japanese swords), along with displays of swords made using traditional Tamahagane steel. Videos and replicas are used to explain the steelmaking process in an easy-to-understand way, making this a good museum to bring the kids to. Mr. Kobayashi, a sword-smith based in Okuizumo, gives demonstrations of traditional Japanese steel-forging and sword-making techniques twice a month, which are well worth seeing.

I was fortunate to experience the sword making by myself. It was so amazing experience for me, Making katana by Tatara process is an art, I highly recommend people to witness it.
The Shimane Nature Museum of Mt Sanbe - Sahimel

4.0

17 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Odashi Sambechou Tane 1121-8

At this well-equipped facility visitors can view planned exhibitions and a planetarium. The astronomical observatory has a 60 cm reflex telescope and Coude type 20 centimeters refraction telescope, and astronomical observation sessions are held every Saturday night. Reservations are unnecessary and reception starts 30 minutes prior.

手作り感のある「三瓶自然館サヒメル」でした。こちらにも「三瓶小豆原埋没林」が展示されてあります。家族連れには良い感じの、分かりやすい説明の「三瓶自然館サヒメル」だと思います。私は「三瓶小豆原埋没林」目的で訪れましたが、「三瓶小豆原埋没林」だけでなく、「自然系の博物館」として面白く観覧することが出来ました。お勧めです。
Historical Museum of Iron

4.0

14 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Unnan-shi Yoshidacho Yoshida 2533

"A museum where you can learn about Japan's unique tatara iron making tradition and its techniques. It's roughly divided into two parts, ""Tatara Iron and its Techniques"" and ""Iron Mining and Blacksmiths."" It showcases the tradition in an accessible way with numerous exhibits. The influence of the acquisition of iron making technologies on the communities that had until then relied on tools made of stone and wood was enormous. You'll learn how it gradually became an indispensable part of their lives."

Last weekend I visited to to Iron History Museum with great, friendly local guides Shino san and Yuki san. I learned so many things about Iron-making techniques and livelihoods, culture around the...
Kabeya Shuseikan

4.0

12 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Nita-gun Okuizumocho Kamiai 1655

This history museum contains cultural properties which belonged to the Okuizumo Sakurai, a clan which traced its lineage to Warring States period general Ban Naoyuki. The museum displays folk cultural properties as well as tools used by the Sakurai clan, who served as the head blacksmiths of Matsue Matsudaira Domain, to engage in tatara ironmaking. The museum also displays pieces by Nanga painter Tanomura Chokunyu, who stayed here in the Meiji period; other paintings and works of art; and tea ceremony porcelain, and visitors can experience the culture of the Okuizumo area, which revolves around the history of tatara ironmaking.

たたら製鉄で栄えた家の一つです。ゆっくり見てまわれます。山の中というか、森の中というか、自然あふれる場所にあります。紅葉の時期のポスターを見せていただきました。穴場の紅葉スポットと思われます。
Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-oka

3.5

13 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Obachou 456

The Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-oka is a museum dedicated to the Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-oka archeological site. The museum is housed in a reinforced concrete single-storey raised-floor style building that resembles a burial mound when viewed from either the front or the rear. The museum’s contents include precious artifacts excavated from the Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-oka site, including a Haniwa (clay figurine) depicting a deer looking back over its shoulder, a big sword bearing the inscription Nukutabe-no-Omi inlaid with silver, etc., as well as a copy of the Izumo-no-kuni Fudoki manuscript, a diorama showing what the area would have looked like during the Nara period, etc. The observation platform on the roof provides superb views over the whole of the Yakumotatsu Fudoki-no-oka site.

足立美術館から八重垣神社に向かい時にちょうどルート沿いだったので立ち寄ってみました。ここには島根県最大の山代二子塚古墳（前方後方墳）をはじめとする主要な古墳があり、出雲文化の発祥の場所らしいです。近くには出雲文化を学べる里もあるのでそちらも行くといいかもしれません。
Nichihara Astronomical Observatory

4.5

10 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Kanoashi-gun Tsuwanocho Makurase 806-1

"An astronomical observatory located at the top of 255-meter Mt. Makurase. It is equipped with a 75-centimeter computer-controlled theodolite Nasmyth telescope, with one of the largest apertures among astronomical telescopes open to the public in Japan. Mt. Makurase overlooks the confluence of the Tsuwano and Takatsu rivers and is an area free of light from the town. From the compact structure in a dense grove, you can get an unobstructed view of the star-lit skies. It sees lots of visitors throughout the year and is a symbolic spot for this ""Star Village."""

日原天文台は、宿泊客も食事の前後にみられる天文台です。島根県内でも天文台は珍しく、天気が良ければ、沢山のきれいな星が見られます。
Izumo Yayoinomori Museum

4.0

11 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Otsuchou 2760

During the Yayoi period, huge Yosumi burial mounds were created in the Izumo region, which involved a considerable expenditure of time and effort. Nishidani Tomb No. 3 is an example of the perfected form of the Yosumi burial mound; the Izumo Yayoinomori Museum, which is located near the Nishidani tombs, shows visitors how the Izumo rulers were buried, making effective use of large models. The Museums’ permanent exhibition showcases some of the large quantity of earthenware vessels that were excavated from Nishidani Tomb No. 3, and also has displays on Izumo in the Yayoi period. There is an experiential activity area where visitors can try their hand at making Yayoi-style clothing and necklaces, etc.

素晴らしいです！弥生時代の出雲の歴史を時系列、遺跡別に見ることができますし、発掘された物も、再現された模型なども様々あり、理解が深まります。そしてなんといっても無料なのがありがたい限りです。出雲の歴史に関する書籍も多くの種類があり、貸切で見ることができました。この博物館と、西谷墳丘墓をセットで見られることをおすすめします。
Izumo Science Center

4.0

11 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Imaichichou 1900-2

This interactive science center is located in Izumo city, Shimane prefecture. You can enjoy learning science from a variety of perspectives thanks to the extensively diverse facilities—science hall with large screens, infrared cameras and digital stereo microscope, digital planetarium, and an interactive display plaza where you can touch the mysteries of science directly. Events like open experiments and interactive classes are held periodically.

出雲市駅から歩いてすぐな場所に位置している君と笑顔の化学反応が発生している博物館です。小学校などなら研修にもおすすめです。
Oki Nature Museum

4.0

9 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Oki-gun Okinoshimacho Nakamachi Oki Port Plaza 2F

A nature museum located across from Saigo Port, the gateway to Oki Island. On the second floor of Oki Port Plaza, visitors learn about the ecosystem and natural characteristics of Daisen-Oki National Park. The exhibits include animals, plants, insects, birds, and other fauna native to Oki, making it easy to get in touch with the nature of the island. Located in the Sea of Japan, the island was connected to the San'in mainland until about 20,000 years ago. Over time that transition created a unique ecosystem and geological features that have led to its designation as part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Original Nature Museum merchandise from their first floor gift shop makes ideal Oki souvenirs.

隠岐の動植物、鳥、魚、虫、花、石などの展示が豊富です。空いていればスタッフの方がつきっきりで説明してくれます。観光に出る前に立ち寄って理解を深めましょう。入館料は300円。
Izumo Folk Crafts Museum

4.5

6 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Chimiyachou 628

The Izumo Folk Craft Museum, opened in 1974, is housed within a renovated part of the traditional farmhouse of the Yamamoto family who are known to have been the wealthiest farmers in Izumo. The museum has on display a collection of pieces from all over the country with a particular focus on Shimane Prefecture which includes ceramics and lacquer ware used in people’s everyday lives, wooden items, textiles, dyed objects and metal works, etc. The Nagayamon Gate, built in the Edo period, was erected by the same master builder who constructed the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. The main building is currently used as a residence and the rice granary and timber store, now display rooms, are of high historical value. The nearest station is Nishi-Izumo Station.

河井寛次郎好きな方にはお勧めですが、私はまだ染物の方が興味を惹かれました。これという目玉がありません。おじいさんが一人でチケット販売と土産販売をしていました。
Archeological Museum of Kojindani

3.5

7 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Hikawachoukamba 873-8

The Archeological Museum of Kojindani is located adjacent to the Kojindani archeological site; the museum was completed in 2005 to serve as the site museum. The Museum has replicas of the bronze swords, bronze bells and bronze spearheads that were excavated at the Kojindani site, along with explanatory panels, and videos showing documentary footage of the excavations, etc. Besides the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts lectures and special thematic exhibitions, as well as other special events such as opportunities to experience planting and harvesting ancient rice strains, etc. The museum shop sells a range of souvenir gifts etc. with designs based on the ancient rice strains, lotus seeds and bronze artifacts discovered at Kojindani; there is an impressive range of gift items that cannot be purchased anywhere else.

博物館はあまり発見がありませんでした。荒神谷遺跡のことを深く知りたければ、古代出雲歴史博物館に行かれることをおすすめします。遺跡から発掘された銅鐸や銅剣、銅矛はそちらに展示されています。
Monument & Museum Kimachi Stone

4.0

6 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Matsue-shi Shinjicho Higashikimachi 1574-1

"This museum makes use of the former site of a quarry for the precious tuffaceous sandstone ""Kimachi stone,"" which is produced only in the area around the Kimachi area of Shinji-cho. It introduces the history and culture of Kimachi stones, the raw material of the traditional craft ""Izumo stone lanterns."" After passing through a 65-meter-long tunnel made of Kimachi stone, the quarry is where stone was actually excavated by hand. High quality stone was historically used for the stone coffins of the Kofun period (250-538), and in the Edo period (1603-1868), it is said to have been considered so important that it was forbidden to take it outside the domain without permission. It holds a variety of events, including demonstrations by the Kimachi Stone Lantern Cooperative and hands-on experiences making Kimachi stone carvings, making it possible for Kimachi stone is become more familiar to visitors."

JRの来待駅からは少し歩きます。来待石の総合案内所及び来待石の博物館と言ったしせつです。焼き物体験ができました。
Meteor Plaza

3.5

5 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Matsue-shi Mihonosekicho

This complex is located on Shimane prefecture's Shichirui port. It includes the Oki Kisen Ferry Terminal, an event hall, a restaurant and a day use bathing facility. The near-future design was based on the Mihonoseki meteor, which fell to earth in 1992. The Meteor Museum on the 4th floor displays the meteor itself, which is an estimated 4.6 billion years old. There are picture panels and models of the meteor strike site, and actual damaged roof panels and carpet from the event are on display as well, to offer an up-close taste of the impact itself. It's a popular destination for visitors from all over the country as a key spot in Mihonoseki town.

隠岐へ渡航するフェリーや客船の乗り場、松江からは車で45分程度掛かりました。新しくて綺麗な施設です、ユニークな外観が目を引きます。
Okuizumo Tane Museum of Natural History

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Nitagunokuizumochou Sajiro 236-1

This is a museum as well as providing accommodation and offers an original exhibition with the theme of the evolution of the universe and the history of life. The museum exhibits unique displays of the earth's history through a time tunnel, fossils of the ocean and dinosaurs and images of Japanese space exploration. Various accommodation plans are offered as well.
Kitchokan

Leisure / Hobbies

Shimane Pref. Izumoshi Taishachoushurimen 735-5

Held on January 3 each year, the Kitcho-san festival involves a procession around the town carrying 10-meter-high banners caked “Kitcho-ban” that are embroidered with the characters for Toshitoku-jin (the Goddess of Auspicious Directions). The Kitchokan showcases the “Kitcho-ban” banner and the history, culture and traditional ceremonies of the Taisha Town. The Kitchokan building is constructed in the style of a Shinto shrine; the glittering gold-colored lucky “fans” on the roof are particularly striking. There is a tourist information desk and restrooms, making this a good place to get tourist information for the Izumo area.

Shimane

Matsue Around Izumo Oyashiro Okuizumo Around Iwami Ginzan Gotsu / Hamada Tsuwano / Masuda Oki

Leisure / Hobbies Leisure / Outdoors Museum / Science Museum

Shimane Areas

What Shimane prefecture lacks in size and population, it makes up for in scenery and ancient mythology. Izumo-taisha, in the middle of the prefecture, is said to be Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine, where stories that delve into the creation of the Japanese race have been passed down over centuries. The 180 Oki Islands, a 40-minute ferry ride north of Sakaiminato, offer an undiscovered paradise well off the beaten track.