Find the best Shimane Prefecture Hotels

Top reasons to visit Shimane Prefecture

• Cultural Richness: Shimane Prefecture is renowned for its historical sites, including ancient shrines and museums that showcase local heritage.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy picturesque landscapes and relax on the beautiful beaches of Ama, where nature meets tranquillity.
• Wellness Retreats: The region offers rejuvenating stays in traditional ryokans and modern hotels with hot springs and spa facilities.
• Outdoor Adventures: Explore outdoor activities and scenic boat rides, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
• Charming Matsue: Visit Matsue, famous for its historic castle and tranquil gardens, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich past.

Find great hotels in Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture offers a delightful selection of accommodation options, ranging from modern hotels to traditional ryokans. Ideal for those seeking a rejuvenating getaway, many establishments feature hot spring and spa facilities, as well as golf-themed experiences. Additionally, some accommodations provide free bikes for exploring the picturesque surroundings. Whether you're looking for a serene retreat or a vibrant stay, Shimane has something to cater to every traveler's needs.

• Dormy Inn Express Matsue: This 3-star hotel offers a unique blend of convenience and comfort, ideal for both leisure and business travellers. Nestled in the heart of Shimane Prefecture, Dormy Inn Express Matsue features a delightful dining experience with options like WrappedFood and Buffet Breakfast. Guests can unwind in their well-appointed rooms, which come equipped with modern entertainment amenities including an LCD TV, Pay Movies, and a DVD player. The hotel’s inviting atmosphere and quality service make it a favourite choice for visitors seeking a relaxing stay.
• Dormy Inn Izumo: Perfect for those seeking a rejuvenating escape, Dormy Inn Izumo is renowned for its hot spring-themed experience. This 3-star accommodation offers direct access to natural hot springs, allowing guests to indulge in soothing baths that promote relaxation and wellness. The property’s serene environment, combined with comfortable rooms and essential amenities, ensures a tranquil retreat for all who visit. It’s an ideal choice for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the healing traditions of Japanese onsen culture.
• Toyoko Inn Matsue Ekimae: Located conveniently near the train station, Toyoko Inn Matsue Ekimae is a practical option for travellers exploring Shimane Prefecture. This 3-star hotel offers free daily breakfast, including buffet options and WrappedFood, catering to diverse tastes. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay with in-room entertainment, featuring a television for relaxation after a day of exploration. With its strategic location and value-for-money offerings, this hotel is perfect for those looking to make the most of their visit.

Where to stay in Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture offers a delightful blend of cultural immersion and stunning natural beauty. Explore the charming city of Matsue, known for its historic castle and tranquil gardens, or relax on the beautiful beaches in Ama, where sun-soaked shores meet captivating scenery. Don't miss the picturesque landscapes and rich traditions that define this region, making it an ideal destination for wellness and outdoor adventures. Experience the unique atmosphere that Shimane has to offer and create unforgettable memories.

• Matsue: Nestled in the heart of Shimane Prefecture, Matsue is a city steeped in history and culture. Known as the City of Water, it boasts beautiful lakes and rivers that offer serene views and recreational opportunities. Visitors flock here for cultural experiences, wellness retreats, and outdoor adventures. Notable attractions include the historic Matsue Castle, picturesque onsen, and hotsprings that invite relaxation. The city's vibrant atmosphere peaks in April, July, and September, making it an ideal time to explore its shops, amusement parks, and ski facilities.
• Izumo: Izumo, another gem of Shimane Prefecture, is famous for its rich cultural heritage and sacred sites. Home to the renowned Izumo Taisha Shrine, this city attracts visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment alongside outdoor activities and wellness experiences. The local landscape features historical landmarks and recreation parks that offer a perfect blend of tranquillity and adventure. While travel numbers peak in April, July, and September, the city remains welcoming year-round with its charming shops and amusement attractions, making every visit rewarding.
• Hamada: Located along the scenic coast of Shimane Prefecture, Hamada is a delightful city ideal for family-friendly outings and outdoor escapades. With its ski fields and charming children's museum, Hamada offers both adventure and educational experiences for all ages. The city is rich in history, with several notable sites and relaxing hotsprings nearby. Travellers typically visit in April, July, and September when the city is alive with activity, but its welcoming atmosphere ensures a pleasant experience at any time of the year.

Things to do in Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture is ideal for culture-themed, outdoor, and wellness vacations, offering a range of activities such as shopping, visiting amusement parks, and exploring local markets. Key experiences include engaging in day trips, taking cultural tours, and enjoying scenic boat rides. This region promises a rich blend of heritage and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for a memorable getaway.

Shopping

In Shimane Prefecture, visit Matsue Station's shopping arcade for local crafts and souvenirs. For a larger experience, check out Izumo's LaLaPort, featuring a variety of shops offering traditional Japanese goods alongside contemporary fashion and accessories.

Recreation

Hamayama Park offers a tranquil environment for relaxation, featuring lush greenery and scenic walking paths. Meanwhile, Kamo Town B&G Ocean Center provides a rejuvenating atmosphere with wellness activities, perfect for unwinding. For sports enthusiasts, the Oki Momo Dome delivers an energetic vibe with various athletic facilities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of winter sports at Mizuho Highland Ski Area, where you can enjoy skiing amidst stunning landscapes. For a unique adventure, visit Yang Damarino Hill, offering engaging activities. Asahitengusuton Ski Area promises more skiing excitement, perfect for adrenaline seekers in Shimane Prefecture.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife of Shimane Prefecture at Nichihara Astronomical Observatory, where the stars come alive in a captivating planetarium setting. Alternatively, visit Rosokujima Observatory for a similar celestial experience, both offering vibrant entertainment vibes that promise an unforgettable evening.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Shimane Prefecture

For a budget-friendly trip to Shimane Prefecture, consider visiting during January to February or June, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Wednesday stay to save more. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter results by budget and preferences, and look for last-minute deals. Combining your hotel with flights and activities can also yield savings. Explore free local attractions and utilise public transport for economical travel around the region.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Shimane Prefecture are January to February and June, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Shimane Prefecture about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Shimane Prefecture is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Shimane Prefecture is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation in Shimane Prefecture with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture offers a delightful blend of cultural and outdoor experiences, perfect for wellness vacations. Visitors can explore a variety of shrines and museums, including art museums that showcase local heritage. The region caters to families and culture enthusiasts alike, making it an ideal destination for those seeking enriching experiences amid scenic landscapes.

• Izumo Taisha: This ancient Shinto shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it is dedicated to the deity of marriage and relationships, offering visitors a serene atmosphere rich in cultural heritage.
• Adachi Museum of Art: Famed for its exquisite Japanese gardens and impressive collection of modern Japanese art, this museum provides a tranquil setting to appreciate the harmony of nature and artistry. The meticulously crafted gardens are particularly renowned for their seasonal beauty.
• Tamatsukuri Hot Spring: Known for its soothing waters, this hot spring offers a perfect retreat for wellness and relaxation. Surrounded by nature, visitors can unwind in outdoor baths, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.

Best time to go to Shimane Prefecture

The best time to visit Shimane Prefecture can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Shimane Prefecture falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Shimane Prefecture falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	41.0°F (5.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	40.1°F (4.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	46.8°F (8.200000000000001°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	62.4°F (16.900000000000002°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	69.4°F (20.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	75.7°F (24.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	62.4°F (16.900000000000002°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	54.0°F (12.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	44.4°F (6.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Shimane Prefecture

When planning your visit to Shimane Prefecture, consider flying into one of its major airports. Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is situated 114.3km away and offers nearby accommodation options such as the 3.5-star NIPPONIA HOTEL Takehara Saltworks Town, 11.3km from the airport, and Hotel KAMOGAWASO, just 6.4km away, both providing shuttle services. Alternatively, Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) lies 185.1km away, with excellent Ryokan choices like Yamatoya Honten and Yamatoya Besso, both 8.0km from the airport. Lastly, Okayama Airport (OKJ) is 611.3km distant, featuring hotels like the 4-star Hotel Granvia Okayama, located 12.9km away. Each airport ensures convenient access to Shimane Prefecture.