Recommended 10 Touring Roads and Spots in Shimane Prefecture, selected by riders who have circumnavigated Japan twice.

Hello, Webike Plus readers! I'm Sasu Rider, a man who runs out of energy soon after receiving power at a shrine. Shimane Prefecture, located in the Chugoku region, is famous as a "mythical land" with one of Japan's most famous power spots, Izumo-taisha Shrine, but in fact, it is also dotted with attractive spots for riders, such as the coastline facing the Sea of Japan and mountain areas full of greenery! There are so many different types of places to visit, including the ocean, mountains, historic sites, and hot springs, that it would be impossible to visit all of them in a single day. The information on each spot is current as of March 2026. The information is subject to change without notice. Please check before you visit.

1 Spectacular winding road: Sanbei Iris Line

The Sanbe Iris Line (Mt. Sanbe Circumferential Road) is a winding road that circles around the 1,126-meter-high active volcano "Sanbe-san" located in the central part of Shimane Prefecture. The 16-km long road allows you to enjoy the winding road at a leisurely pace while enjoying the view of grasslands and volcanic landforms! Prefectural Routes 30 and 40 are the main routes, and the area is dotted with " Sanbe Onsen," one of the best hot springs in Shimane Prefecture, and other recreational spots.

One Point Advice for Sasu Riders

Along the Sanbe Iris Line, there is a store where you can enjoy "hamburgers," the two most important duties of riders along with soft-serve ice cream, at the aptly named " Sanbe Burger.

The burger is made with beef and pork patties from Shimane Prefecture, local vegetables, and a custom-made bun. The burger is grilled over charcoal to order, so it is ..... The savory and juicy taste reaches another level!

It is great to eat in or, on a fine day, to take out and eat in the meadow of Mt. Sanbei, so we recommend that you keep it in mind as a "top lunch candidate" for touring Mt.

2 Seaside Road: Mihonoseki

Mihonoseki, an area located at the eastern end of the Shimane Peninsula, offers a pleasant ride along the seaside Prefectural Road No. 2, with Daisen (Mt. Daisen) in neighboring Tottori Prefecture at its side! The area has a long history of flourishing as a port of call for Kitamae-ship, with cobblestone streets and old townscapes remaining along the way, and overall, a relaxed atmosphere prevails. Incidentally, the " Mihonoseki Lighthouse " at the end of the road is the end of the road (the easternmost point of Shimane Prefecture), which is a favorite destination for riders, so you will automatically get a "sense of accomplishment" when you ride your bike here.

One Point Advice for Sasu Riders

At Mihonoseki Lighthouse, there is a café-restaurant " Mihonoseki Lighthouse Buffet " with a view of the sea, and its specialty is "ikameshi" (squid rice), which has an addictive plump texture. After dinner, a stroll along the promenade with its pleasant sea breeze is recommended, and on a clear day, you can enjoy a panoramic view that extends as far as the Oki Islands! Free parking and public restrooms are available at the Mihonoseki Lighthouse, so you can enjoy the "emotion of the end of the road" without worrying about time.

3 Giant loop bridge: Okuizumo Orochi Loop

The Orochi Loop is one of the largest giant loop bridges in Japan and is located in Okuizumo Town, the setting of the famous Kojiki myth "Yamata-no-orochi. It is named "Orochi Loop" because it looks like a giant snake coiled in a coil when viewed from above. .... From a rider's point of view, it is "just a fun road" where you can enjoy the endless corners! The feeling of closing the 105-meter gap in elevation at once can only be experienced here, so we recommend that you include it in your touring route when touring in Shimane Prefecture.

One point advice from a Sasu rider

Near the entrance (upper level) of the Okuidumo Orochi Loop, there is a " Roadside Station Okuidumo Orochi Loop " where you can "set up" before entering the loop! Although it is a small-scale roadside station, it has all the necessary facilities, including a store, a snack corner, and a rest area. Incidentally, there is also an "observation deck for the Orochi Loop" within walking distance , so you can take a good look at the Orochi Loop and see what you are going to fight for. ..... You can watch the Orochi running in the distance.

4 SNS-worthy road: Ejima Ohashi Bridge

The Eshima Ohashi Bridge, which connects Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, and Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture, became famous for its "sticky slope" in a TV commercial. Especially from the Shimane Prefecture side, it looks like "a slope that looks as if it is about to roll down. ..... The impact is tremendous! When you actually ride a motorcycle, you will be surprised to find that it is much easier to ride than it looks, and it is not a place where beginners are not allowed (of course, drive carefully).

One Point Advice from a Sasu Rider

There are spaces for taking pictures on both banks of the Ejima Bridge, so after riding through without incident, it's time to start taking commemorative photos! This is the perfect place for riders like me who can't control their desire for approval (?), as it is a mecca for "social networking photos. This is the perfect bridge for riders like me who can't control their need for approval.

5 World Cultural Heritage: Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, registered as a World Heritage Site in 2007, is a must-see for history buffs, having once flourished as one of the world's leading silver mines! The town still retains the atmosphere of its heyday in the Edo period (1603-1868), and visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the quiet mountainous landscape. Bikes can be parked free of charge at the Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center, and from there you can either walk, rent a bicycle, or use the shuttle bus to go sightseeing.

One Point Advice for Sasu Riders

If you visit Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a must-see place is "Ryugenji Mabu" ( Ryugenji Ma-bu).

The Ryugenji Mabu is a place where you can see the original mahei ( a tunnel for mining silver ) built in the Edo period (1603-1868), and you can feel how the mining was done in those days!

Incidentally, the admission fee to the Ryugenji Mahei is 500 yen, which is extremely reasonable for a visit to a genuine World Heritage site.

The tunnels are cool all year round, making them an excellent cool-down spot for touring, especially in the middle of summer.

6 Super Ultra Power Spot: Izumo-taisha Shrine

After all, if you are touring in Shimane Prefecture, you cannot miss Izumo-taisha Shrine, known as one of the best ultra-power spots in Japan!

It is a "special shrine where the gods of Japan gather" that attracts worshippers from all over the country throughout the year , and is symbolized by the huge shimenawa (sacred rope) in the Kaguraden (Hall of Shinto music and dance).

It is a place that every Japanese person should visit at least once, and has such power that even an ordinary person like me can feel the aura of something divine.

One Point Advice from a Sasu Rider

Izumo-taisha Shrine is actually a rider-friendly shrine , with free bicycle parking spaces available exclusively for motorcycles! The space in front of the public restrooms in the parking lot shared with cars is reserved for motorcycles, so even if the parking lot is full of cars, it is rare that you cannot park your motorcycle there. However, the entrance to the parking lot is also shared with cars, so if there is a traffic jam, you will be caught in it. ..... This is a disadvantage.

7 Sightseeing Spots: Izumo-Himigozaki Lighthouse

Izumo Himisaki Lighthouse, located in Himisaki, Izumo City, where Izumo Taisha Shrine is located, is the tallest stone lighthouse in Japan.

The contrast between the pure white lighthouse and the blue Sea of Japan is beautiful, making it one of the most impressive places for touring in Shimane Prefecture!

Moreover, the access route, Prefectural Route 29, is a pleasant road along the sea leading from Izumo-taisha Shrine, so you can enjoy the ride to the site twice as much in one piece.

One point of advice from a Sasu rider

Izumo Himinozaki Lighthouse is one of only 16 "climbable lighthouses" in Japan , andyou can climb to the top foran admission fee of 300 yen.

The lighthouse is 44 meters high, and after climbing the spiral staircase inside, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan!

In addition, Izumo-Higamizo Lighthouse has a free parking lot and public restrooms, as well as a tourist street lined with stores and restaurants.

8 Sightseeing Spots: Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle, located in the center of Matsue City, the capital of Shimane Prefecture, is one of only 12 remaining castles in Japan and was designated a national treasure in 2015!

The castle tower, with its distinctive black exterior, is also known by the nickname "Chidori Castle" because of the shape of its roof, which resembles a stag beetle spreading its wings, and has become a symbol of Matsue City, where the castle town atmosphere remains.

The entrance fee is 800 yen. If you climb to the top floor of the castle tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Shinjiko (Lake Shinjiji), famous for its shijimi (whitebait) and sunset, and the city of Matsue, which makes you feel like you are in heaven.... You may feel as if you are in heaven....

One point of advice from a Sasu rider

Actually, Matsue Castle has a "bike parking space" available free of charge , but it may be a little difficult to find. ..... Specifically, it is located at the end of the "Inari Bridge", but you need to drive carefully because the road is narrow and there are pedestrians. Incidentally, if you have a lightweight vehicle that you don't mind pushing, the shortest route to the bicycle parking lot is to push it through the "Kitasomon Bridge" (pushing of large motorcycles is not recommended).

9 Nature Spot: Ryuzu Waterfall

Ryuzugataki Falls, renowned as the most famous waterfall in the Chugoku region, is a "waterfall with a rather unusual feature" that has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan. It is a powerful waterfall with a height of about 40 meters, and its greatest feature is that you can walk to the back side of the waterfall! Incidentally, there is a cave on the back side of the waterfall where "Taki Kannon" (Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined, from which you can view "Urami no Taki".

One Point Advice from a Sasu Rider

There are two free parking lots at Ryuzu Falls, the "parking lot above the waterfall" and the "parking lot below the waterfall," both of which are properly paved and have public restrooms (the photo shows the parking lot below the waterfall). The path to Ryuzu Falls is a 10-15 minute walk, and a dedicated walking trail is provided so that you will not get lost.

10 Onsen (hot springs): Tamatsukuri Onsen

Located in the south of Matsue City, Tamatsukuri Onsen is one of the best hot springs in the San-in area with a history of more than 1,300 years since its opening! This elegant hot spring resort, with its riverside rows of ryokan (traditional Japanese-style inns), is known as the "hot spring for beautiful skin" because of its excellent moisturizing and hydrating qualities. Moreover, there are three free footbaths and a unique spot where you can take home a bottle of hot spring water, making it a perfect touring destination even if you do not stay overnight.

One point of advice from a Sasu rider

Image source: Tamatsukuri Onsen Ryokan Cooperative

Tamatsukuri Onsen has four hot spring inns where you can take a day trip, and a public bathhouse called " Tamatsukuri Onsen Y~yu ", so you can enjoy the beauty of the hot spring without staying overnight! The "Tamatsukuri Onsen Yu-Yu" in particular is easy to access by motorcycle as it is equipped with a free parking lot, and you can use the large bath and open-air bath for as low as 600 yen, plus the rider's duty of tasting seasonal ..... And if they even offer soft-serve ice cream, there is no other choice but to go there, right?