Situated a little off the well-trodden tourist path, Shimane Prefecture is filled with things to see and do – including some exceptional displays of nature. If you visit the region during spring there are numerous world-class places to enjoy the season's floral beauty, and this guide covers five of them!
Matsue Castle
Designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Tree viewing spots, Matsue Castle Park is a delight during spring. Around 200 sakura trees dot the grounds here, and the best time to catch them in full bloom is from late March through until early April. Matsue Castle is fascinating in and of itself, given that it's one of Japan's few original castles. Visitors can head inside the castle, too, and enjoy some fantastic views out over Matsue City from the top floor.
1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue, Shimane 690-0887
Yuushien Garden
Yuushien Garden is a destination revered for its beauty in any season, but it's most famous for its springtime peonies. Approximately 250 types of peonies can be found on display here, along with other blooms like azaleas, rhododenrons, and irises to name just a few.
1260-2 Yatsukacho Hanyu, Matsue, Shimane 690-1492
Adachi Museum of Art
The Adachi Museum of Art is situated in Yasugi, a short distance from Shimane's capital of Matsue. The museum offers a host of exhibits to enjoy, from a ceramics hall to a number of contemporary Japanese paintings - but perhaps the biggest drawcard here is the stunning gardens to admire. The dry landscape garden is the museum's pièce de résistance, and changes with the seasons – expect to see some pops of color thanks to the perfectly manicured azalea bushes in spring.
320 Furukawacho, Yasugi, Shimane 692-0064
Imazaikenoson Park
Imazaikenoson Park is home to approximately 600,000 colorful tulips in the spring months, and the best time to catch them is from early to mid-April. If the flowers weren't enough, the park typically hangs carp streamers (koinobori) in anticipation of Children's Day on May 5th, adding some additional color and visual appeal.
Kasuga, Hikawacho Imazaike, Izumo, Shimane, 699-0644
Misumi Park
Visit Misumi Park early in spring, and you'll get to enjoy the best of plum blossom season. Later in spring, the park is known for its beautiful azaleas which cover the hillside – in total there are around 50,000 of them. In typical years, a festival is held to celebrate the azaleas when they're in bloom.
Misumicho Misumi, Hamada, Shimane 699-3211
