Model Itineraries in Shimane

A full-day course through Oki-no-Shima Town, the gateway to the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, centered around the 10th Summer Fireworks Festival held on August 1, 2026. In the daytime, visit an ancient shrine guarded by centuries-old cedar trees and a historic old residence, then explore the Saigo Cape park area with views of Saigo Port and visit a facility to learn about nature. In the evening, pick up dinner from shops near Saigo Port, and at night, enjoy fireworks from the venue at Nakamachi-Mebuki. A distinctive island summer day where you can experience the history and nature of Oki.

The "Gono River Festival" (held on August 16, 2026, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture) takes place along the riverbanks of the Gono River, China's largest river. This one-day course showcases Gotsu's summer, nurtured by river and sea. During the day, experience local flavors at Roadside Station Sanpico Gotsu, enjoy seaside views at Ishimi Kaihama Park, and refresh at the footbath at Arifu Hot Spring. After dinner at Gotsu-Honmachi Shopping Street with its red-tiled townscape, around 5 PM the festival atmosphere spreads across the riverbanks. At night, experience a summer festival unique to a town that lives with the majestic Gono River—a family day to remember.

The "Tsuwano Carp, Love, Come Festival" (held August 29, 2026) at the Roadside Station Nagomi no Sato in Tsuwano Town, known as the "Little Kyoto of Sanin." A one-day course centered on this playful festival unique to a castle town famous for carp swimming in its moats. In the daytime, enjoy panoramic views of the castle town by lift from Tsuwano Castle Ruins, visit Washihara Hachiman Shrine known for yabusame, and explore Tono-machi Street where carp swim in the moats, and Tsuwano Catholic Church with its tatami floors. After dinner at the station, around 5 PM the atmosphere of the festival spreads to the Roadside Station Nagomi no Sato. As the festival's name suggests, playing on "carp," "love," and "come," this day should deepen family bonds.

Toro Nagashi (Lantern Floating Festival) held around Matsue Bridge and Shirakatacho Park in central Matsue, the "City of Water" (2026 August 16). This is a full-day course featuring the castle town dominated by the National Treasure Matsue Castle. In the morning, visit the castle that preserves the original National Treasure tower, touch the tales connected to "Kwaidan" at the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Hall and former residence, and trace the history of the castle town at the Matsue History Museum and Shirakatacho Tenmangu Shrine. After dinner at Kyoten Shopping Arcade, the festive atmosphere begins to spread around Matsue Bridge around 5 p.m. This is a full day to quietly witness the fantastical spectacle of countless lanterns floating on the Oohashigawa River at night, as your family.

The Tsuwano Bon Odori Festival (held August 15, 2026) takes place in the Tonocho Street area of Tsuwano, a castle town known as the "Little Kyoto of San'in" in Shimane Prefecture. This one-day course showcases the charming castle town with its white walls and koi-filled moat. Visit Taikodani Inari Shrine with its thousand vermillion torii gates, explore the unique Tsuwano Catholic Church with its tatami mat interior, and discover the town's literary culture through Mori Ogai's former residence and the historic Hanko Yoro-kan domain school. After dinner at Tsuwano Station, the Bon Odori atmosphere spreads through Tonocho Street around 5 p.m. This is a course to slowly savor a summer evening in this historic castle town with your family.

The Mishina Atago Festival (August 24-25, 2026) is held in the Mishina district of Okuizumo, a region known for tatara steel manufacturing and soba noodles in Shimane Prefecture. This one-day course focuses on the festival's opening day (August 24, 2026). Explore dinosaurs and nature at Okuizumo Tane Nature Museum, learn about tatara steel history at Itohara Memorial Museum, and cool off at the stunning Oni-no-Shitayaburi gorge. After dinner at Mishina Station, the festival atmosphere spreads through the district starting around 5 p.m. This course offers a full day of experiencing the Chugoku Mountains' natural beauty, traditional culture, and the warmth of a local community festival.

The "Onsenzu Hot Spring Summer Festival" held around Onsenzu Harbor in Ōda City, Shimane Prefecture, a hot spring town that prospered as a shipping port for the UNESCO World Heritage Iwami Ginzan silver mine (held August 8, 2026). A one-day course that features a small port town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. During the day, walk through the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Iwami Ginzan, encounter the stages of Kagura at Tatsugozenshin Shrine, and explore the Onsenzu hot spring town designated as an Important Traditional Building Preservation District. After experiencing pottery culture at the Yaki-mono Craft Center, around 5 PM the festive atmosphere begins to spread around the harbor. A historically enriched summer day walking through the lantern-lit hot spring streets at night.

The 'Izumo Mythological Festival - Izumo Bon Dance' held at Kunibiki Central Avenue Four Corners Square (Imaichi-machi), the heart of Izumo City, the land of myths (August 8, 2026, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM). A one-day course unique to the mythological land, beginning with a visit to Izumo Grand Shrine, known as the deity of marriage ties. During the day, gaze up at the large shimenawa rope at Izumo Grand Shrine, learn about the mythological world at the Shimane Prefectural Ancient Izumo History Museum, and experience the charm of a wealthy farmer's mansion at the Izumo Culture Transmission Hall. After a light meal near Izumo City Station, at 4 PM the sounds of music and drums begin to resonate from Kunibiki Central Avenue Four Corners Square. A course where families can spend a full day experiencing the emotions of myths and slow-paced Bon dancing.

The 'Yassugi Moon Ring Festival' held around Yassugi Harbor and in the Yassugi area of Shimane Prefecture (held August 14-17, 2026). This is a one-day course centered on the first day of the festival (August 14, 2026), celebrating the summer of Yassugi, known for its Adachi Museum of Art with Japan's number one gardens. In the daytime, explore the masterpieces of Yokoyama Taikan and the gardens of each season at the Adachi Museum of Art, enjoy the dojo fish scooping dance at the Yassugi Bushi Performing Arts Hall, and learn about the history of tatara steelmaking at the Wagane Museum. After dinner near Yassugi Station, around 5 PM the festive atmosphere spreads around Yassugi Harbor, and at night lights inspired by the moon ring illuminate the harbor. A course uniquely Yassugi where you can experience art, tradition, and the harbor's summer festival all in one day.

A full-day course that makes Hamada City's port town the center of enjoyment, with the Hamada Minato Festival Fireworks Display held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as the main attraction. In the afternoon, visit facilities that convey Hamada City's history and nature, as well as scenic spots overlooking the Sea of Japan. In the early evening, enjoy a satisfying dinner using fresh seafood near Hamada Fishing Port. When night falls, move to the area around Pier No. 7 to enjoy fireworks erupting over the night Sea of Japan. This is the definitive plan to savor Hamada's summer, where the sea breeze distinctive to a port town and the summer night sky converge.

A full-day course centered around the 2026 Shijiji Town Gion Festival (Renge Festival) held on July 27, allowing you to enjoy the charming town of Shijiji in Matsue City by Lake Shiji. In the morning, experience the traditional craftsmanship of Kimachi stone, and in the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the shopping arcade in front of JR Shijiji Station. At the Lake Shiji Clam Museum, learn about clam harvesting culture. At dusk, enjoy the sunset views from the lakeside promenade. In the evening, dine by the lake while watching approximately 2,200 fireworks illuminate the lake surface at 8:30 PM. A perfect family-friendly plan to fully enjoy Lake Shiji's unique sunset scenery and fireworks. Spend a quiet and beautiful summer evening surrounded by water and greenery.

This is a 1-day course centered around Gotsu Central Park Public Pool in Gotsu City, which operates from July 18 (Saturday) to August 31 (Monday) 2026. In the morning, spend a relaxed time at Michi-no-Eki Sanpiko Gotsu (Roadside Station Sanpiko Gotsu) admiring the seafood and local vegetables of Ishimi, then enjoy the scenery as a family at Takakakuyama Park and Hitomaru Shrine (人丸神社), which overlooks the Gono River and the Sea of Japan. From midday, it's finally time for the public pool. In addition to a full-scale 50-meter pool equipped with 8 lanes, there's a wading pool with 3 exciting slides and an artificial waterfall. With shade pavilions available, you can enjoy peace of mind even on days with strong sunlight. Admission prices are affordable at ¥110 for elementary and middle school students, ¥220 for high school students, ¥440 for general admission, and ¥550 for infants (with adult supervision), so the whole family can enjoy water activities casually. With operations until 18:00 (final entry 17:30), it's easy to plan for plenty of play time until evening. This is a perfect Shimane summer vacation outing course where you can leisurely explore the town at the mouth of the Gono River and finish off at the pool.

A full-day course to experience the Tsuwano Town Nichihara District, known for the Takatsu River, centered around the Nichihara Ayu Festival Fireworks Grand Finale held on August 15, 2026 (Saturday). In the daytime, encounter local bounty at Michi-no-Eki Silk Way Nichihara, savor the beauty of the Takatsu River at "Bassetu-no-Kei," one of the river's most scenic spots, and enjoy water activities on the riverbed. Toward evening, enjoy a light dinner at a stall in Nichihara town while securing a good viewing spot. As dusk falls, gaze up slowly at the fireworks launching into the night sky from the riverbank. An ideal summer finale—a full day to savor both the blessings of a pristine river and the fireworks of a mountain village.

A full-day course to enjoy Kamizai Lake, a quiet lake in Izumo City, with the Kamizai Lake Fireworks Festival held on August 29, 2026 (Saturday) as the main attraction. During the day, enjoy bird watching and waterside scenery at the lakeshore, taste grape juice and shop at Izumo Winery, and take a relaxing foot bath at Yunokawa Hot Spring. In the evening, return to the lakeshore to secure a viewing spot, then enjoy fireworks launching from above the lake in the night with the calm water surface. A cool summer day plan where you can enjoy both the natural blessings unique to Izumo and the fantastical light of lakeside fireworks.

A full-day course through Gotsu City, centered on the Gonokawa Festival held on August 16, 2026 (Sunday), enjoying the town at the mouth of the Gonokawa River, the largest river in the Chugoku region. In the afternoon, savor the bounty of sea and river at Michi no Eki Sampico Gotsutsu (Michi no Eki Sampico Gotsutsu), stroll through the nostalgic streets of Gotsu Honmachi, and spend time leisurely at the riverbank park along the Gonokawa River. In the evening, relax near Gotsu Port while grabbing a meal and securing a viewing spot. As darkness falls, gaze up at the fireworks launching into the night sky from the mouth of the Gonokawa River. A perfect plan to wrap up the summer, combining the scale of a great river with the charm of a port town.

A full-day Yasuki course centered around the Yasuki Lunar Ring Festival Fireworks, held on August 8, 2026 (Saturday), featuring the town known for its Dojo-sukui dance. In the morning, experience traditional performing arts at the Yasuki Bushi Performing Arts Hall, learn about tatara iron-smelting history at the Wagane Museum, and spend time leisurely at Yasuki Park (安来公園), beloved by locals. In the evening, cool off and dine at the waterfront of Yasuki Port while securing a viewing spot. As darkness falls, watch fireworks worthy of the "Lunar Ring Festival" light up the night sky from the harbor. A unique summer day plan in Yasuki that combines tradition and the charm of a port town.

A full day course centered around the 52nd Onsenzu Onsen Summer Festival held on August 8, 2026 (Saturday), exploring the town of Onsenzu Onsen, which flourished as the shipping port for the UNESCO World Heritage site Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. During the day, explore the retro hot spring town, visit Ryu Gozen Shrine (龍御前神社) to pay respects while overlooking the harbor, and learn about the history of the ceramics district at Onsenzu Yakimono Museum. In the evening, enjoy an early dinner by Onsenzu Port while cooling off in the breeze and secure a good viewing spot. As night falls, leisurely watch fireworks rising above the quiet harbor. A perfect way to end summer, blending the charm of this historic hot spring town with the unique experience of fireworks in a port town. Recommended for families seeking the refined atmosphere of a traditional hot spring resort rather than flashy attractions.

A full-day course enjoying Oda City's Kute Town (大田市久手町) facing the Sea of Japan, centered around the 44th Tenryo-san Kute Venue held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. In the afternoon, enjoy swimming and tide pool play at Kute Beach, then extend your trip to nearby Shizuma Beach in the neighboring town to savor the Sea of Japan scenery. Stroll leisurely through Kute Town's harbor, savor fresh local seafood delicacies, and secure your spot while enjoying dinner at the harbor in the evening. After watching the sunset sink into the Sea of Japan, fireworks light up the harbor's night sky at 7 PM, with their beautiful reflection on the calm sea surface creating a stunning finale. A comprehensive summer plan for Kute Town packed with swimming, harbor town exploration, and seaside fireworks.

This course explores Kamo town in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture throughout the day, centered on the Kamo Nijūsan'ya Festival Fireworks on July 23, 2026 (Thursday) at 8:10 PM. In the morning, touch ancient romance at Kamo Iwakura Ruins, known as the discovery site of Japan's largest collection of bronze bells, and rest at the local park. In the afternoon, spend time by the Hii River, feeling the river's flow and cool breeze. In the evening, secure a spot in the town center and wait for the show while having dinner. At night, fireworks will light up Kamo's sky. A summer day plan in Unnan where you can enjoy both ancient ruins and riverside fireworks. The official number of fireworks has not been announced, so please check the day's guide for details. This is a traditional summer festival long-rooted in the region, named after the "23rd Night" moon tradition.

Centered on the 2026 Isshū Hamakko Summer Festival held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, this course lets you fully experience Hamada City facing the Sea of Japan for an entire day. Enjoy panoramic views of the harbor from Hamada Castle Ruins at noon, appreciate art at the Sekisho Art Museum (石正美術館), and thrill the whole family at Shimane Aquarium Aquas (しまね海洋館アクアス), famous for its rare white dolphins. After a relaxing stroll at Kitahama Beach (北浜海水浴場) before evening, secure a spot at Hamada Fishing Port (浜田漁港) while having dinner. At 8:30 PM, fireworks light up the night sky above the fishing port, and with the Sea of Japan breeze, you'll conclude a summer night with the vibrant atmosphere unique to a fishing town's summer festival.

A full-day course to enjoy the Kanbe River area of Izumo City (出雲市), Shimane Prefecture, centered around the Koshi Summer Festival held on Saturday, August 1, 2026. In the morning, enjoy a light lunch at Izumo City Station, then have fun at Izumo Science Museum (出雲科学館) with interactive exhibits for the whole family. In the afternoon, enjoy shopping and a break at the shopping mall Yume Town Izumo (出雲ゆめタウン), and in the evening, take a stroll along the Kanbe River (神戸川) dike near the fireworks venue to enjoy an evening breeze. After dark, secure your spot along the dike and wait for the show to begin. At 8 PM, fireworks light up the night sky above the Kanbe River, and the beautiful reflections on the river surface create a stunning scene. A wonderfully packed one-day plan unique to Izumo that combines learning at the science museum, shopping, and fireworks by the riverside.

Centered around the Taki Kirara Festival to be held on July 26, 2026 (Sunday) at 8:30 PM, this is a full-day course to fully enjoy Kirara Beach in Taki Town, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. At noon, grab a meal at the Roadside Station Kirara Taki and enjoy plenty of beach swimming and tide pool exploring. In the evening, stroll along the coastline and enjoy the sunset views of the Sea of Japan. Secure a spot near the venue in the evening and wait for the opening while having dinner. At night, fireworks light up the seaside night sky. This is the ultimate summer plan for Izumo where you can fully enjoy both beach swimming and fireworks. Bad weather may cause cancellation, so it's reassuring to check the organizer's information in advance.

A full-day course exploring Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, featuring the Ichibata Electric Railway Fireworks Train Service (Satohata Nursery School Summer Festival) opening on July 25, 2026 (Saturday). During the day, watch trains at the transfer station and enjoy learning at the science museum. In the afternoon, see the traditional merchant architecture of Izumo and experience the region's history. In the evening, secure a spot in the Satohata area and wait for the festival to begin while enjoying dinner. At night, fireworks befitting the "Fireworks Train" name light up the sky. This is a greedy full-day plan for summer in Izumo where you can enjoy trains, learning, and fireworks. About 150 fireworks will launch, making this an intimate summer festival hosted by the local nursery school.

A full-day course exploring the highland of Tonbara in Tonbara, Inan Town, Iishi County, Shimane Prefecture, featuring the Tonbara Hometown Summer Festival opening at 8:30 PM on July 25, 2026 (Saturday). During the day, rest at the station and take a leisurely walk through the paddy fields of the highland. In the afternoon, stroll along the upper stream creek and enjoy the cool nature unique to a mountain valley. In the evening, secure a spot in the town center and wait for the festival to begin while enjoying dinner. At night, fireworks light up the highland night sky. This is a greedy full-day plan for summer in Inan where you can enjoy both highland walks and fireworks. Characterized by the high altitude of the area, it becomes cool even in summer from the evening. There is no official announcement of the number of fireworks, so please check the day-of guidance.