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Lake · Matsue, Shimane
Lake Shinji
Large brackish lake on the west shore of Matsue, known for the sunset behind the islet Yomegashima and for the shijimi clams; the shore has a promenade, a museum and hot springs.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Lake Shinji in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Lake Shinji
Lake Shinji is a brackish lake of about 80 km², between Matsue and Izumo, connected to the Sea of Japan by the Nakaumi lagoon. It is one of the largest lakes in Japan and one of the images of Matsue, which sits on the eastern shore, with the castle, canals and the hot-spring district overlooking the water.
The lake is known for its sunsets. On the eastern shore, near the Shimane Art Museum, a staircase leads down to the water and a promenade runs along the shore. From there, the sun often sets behind the small pine-covered islet of Yomegashima, and the sky and water change color. A row of stone rabbit statues on the shore is sought out for photos; tradition says that touching the second one from the lake brings good luck.
The brackish water produces the shijimi, small clams harvested with long-line nets by boats that work in the morning. Shijimi are served in soup throughout the region and are part of the lake’s seven dishes, along with fish such as sea bass and eel.
The Shimane Art Museum, on the water’s edge, has a glass façade facing west and is open until after sunset for much of the year. Sightseeing boats often run in the late afternoon, and the Matsue Shinjiko Onsen neighborhood has hot-spring baths on the north shore.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour on the shore, in the late afternoon.
Best time
In the late afternoon, about half an hour before sunset, on clear days; spring and autumn usually produce the most intense colors. The sunset is not visible on cloudy days. Sightseeing boats have seasonal departures; confirm schedules.
How to get there
The sunset shore is about a 15-minute walk from Matsue Station or a few minutes on the Lake Line bus, near the Shimane Art Museum.
Tip
Arrive before the sun touches the horizon and stay a few minutes after: the sky often gains more color just after sunset. The museum staircase viewpoint has the view of Yomegashima.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Shinji
Where to see the sunset on Lake Shinji?
On the eastern shore, near the Shimane Art Museum, where a staircase at the water’s edge overlooks the islet Yomegashima.
What are the shijimi of Lake Shinji?
Small brackish-water clams harvested in the lake and served in soup. They are one of Matsue’s typical dishes.
Can you take a boat on Lake Shinji?
There are sightseeing boats with seasonal departures, especially in the late afternoon. Check schedules at the tourist center.
What are the stone rabbits on the shore of the lake?
A row of statues near the Shimane Art Museum. Tradition says that touching the second one from the lake, facing Yomegashima, brings good luck.
Beyond the guide
