Reasons to Choose Japan

Life in Japan by Specific Areas

Shimane

Summary

Shimane Prefecture is known as the "Land of the Gods" and is colored by many myths. Shimane, where ancient culture has taken root, surrounding by the rich nature of mountains, the sea and the islands, is a perfect place for those who want to live comfortably. The land of "matchmaking" - Shimane -, is a place where you may encounter with people or things that will make your life shine.

Shimane *This map does not include topographical features and island areas and does not cover the entire area of Japan.

Access

If arriving by plane

There is also Hagi-Iwami Airport in Shimane Prefecture's Iwami area.

From Tokyo

Haneda Airport

1 hour 30 minutes

Izumo Airport
(Izumo Enmusubi Airport)

If arriving by Shinkansen or train

From Tokyo

Tokyo Station

5 hours 53 minutes

Matsue Station

Famous places / spots recommended by locals

Tamatsukuri Onsen

Tamatsukuri Onsen

It is said that "Tamatsukuri Onsen" is the oldest hot spring in Japan. According to the Izumo Kuni Fudoki, "If you have taken the bath once, your skin will rejuvenate and if you have taken the bath twice, all kinds of illness will be cured. I have not heard that the effect did not work, so people call it the hot water of God. " Scientifically, it has been proved that the spring quality is like a skin lotion.

Iwami Kagura

Iwami Kagura

"Iwami Kagura", a traditional performing art which is popular in Iwami region, Shimane prefecture. You can enjoy the brave and splendid dance, the light rhythm played by Japanese orchestra, the gorgeous costumes and the dynamic production. Performances are held in various places in Iwami on weekends.

Foods recommended by locals

  • Izumo Soba

    Izumo Soba

    "Izumo soba" is made by a milling method called "hikigurumi", which buckwheat is grinded together with cuticles, and is darker and richer in aroma than those in other regions. The smooth noodles have a strong elasticity. "Wariko soba"is a unique way of eating soba in Shimane, in which freshly boiled soba and condiments are placed in a small flat bowl and to eat together with spicy broth.

  • Saijo persimmon

    Saijo persimmon

    The cultivated area of Saijo persimmon in Shimane prefecture is the largest in Japan! Originally, it is astringent persimmon. After removal of astringency, suger content increases to 17 or more. Particularly, it is well known as sweet persimmon with excellent smooth texture.

Climate (temperature / precipitation)

Shimane Prefecture allows one to experience the changing of the four seasons. Snow in the winter means snow tires are required for driving in the winter. It is said that the relatively short hours of sunlight the area gets is the reason behind the beautiful skin of people in the prefecture.

Monthly temperature/precipitation

Monthly temperature/precipitation graph

(Source: Japan Meteorological Agency)

Cost of living

  • Rent

    Rent

    38,229 yen

  • Electricity, gas, and water costs

    Electricity

    11,273 yen

  • Ramen
    (Eating out)

    Ramen(Eating out)

    703 yen

  • White bread (1 kg)

    bread

    598 yen

  • Milk (1ℓ)

    milk

    264 yen

*Source

  • Rent
    “Housing and Land Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
    Average rent per month (excluding free rent) for privately rented apartments/houses (exclusively residential dwelling) with a total floor area of 29m2 or less in each prefectural capital
  • Electricity, gas, and water costs
    “Family Income and Expenditure Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
    Per capita expenditure calculated as the monthly average of total annual expenditures on utilities (electricity, gas, and water) per household in each prefectural capital, divided by the average number of members in each household
  • Eating out (Ramen) / White bread (1kg) / Milk (1ℓ)
    “Retail Price Survey (Trend Survey): August 2024,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan

Number of international students by country

  • No.1Nepal
  • No.2China
  • No.3Vietnam

Total number of international students in Japan: 279,274
Total number of international students in Shimane Prefecture: 577
Based on 2023 “Annual Survey of International Students in Japan”

List of universities in each area

If an area has nine schools or less with information published in the “School/Major Search” section of the website, the names of the schools are listed in no particular order. If there are 10 or more schools, those schools will not be posted on this page. Click the “Search for School/Major” button and use the search function to see a list of the schools.

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