Shimane Prefecture lies along the San'in coast of western Honshu, home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, and Matsue Castle, one of only twelve original castles remaining in the country. Known in Japanese mythology as the land where the gods gather each October, Shimane blends ancient shrine culture, samurai heritage, celebrated gardens, and a quiet, uncrowded coastline far from Japan's typical tourist circuit.
Accommodation overview
- Budget
- ¥5,500–12,000 ($37–80) for hostels/business hotels/minshuku
- Luxury
- ¥25,000–75,000 ($167–500) for premier ryokan and onsen resorts
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Toyoko Inn Matsue Ekimae
Affordable accommodation option in Shimane.
Check rates on Booking.comGreen Rich Hotel Izumo
Affordable accommodation option in Shimane.
Check rates on Booking.comSuper Hotel Izumo Ekimae
Affordable accommodation option in Shimane.
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Tamatsukuri Grand Hotel Choseikaku
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Shimane.
Check rates on Booking.comMatsue Excel Hotel Tokyu
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Shimane.
Check rates on Booking.comDormy Inn Express Matsue
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Shimane.
Check rates on Booking.comDandan no Yu Onyado Nono Matsue
Comfortable mid-range hotel in Shimane.
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Hoshino Resorts KAI Tamatsukuri
Premium luxury accommodation in Shimane.
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Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
City Center
The heart of Shimane with easy access to main attractions, restaurants, and transportation.
Best for: First-time visitors, short stays
Old Town
Traditional architecture and local character. Walking distance to historical sites and authentic dining.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Tamatsukuri
Quality accommodation for your stay in Shimane.
Check rates on Booking.comTamatsukuri Grand Hotel Choseikaku
Quality accommodation for your stay in Shimane.
Check rates on Booking.comMatsue Excel Hotel Tokyu
Quality accommodation for your stay in Shimane.
Check rates on Booking.comDormy Inn Express Matsue
Quality accommodation for your stay in Shimane.
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Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book Tamatsukuri Onsen ryokan several weeks ahead for weekends and Golden Week, as room counts are small
Oki Islands lodging should be reserved well in advance around the Candle Rock viewing season (spring) as ferry capacity and rooms are both limited
Check Jalan (www.jalan.net) or Rakuten Travel (travel.rakuten.com) for Japanese-style ryokan deals not always listed on Western booking platforms
Business hotels near Matsue and Izumo stations offer the best value for solo travellers and rail-based itineraries
Most ryokan rates include two meals (dinner and breakfast) — factor this into daily food budgets when comparing to business hotel rates
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.