Lake Shinji

Lake Shinji, the 7th largest lake in Japan, lies between Matsue City and Izumo City and gives Matsue the title of “the City of Water”. It is a narrow lake with a circumference of about 47 km (29 mi.), connected with the Sea of Japan via Lake Nakaumi - Japan’s 5th largest lake, which makes Lake Shinji have both freshwater and saltwater and home to a variety of fish, waterfowl and other wild life. You may stroll around Lake Shinji and enjoy the scenery, especially the glorious sunset view. Taking a cruise on the lake is another good choice to enjoy the lake view.

Best Things to Do at Lake Shinji

1. Admire a Spectacular Sunset 

The sunset over Lake Shinji is listed as one of Japan’s “100 Best Sunsets”. It’s not hard to imagine how gorgeous the view is as the sun setting down the shimmering lake water. No one can deny the beauty of the breathtaking scene when the afterglow is sprinkled on the serene lake. You may overlook it from Matsue Castle or enjoy the sunset at Shimane Art Museum while sipping some tea. There is also a Lake Shinji Sunset Viewing Spot south of Shimane Art Museum, from which you can also get a close view of the small Yomegashima Island on the lake. It is recommended to check Lake Shinji sunset forecast before going.

2. Cruise by Sightseeing Boat on the Lake

Taking a leisurely one-hour cruise on the lake by sightseeing boat will bring you a close contact with the natural beauty and unique charm of Lake Shinji. It’s an enjoyment to breathe the fresh air and feel the gentle breeze over the lake. 

Socho Fresh Cruising is a refreshing morning cruise starting from 9:30. There are usually 6-7 cruises daily and the last cruise every day - Sunset Cruise is the most popular one offering a chance to watch the setting sun on the lake. Food, beer, juice and coffee are available onboard. The boarding fee is 1,800 JPY per person and 1,500 JPY for foreign tourists with passports.

3. Try the Seven Delicacies of Lake Shinji 

“Shinjiko Shicchin” - the seven delicacies of Lake Shinji, is the can’t-miss cuisine when it comes to the lake. The brackish water of Shinji nurtures abundant aquatic products, notably whitebait, the Shijimi basket clam, eel, shrimp, Japanese sea perch, pond smelt, and carp. Basket clam is the most common ingredient which can be found in many local dishes. Miso soup, usually made by basket clams, is definitely worth a try. Don’t hesitate to enjoy a seasonal cuisine at local restaurants.

4. Have a Hot Spring Bath by the Lake

By Lake Shinji there are mainly two hot spring resorts: Matsue Shinjiko Onsen and Tamatsukuri Onsen, which both serve hot spring baths and other spa facilities. Matsue Shinjiko Onsen is adjacent to Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station with rooms facing Lake Shinji. Tamatsukuri Onsen has a history of over 1,300 years. Its skincare products made by the spring water are popular nationwide. Taking a hot spring bath will help you recover from a day’s fatigue.

Notable Festival - Matsue Suigosai Fireworks Festival

The annual Matsue Suigosai Fireworks Festival is one of the most representative and celebrated events in Shimane. The festival usually falls in August, with displays of as many as 10,000 fireworks around and over Lake Shinji. The city and the lake will be illuminated by the colorful fireworks and by the enthusiastic crowds. The surrounding streets will be lined up with stalls of food and drinks. Just indulge yourself into the exciting festive atmosphere.

How to Get to Lake Shinji

1. To Lake Shinji Sunset Viewing Spot - Torupa

From JR Matsue Station, you may take a bus on Minami Junkan Sen Uchimawari Line to Matsue Keisatsusho mae bus stop: 7 minutes; 210 JPY. Then walk west for about 2 minutes to the viewing spot.

2. To Lake Shinji Sightseeing Boat Piers

There are 2 boarding points for a lake cruise and both are easy to be reached.
From JR Matsue Station, you may walk east for 10 minutes to get to the No. 1 Boarding Point; or walk north for 7 minutes to get to the No.2 Boarding Point.