Shimane Prefecture is one of Japan's most undervisited regions — and arguably one of its most spiritually significant. Izumo Grand Shrine is Japan's oldest and most important shrine after Ise, dedicated to the god of marriage and relationships. The medieval castle town of Tsuwano, with its koi-filled moat canals and pine-forested mountains, is one of the most atmospheric small towns in western Japan. The wild San'in coastline provides dramatic sea views, and the historic onsen village of Yunotsu — a UNESCO World Heritage-listed post town — completes one of the most rewarding off-the-beaten-path itineraries in Japan.
#1Tsuwano, Chugoku
A charming inn in Tsuwano, the 'Little Kyoto of San'in' — a castle town of whitewashed walls, carp-filled canals, and paper-making traditions in the Shimane mountains.
Top ryokans in Hiroshima — stay near the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and take a day trip to the iconic floating torii gate at Miyajima Island.
Top ryokans on Miyajima Island — home to the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Staying overnight lets you see the famous gate at dawn, deer-free paths after day-trippers leave, and the island at its most magical.
The most authentic and traditional ryokans in Japan — historic properties with classic tatami architecture, genuine onsen baths, multi-course kaiseki meals, and centuries of hospitality heritage.