The Cultural Field Seminar will explore the culture and traditions of Shimane. The seminar will begin in the prefectural capital of Matsue and return to the historically significant Iwami region where the University of Shimane’s Hamada campus is located.
Thursday, May 23
Matsue Castle is one of only 12 original Japanese castles still in existence and was declared a National Treasure in 2016. The different floors of the castle’s interior of dark wooden floors and stairs worn smooth over the centuries are full of displays of samurai armor and weaponry, along with models of the surrounding town. The top observation floor allows for a complete panoramic view of the city. The Horikawa sightseeing boat tour is an hour journey which goes along the castle moat and through the city’s canals. The tour passes under 16 bridges all around the castle.
For more information on the history of Matsue Castle and the city surrounding it, visit Matsue Castle and the castle town page from the Shimane Tourism Association.
Thursday, May 23
Known for its award-winning garden, the Adachi Museum of Art has been named the best garden in Japan annually since 2003 by the “Journal of Japanese Gardening”. The garden shows a different character depending on the season and it can only be enjoyed from the museum. In addition, the museum also houses a large collection of twentieth-century paintings and seasonal artworks.
For more information, click to go to the homepage for the Adachi Museum of Art where you can even watch the famous Adachi garden on livestream. To see examples of artwork that will be on display, click on the Spring Exhibition, 2020.
Friday, May 24
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine is one of only two grand shrines in Japan and is one of the most famous and important shrines in the country. According to myth, the pantheon of Japanese gods gather at Izumo Taisha every fall for meetings concerning next year’s affairs. The procession path that approaches the shrine begins with a large torii gate and is lined with shops and restaurants.
For more information on Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, visit the Japan Guide’s page on Izumo Taisha.
Friday, May 24
The Iwami Silver Mine is a historic silver mine in the mountains of Oda, Shimane and was the most prominent silver mine in Japan. It was discovered in the early 16th century and was mined for nearly 400 years. The Omori Town area around the mine includes museums, historical residences, and more shrines and temples.
For more information, visit the UNESCO site of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.