I visited Shimane Prefecture in winter!
Shimane Prefecture is located along the Sea of Japan and is known as “the land of gods,” home to Izumo Taisha, a famous shrine for matchmaking and divine blessings.
While learning more about Shimane, I discovered something fascinating!
In Japan, October is traditionally called “Kannazuki” (the month without gods).
However, only in Shimane, it is called “Kamiarizuki” (the month with gods) because it is believed that all the gods from across Japan gather in Shimane for a grand meeting, leaving the rest of the country without gods. Isn’t that interesting?
Shimane is also a paradise for seafood lovers!
Especially from December to late February, crab is in season, so I traveled there to enjoy this winter delicacy and stayed at a traditional ryokan.
A Nostalgic Seaside Town – Mihonoseki
This time, I visited a small port town called “Mihonoseki” in Shimane.
I stayed at “Mihokan,” a cultural heritage inn that blends history with elegance.
Mihonoseki is a quiet town with few residents and tourists, offering a nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere.
In the morning, I woke up to the stunning view of Shimane’s mountains, the soothing sound of ocean waves, and seagulls calling in the distance.
At night, the town becomes beautifully silent, creating a magical ambiance.
I fell in love with this place so much that I visit every year!
Indulging in Shimane’s Crab Delicacies
Of course, my main goal was to enjoy Shimane’s famous crab dishes, and I truly indulged in them!
- Fresh crab sashimi – delicate and sweet
- Simply boiled crab – pure and flavorful
- Crab hot pot – warm and comforting
- Crab miso mixed with sake – an umami-packed delight
- Crab porridge (zosui) to finish the meal – the ultimate comfort food
Everything was incredibly delicious, and I highly recommend you try it!
This trip was filled with the charm of Shimane and the flavors of winter, making it an unforgettable experience. 
▼Mihokan is here
mihokan
