2026 Hamada Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

#July2025 A hidden gem for a Hokkaido day trip is here! Discover the secret sulfur world of Noboribetsu Jigokudani, the sweet delights of Hamada Orchard, the adorable bear interactions of Showa Shinzan, the rural solace of Lake Hill Farm, and the lake views from the Sero Observatory. 👇 ✅🌋 Noboribetsu Jigokudani 🎫 Admission: Free 💡 A 450-meter-diameter volcanic crater, shrouded in white sulfur smoke and barren, feels like the entrance to another world! Hot Spring Source: Noboribetsu's largest spring, boasting 11 different water qualities, gushes out 3,000 liters per minute, and boasts a strong sulfur scent! Nighttime Secrets: Walk to Jigokudani at night, see the onsen (wild-eye) fire trails, and soak in the open-air hot springs while enjoying the snowy scenery (a romantic treat only in winter!) 🍜 Food: Jigoku ramen, soba (we recommend the "Aji no Daioh Jigoku Ramen" in the hot spring town) 📌 Tip: Wear a mask if you're allergic to sulfur. ✅🍎 Hamada Sightseeing Orchard ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 📍 Address: 362 Taki-no-machi, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido A dazzling array of fruits awaits you: fuzzy red peaches, crystal-clear cherries hanging from branches, juicy grapes, and a variety of seasonal fruits. ✅🐻Showashinzan Bear Ranch 📍 Address: Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 🎫 Admission: Approximately 850 yen (apple feeding approximates 500 yen) 💡 Volcano and bears: White smoke rises from the reddish-brown peak of Showashinzan, and the snow-capped peak of Mount Yotei is clearly visible in the distance! Hundreds of bears act cute: Brown bears stand on their hind paws, wave, bow, and even roll on the ground begging for food. ✅🍕Lake Hill Farm｜Irish and soothing pizza time 📍 Address: 127 Hanawa, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido ⏰ Opening Hours: Recommended 5:10 PM - 5:30 PM (depending on location) 🎫 Admission: Free 💡 🌿 Pastoral Scenery: The farm is located on a hillside, with Mount Yotei in the distance. The grass is lush and green in summer. 🍦 20+ Ice Cream Varieties: Made with 100% fresh milk from the Hokkaido farm, we recommend the "Perilla Smoothie with White Ice Cream" and "Original Fresh Milk Ice Cream." 📸 Photo ops: The farm's hillside, the pizza shop, and the lakeside resort hotel—perfect for a pastoral vibe! ✅🌊 Seiru Observatory 📍 Address: West Shore of Lake Toya, Hokkaido ⏰ Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM 🎫 Admission: Free 💡 360° Lake View: Panoramic views of Lake Toya, Nakajima, Mount Usu, and Showa Shinzan, framing both the volcano and the lake. Seasonal beauty: cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, crimson crimson in autumn, and snow in winter.

This train station is truly breathtaking! As the train stops and you step onto the platform, you're greeted not by crowds, but by a shimmering expanse of ocean. Welcome to Orizu Station in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture—a quaint, unstaffed station. Standing on the platform, you can take in the stunning view of the Orizu coastline. Even the windows of the pedestrian bridge seem to frame the ocean like a moving painting, making it a perfect spot for photography 📸. Getting here is fairly convenient. From Matsue Station, take the JR San'in Main Line rapid train, and you'll arrive in about 2.5 hours. Be sure to check the timetable (pages 5 and 6) in advance! Nearby attractions: • Gallery & Cafe FUN: A charming café converted from an old Japanese house. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the second floor while gazing at the ocean—it's a truly healing experience ☕. • Michi-no-Eki Yuuhi Park Misumi: Here, you can capture the "Sky Rail"—a train seemingly gliding over the ocean. The station also sells local sake and unique snacks. • Ebisu Shrine: Known as "San'in's Mont Saint-Michel," this shrine becomes submerged during high tide and is accessible only during low tide. It's a fascinating sight ⛩️. For those who love serene ocean views and off-the-beaten-path destinations, this station and its surroundings are absolutely worth a special trip. Stepping off the train to see the ocean makes even waiting for the next train a delightful experience!

Many people choose Lake Kawaguchi or Lake Yamanaka to see Mount Fuji, but actually, the small southern town of Fuji also has many great photo spots, 1️⃣ Yume no Ohashi Bridge A pedestrian staircase leads to Mount Fuji, perfect for taking stunning photos. 2️⃣ Tano no Ura Park From the seaside observation tower, you can see Mount Fuji from a high vantage point, and the sunrise here is also very beautiful. 3️⃣ JR Fuji Station West Exit Note this is the regular train JR Fuji Station, not the Shinkansen Shin-Fuji Station, which is about 3 kilometers apart. 4️⃣ On the train approaching Fuji JR Station View the railway tracks leading straight to Mount Fuji through the driver's cabin.

#January Getaways 2026 This aquarium, located in Iwami Seaside Park in Shimane Prefecture, is the largest aquarium in western Japan. Its most famous attraction is the **Beluga whales**, which blow out bubble rings resembling angel halos from their mouths. Legend has it that seeing these "lucky bubbles" brings good luck! Key Highlights: • 🫧 Must-See Bubble Show: This is the only place in Japan where you can see the Beluga whales perform the "Bubble Ring" show. They even nod and interact with the audience—it's incredibly cute! • 🦈 Shark Underwater Tunnel: Step into this underwater tunnel and watch giant sharks and rays swim overhead—it's truly breathtaking. • 🐧 Penguin Parade: The limited-time penguin parade is very popular in winter. Watching them waddle along the path is absolutely heartwarming. • 🌊 Stunning Sea View: The aquarium is right by the sea, so after your visit, you can stroll along the adjacent beach. The sunsets here are also stunning. • 🚗 Transportation: Approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Hamada Station, or by car, navigate to "Shimane Marine Park AQUAS" for a large free parking lot.

⚪︎Minori Shokudo: Right next to Hamada Station! A local favorite, this hearty, hearty eatery brimming with Showa-era charm. Located just a 5-10 minute walk from JR Hamada Station in Shimane Prefecture, Minori Shokudo is a perfect rest stop for travelers and a definitive diners' favorite, supporting the daily lives of local residents. Despite the slightly worn-out, handmade mascot and the dilapidated, Showa-era look of the establishment, its charm lies in the satisfaction and homely warmth that exceed its price. With its convenient location near the station, we highly recommend stopping by for your first or last meal on your Hamada sightseeing tour. ⚪︎Specialty! Burn Warning: "Fried Chicken Set Meal" Minori Shokudo's signature dish is its acclaimed "Fried Chicken Set Meal." It's hard to talk about Minori Shokudo without trying it! The fried chicken served here is truly a work of art, served piping hot. It's so hot you might get burned from the first bite, and as its name suggests, you can feel the freshness of the deep-fried dish. The batter is light and crispy, with a fragrant texture that's more crisp than crunchy. The inside is packed full of juicy chicken meat that's filled with piping hot juices, and you won't be able to stop shoveling rice into your mouth. And what's especially noteworthy is how filling it is. In addition to the main dish of fried chicken served on a large platter, the set meal comes with rice, a crunchy salad, comforting miso soup, a delicious pickled vegetable to cleanse your palate, and up to two types of fruit to finish off the meal. This comprehensive set is surprisingly reasonably priced. Come experience Hamada's soul food, which will satisfy both your heart and your stomach. ⚪︎Basic Information Store Name: Minori Shokudo Address: 898 Asai-cho, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture Hours: Lunch: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Dinner: 5:15 PM - 8:30 PM Closed: Sundays Access Public Transportation: Approximately 5 minutes' walk from Hamada Station on the JR San'in Main Line. Exit the north exit of the station and head east along the road next to the train tracks. Car: Accessible from National Route 9. Parking available. #ShimaneTourism #HamadaTourism #HamadaCityLunch

We went to Aquas, an aquarium in Shimane Prefecture! We were incredibly impressed with the size and variety of each section! We were planning to just take a quick tour of everything with the kids, but time flew by and we ended up staying for almost three hours!! Personally, I was blown away by the penguins, and we got to see so many of them! 👏🏻👏🏻 Being able to see all the creatures up close was a great experience for kids too. There's also a kids' area and a petting zoo, so it's great for families with children!! The popular beluga whale show fills up 10 minutes before the show starts, so we recommend arriving early to secure a seat. [Shimane Prefectural Shimane Aquarium Aquas] 📍Address: 1117-2 Kushiro-cho, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture 697-0004 🕰️Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🗓️Closed: Tuesdays 🚗Parking: Free 🏖️Atmosphere/Amenities: Park available #0YenTravel2025Autumn

Matsue

📍Kanagi Western Riding Park🐎 1390-8 Kusa-i, Kinjo-cho, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture I stopped by to see the horses.🐴 I didn't have time to try horseback riding, but they were just doing horse therapy, so I just watched.😌🌱 I thought the program was wonderful.💓 Next time, I'd like to take my time and enjoy horseback riding and a meal.😌🐴 ☎️ 0855-42-2222 ⏰ Business Hours ・Horse Riding and Feeding Experience: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Registration until 3:30 PM) ・Restaurant: Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM / Dinner 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM / Cafe 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 🎌 Closed Mondays and Tuesdays (open on holidays, closed the following day) 🚗 Access & Parking ・Approximately 5-7 minutes from Kanagi Smart IC ・Approximately 15-20 minutes from Asahi IC ・Parking available for approximately 86 cars (free) Safe for families with children! Enjoy horseback riding, petting, coffee breaks, and even lunch... a spot you can enjoy all day long! ✨ #KanagiWesternRidingPark #HorseInteractions #HorseTherapy #CarrotFeeding #ShimaneTourism #HamadaTourism #Nature #JapanTravelGuide

📍deer nature Misumi, Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture 🏨Restaurant & cafe inside Marine Hotel Harimo✨ Enjoy a stylish meal in a great location with a panoramic view of the Sea of ​​Japan🏝️✨ I went there because they offer cafe, lunch, and takeout🧜♀️ 🍚🍞The lunch menu is 1,400 yen for this quality! (March 2025) You can choose between rice or bread, and meat or fish for the main course🐟🍖 Is it okay to pay this price for something so stylish and delicious? ! I was worried 😵💫💫 There were so many kinds of scones, I got one on the spot and took the others out 🥡 They all looked so delicious I couldn't decide and ended up eating them all 😂 On the way home, I ate the scones while looking at the ocean, as they were about to fall apart 🌊 ， ， #deernature#DeerNature#MarineHotelHarimo#ShimanePrefecture#ShimaneGourmet#ShimaneLunch#HamadaCityGourmet#HamadaCityLunch#HamadaCityCafe#ShimaneTrip#ShimaneTourism#HamadaCity#HamadaCityMisumi #DomesticTripTrip#AccommodationTrip

Cycling from Fukuoka to Osaka along the northern coast of the Chūgoku region is an unforgettable adventure that blends the beauty of Japan’s seaside with the thrill of the open road. This roughly 700-kilometer journey winds through quiet fishing villages, scenic cliffs, and historic towns, offering a uniquely immersive experience far from the typical tourist trail. Starting in Fukuoka, you’re met with vibrant city energy and great local eats — a perfect send-off. As you head east, the coastal breeze accompanies you along the Sea of Japan, with routes often flanked by pine forests, rice paddies, and dramatic ocean views. The ride is peaceful, with long stretches of road where it's just you, your bike, and the sound of waves. One of the best parts of this ride is the changing scenery. You pass through small towns like Hagi, with its preserved samurai district, and Matsue, a charming castle town by a lake. In between, you’ll find cozy ryokan, hot springs tucked into hillsides, and quiet beaches perfect for a midday break. The slower pace lets you soak in local culture — from chatting with shopkeepers to catching a small festival or market along the way. While there are many climbs, especially through Shimane and Tottori’s more rugged areas, the effort is rewarded with thrilling descents and sweeping views. You’ll share roads with minimal traffic for most of the ride, and there’s a sense of freedom that comes from being so connected to the land. As you roll into the Osaka area, the contrast hits — from rural solitude to buzzing urban life. It’s a satisfying, almost surreal shift that caps the journey perfectly. For any cyclist who loves a good mix of nature, culture, and a bit of challenge, this route is pure joy — a coastal odyssey across Japan's lesser-seen heart.

Rest stop, with a view of the bridge over the sea in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture. There is a route running along the coast, you can drive around on summer afternoons, feel the smell of the sea, and watch the sunset.

#discoveryourownjapan! At the Songjiang Flower Garden in Shimane Prefecture, I saw many animals that cherish flowers and rare animals. There are several theme gardens in the garden, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of different flowers depending on the season. In addition, there are many rare animals in the garden, such as peacocks, parrots, and mandarin ducks, which tourists can observe and take pictures of from a close distance. I saw a baby penguin walking. It was so cute! There are also many cute birds and they are so pretty. Overall, Songjiang Flower Garden is a beautiful tourist destination full of nature and vitality, allowing people to relax their mind and body and enjoy the beauty of nature. The business hours and address of Japan Songjiang Flower Garden are as follows. Business hours: - Spring (March 1 to November 30): 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30) - Winter (December 1 to late February): 9:00-16:30 (last admission 16:00) Address: 1911 Shitani, Okohcho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture It's safer to check the homepage before you go!

|Two-day healing trip. I went to Hamada in early November, the two-day trip is not that special, it can be summarized as warm and healing. 🚉From Matsue to Hamada, take the JR express for about 1 hour and 36 minutes, and the regular train for 2 hours and 46 minutes. . 🌄Watch the sunset 📍Diezhi Pu (Tatami Ke Pu) 📍Mikumi Sunset Park 📍Hamada Sunset Park Once again, watching the sunset is a wonderful thing. . 🎭Watch Kagura In Hamada in late autumn, Iwami Kagura is always heard, the sad flute sound is accompanied by cheerful drum beats and recitations, performing dramas that are either familiar or unfamiliar, and the people of Iwami are very interested. Not only shrines or theaters, but also many outdoor performances, which are very similar to the stage at the door when I was a child. If Iwami Kagura is the standard, then there are two types of children-Hamada children and ordinary children. Ordinary children who don't understand Kagura are often shocked, turned into shock and finally turned into crying; Hamada children are different, even if they are far from the stage, they find enough opportunities to interact with the ghost corners (villains), or just listen to the drums. Will step on the foot. I have watched Kagura four times in Shimane, and this is the first time I have seen so many children who are fascinated to this extent. . 🏝Watch the sea Standing on the ruins of Hamada Castle and other high places, you can overlook the harbor and street scenes, or go to Tatami Ke Pu and other beaches to see the sea and geological wonders. . 🍁Watch the red leaves 📍Kai Zangshan Longyun Temple The Soto Zen temple with a history of 650 years, it takes about a week for the red leaves to dye the forest. . 🏞Watch the ruins of Hamada Castle Seeing the stele on the ruins of Hamada County Hall, I suddenly realized that it was already abroad from Matsue to Hamada, and a pass was required. . 🐬Watch the aquarium You can see that many children like it here. The interaction between the diver and the white dolphin siblings is really great!