If You’re Visiting Gōtsu City in Shimane Prefecture, Don’t Miss These! 7 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Gōtsu City

Gōtsu in Shimane Prefecture is a place that has prospered since ancient times, being close to the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and former shogunate-controlled territory. One of the highlights is the illumination events held from July to August, attracting many tourists during the summer season.

This time, we’ll introduce the top recommended sightseeing spots in Gōtsu. If you’re planning to visit Shimane, Gōtsu is a must-see!

1. A Full-on Fun Spot! Enjoy to the Max at the Hot Spring Resort “Kaze no Kuni”

With accommodations, dining, activities, crafts, and celebrations all in one place, this facility offers year-round enjoyment. Kaze no Kuni features a main building complete with lodging, hot springs, and banquet halls, as well as small lodges ideal for group travel at great value.

The restaurant offers both table seating and traditional tatami mat seating. The meals, centered on seafood from the Sea of Japan, are highly praised for their delicious flavor. The hot spring facility allows you to relax while enjoying the view of “Kaze no Ike” (Wind Pond).

Equipped with a jacuzzi, cascading bath, and sauna, the bathhouse is well-furnished. The soft, smooth waters of the spring are beloved for leaving your skin silky smooth. In the hands-on workshop, you can enjoy activities like papermaking, bamboo crafting, or creating your own clock.

If you stay here, it’s sure to be a blast whether you’re with family or on a group trip!

2. Enjoy Pottery to Your Heart’s Content! Pottery Experiences at “Fureai Pottery Studio”

This workshop allows you to easily enjoy the traditional craft of pottery in a region known since ancient times for its high-quality clay. Of course, you can make teacups, but recently, creating mugs and painting designs has also become popular. With electric wheels available, you can try your hand at authentic pottery-making, and the wide selection of glazes allows for vibrant, colorful creations—making this place a favorite among pottery fans.

This region has long been known for harvesting high-quality clay, and pottery here was traditionally seen as modest, practical items for everyday life. There is even a legend that a people who made earthenware once lived in this land. That same warmth and familiarity remains in today's pottery, refined through long-standing traditions.

3. Summer Camping Settled! “Komosawa Park Auto Campsite”

This campsite, centered around Lake Komosawa, offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature through activities like walking and fishing. Nearby, there is a large park with playground equipment, a skateboarding area, and a wide-open field for everyone from small children to adults. Pets are also welcome.

The campsite is praised for its clean facilities, including cooking areas and restrooms. All areas are barrier-free, making it safe and accessible for the elderly or people with disabilities. With a nearby hot spring and convenience store, you won’t face any of the usual camping inconveniences. It’s the perfect camping destination for families.

4. Fully Experience the Art and Science of Water! “Museum of Water 104°C”

This is one of Japan’s top water science museums, themed around water and approached from both artistic and scientific perspectives. In the art area, you can admire works by active artists who skillfully utilize the museum’s spaces.

In the science zone, you can touch and move water directly, making it possible to explore its mysteries through hands-on experiences. There's also a café corner, open area, and places for rest and recreation, making it suitable for families to relax and play. The museum itself is a work of art that blends seamlessly with the surrounding ravine scenery—so much so that it has won local tourism awards.

Strollers are available for rent, making it a worry-free visit for families with infants and toddlers.

5. A Majestic Landscape Created by Nature! “Kannon Falls”

Kannon Falls is a majestic waterfall with a total drop of 50 meters flowing in three stages. When the water level rises, it cascades down the full 50 meters at once, creating a truly awe-inspiring view.
The sight resembles a beautiful white curtain. The name Kannon Falls comes from a local legend in which an old man saw a dragon appear at the falls. This angered the dragon, causing misfortune to befall the man. To appease the dragon's wrath, the man built a statue of Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) by the waterfall, and since then, the area has been known as Kannon Falls.

Recognized as one of Japan’s scenic waterfalls, its grand scale makes it well worth a visit.

6. A Street Full of Historical Romance! “Gōtsu Honmachi Iraka Road”

This historic street flourished as a bustling port town where Kitamae ships stopped by and where rice harvested from land under the direct control of the Edo Shogunate was shipped. In 2003, it was designated as a model preservation district. The area is home to many temples and shrines that recall the prosperity of the Edo period. Notable spots include a post office constructed by craftsmen who studied in Kobe, and a romantic Taisho-era-style town hall—places that you’ll definitely want to see.

Guided tours offering detailed explanations of the area are also popular. The street, shaped by history and prosperity, now retains a quiet charm with many historic buildings, including shrines, temples, the post office, and former town offices, giving visitors a glimpse into the glory days of the Edo period.

7. A Mountain Where a Legendary Meteor Fell! Enjoy Camellias and the View from the Summit! “Shima no Hoshiyama”

Located south of Gōtsu, this small mountain earned the nickname Hoshiyama ("Star Peak") because a meteorite is said to have fallen there. Camellias from around the world are planted across the area, with different varieties blooming at different times—allowing you to enjoy the flowers over a long season.

The site includes parking and restrooms, and benches are provided along the 200+ steps of the garden trail, so you can take breaks while exploring. At the summit, there is an observation deck, and the view after completing the hike is spectacular. Each spring, a Camellia Festival is held, drawing many tourists.

◎Summary

How was that? We've introduced everything from the latest fun attractions to historic sightseeing spots. You can immerse yourself in pottery all day at the ceramic workshop, or run around the vast parks with your pets and children.

The Camellia Festival held in spring is also a highlight, and from spring to autumn, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities. Why not plan your next summer vacation in Gōtsu, Shimane Prefecture?