When people think of Shimane, most mention the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine—but Lake Shinji is also an amazing place worth visiting. From dishes featuring freshwater clams and eel to scenic cruises and breathtaking sunsets, this area offers a refreshing escape from daily life. After reading this article, you’ll likely feel inspired to visit and experience all that Lake Shinji has to offer.
What is Lake Shinji?
Lake Shinji (Shinjiko), located in Shimane Prefecture, is the seventh largest lake in Japan. Registered as one of the Top 100 Scenic Spots in Japan, it spans around 45 kilometers in circumference. Due to its slightly salty brackish water, it’s home to a rich variety of fish, including whitebait and freshwater clams (shijimi), which are particularly abundant here—Shimane leads the country in shijimi harvests. Several attractions dedicated to shijimi can be found nearby, including the Shinjiko Shijimi Museum and the Japan Shijimi Research Institute. Restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes such as miso soup with shijimi, shijimi ramen, and sake-steamed shijimi.
Lake Shinji is also famous as a sunset viewing spot. About 30 minutes before sunset, the sky and lake surface turn a glowing red, creating what’s popularly known as the “Sunset Show.” This breathtaking scene has earned a place in Japan’s Top 100 Sunsets.
Name: Lake Shinji
Location: Around Sonocho, Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/682
How to Ride the Sightseeing Boat & Highlights
Sightseeing boats are a popular attraction at Lake Shinji. If you’re driving, the “1st Boat Terminal” has parking and is convenient. For public transport users, the “2nd Boat Terminal” is recommended. The boat ride takes about one hour, with departures approximately every 90 minutes during the day. Sunset cruises depart every 10 minutes close to sundown. Fares are about ¥1,500 per adult, with discounts available for children and groups.
Cruises typically circle areas like Yomegashima and the Shinjiko Onsen area. The sunset cruise is especially popular. Meals (including shijimi soup) are available on board for an additional charge.
(*Prices listed are as of November 2019.)
Shinjiko Shijimi Museum
Located about 30 minutes by car from Yonago IC or a 5-minute walk from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station after taking a bus from JR Matsue Station, the Shinjiko Shijimi Museum lets you learn about, eat, and buy shijimi products.
Learn: Through the Japan Shijimi Research Institute, you can easily understand the ecology, environment, and nutrition of shijimi clams. Eat: Enjoy shijimi dishes such as shijimi burgers and fresh seafood set meals. Buy: Freshly boiled clams, processed shijimi products, local sweets, and sake are available for purchase.
Outside the museum, you can soak in a free footbath using 100% natural hot spring water—perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Name: Shinjiko Shijimi Museum
Website: http://www.shijimikan.com/
Address: 36 Chidoricho, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0852
Best Eel Restaurants Around Lake Shinji
Here are some recommended places for delicious eel dishes:
● Unagi Yakumo
About 1 km from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station. Open only for lunch from 11:00–14:00, closed on Sundays. Menu includes unaju (eel over rice in a box), eel bowls, and kabayaki (grilled eel). Average price ranges from ¥3,000 to ¥4,000—somewhat pricey for lunch, but very popular.
● Fukuyoshi
Located near Matsue Vogel Park. Although it’s a bit farther from central areas like Shinjiko Onsen and Matsue Station, it’s open for both lunch and dinner. You can choose between farmed and wild eel, with different portion sizes (standard, premium, deluxe). The menu is extensive, and Lake Shinji is also famous for its eel alongside shijimi clams.
(*Prices listed are as of November 2019.)
Name: Unagi Yakumo
Address: 1-87 Higashihonmachi, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0842
Name: Fukuyoshi
Address: 328-7 Aikacho, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0261
Restaurants Serving Shijimi (Freshwater Clams) Dishes Around Lake Shinji
Here are a few places to enjoy local shijimi cuisine:
● Matsue no Daidokoro Konekkoya
Located on the 2nd floor of the previously mentioned Shinjiko Shijimi Museum. With a stylish modern Japanese interior, this restaurant is popular for its seafood dishes, especially shijimi miso soup.
● Nekkoya
Located close to Matsue Station, this is a local restaurant specializing in regional cuisine centered around shijimi. The spacious interior with high ceilings adds to the cozy atmosphere. Their steamed shijimi with sake is especially popular, using clams as large as asari (common Japanese littleneck clams).
● Shijimi-dokoro Kamiari Seimen
Located near the Izumo side of Lake Shinji, this eatery is known for its salt-based ramen that fully draws out the rich umami of shijimi clams.
As you can see, many restaurants around Lake Shinji offer a wide variety of shijimi preparations.
Name: Matsue no Daidokoro Konekkoya
Address: 36 Chidoricho (2F of Shijimi Museum), Matsue City, Shimane 690-0852
Website: http://nekkogroup.com/publics/index/27/
Name: Temahima Ryori Nekkoya
Address: 542-6 Isemiya-cho, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0006
Website: http://nekkogroup.com/publics/index/26/
Name: Shijimi-dokoro Kamiari Seimen
Address: 1815-1 Gakuto, Hikawa-cho, Izumo City, Shimane 699-0501
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamiariseimen/
Recommended Sunset Viewing Spots at Lake Shinji
Lake Shinji is known for some of the most beautiful sunsets in Japan. Here are a few popular locations:
● Shinjiko Sunset Spot Terrace
There are steps right by the lake, making it a romantic and relaxing spot for couples and families alike.
● Kishi Park
Located near the Shimane Art Museum, it's easy to find. The grassy lawn is well-kept and offers spectacular sunset views.
● Shirakata Park
The combination of the large lantern at Aoyagi-ro and the setting sun creates a garden-like scenic beauty. Watching the sunset from the waterside promenade is a lovely experience, especially for couples.
● Sunset at the Shinjiko Ohashi Bridge
Rather than simply viewing it from the bridge, the bridge itself lit by the setting sun is what makes it famous. You can also enjoy the disappearing sun from inside the Shimane Art Museum, or take in the sunset and dramatic cloudscapes from the Tawayama Historic Site. Feel free to find your own favorite vantage point!
Name: Shinjiko Sunset Spot (Tolpa)
Address: 5 Sodeshi-machi, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0049
Name: Matsue Lakeside Park (Kishi Park)
Address: 4-1 Sodeshi-machi, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0049
Name: Shirakata Park
Address: Nada-machi, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0065
Name: Shinjiko Ohashi Bridge
Address: Isemiyacho, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0006
Nearby Attractions
Around Lake Shinjiko you’ll find many must-see spots: the Shinjiko Onsen (hot spring), the flower-and-bird haven Matsue Vogel Park, and the Shimane Art Museum—where you can admire both modern art and the lakeside sunset. Venture a bit farther to the legendary Izumo Taisha Shrine, making the Shinjiko area an exceptionally rich destination.
Name: Matsue Vogel Park
Address: 52 Ōgaki-machi, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0263
Web: https://www.ichibata.co.jp/vogelpark/
Name: Shimane Art Museum
Address: 1-5 Sodeshi-machi, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0049
Web: https://www.shimane-art-museum.jp/
Access
Lake Shinjiko spans 17 km east–west, 6 km north–south, with a 47 km shoreline, so access varies by spot. As a reference point, here’s how to reach the Matsue Shinjiko Onsen area: By Air, Fly into Izumo Airport, then take the limousine bus to Matsue Shinjiko Onsen (about 40 minutes).
By Train, From JR Matsue Station, take the “Tamatsukuri Line” bus for about 15 minutes, then a 1-minute walk. By Car, From Matsue Nishi IC, it’s roughly a 10-minute drive.