Recommended sushi restaurants in Shimane, Japan

Recommended sushi restaurants in Shimane, Japan

Recommended conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Shimane, Japan

Characteristics of Shimane’s Cuisine

Shimane: A Mysterious Land of Myths, Nature, and History
Shimane Prefecture, located in the western part of the Chugoku region, is characterized by its rich natural landscapes formed by mountains and coastlines. The Chugoku Mountain Range occupies most of the prefecture, with Mount Daisen, its highest peak, reaching 1,729 meters. The coastline along the Sea of Japan deeply indents, featuring ria coastlines and beautiful sandy beaches.
With a population of about 700,000, the population is concentrated in the prefectural capital of Matsue City and Izumo City. The main industries are agriculture, fishing, and tourism, and in recent years, there has been an advancement in the IT industry and medical equipment industry.
Shimane has long been known as the land associated with Izumo mythology, and it houses numerous historical and cultural heritages such as Izumo Taisha and Iwami Ginzan. Additionally, it boasts abundant tourism resources that utilize its rich nature, such as Mount Daisen, the Oki Islands, and Lake Shinji, attracting many visitors.
However, in recent years, Shimane faces challenges such as population decline and aging. Nevertheless, efforts towards regional revitalization are actively progressing, focusing on migration and settlement support, tourism promotion, and industrial promotion.
Shimane is a fascinating region where history, culture, and nature coexist. Moving forward, it is hoped that it will continue to develop towards a sustainable society while leveraging its rich attractions.

A Land Alive with Mythology and History
Shimane Prefecture is known as the land associated with the Izumo mythology mentioned in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, home to many shrines that enshrine the deities appearing in these myths. The worldview of these myths deeply permeates Shimane’s culture and customs. Notable historical and cultural heritages, including Izumo Taisha, Iwami Ginzan, and the Oki Islands, are preserved here. Traditional performing arts and folk music are also actively practiced.
The ancient Izumo Kingdom developed its unique culture and even opposed the Yamato court. Later, it was governed as Izumo Province under the ritsuryo state system. During the medieval period, warlords like the Amago and Mori clans played active roles. In the Edo period, domains such as Matsue and Hamada were established. Shimane, alive with mythology, history, and rich nature, continues to enchant those who visit.

Shimane’s Sushi with Fresh Seafood
Shimane Prefecture, rich in nature and history, showcases its charm in its cuisine, especially sushi made with fresh seafood, an indispensable delight for visitors.
Facing the Sea of Japan in the San’in region, Shimane boasts a variety of fish species. Matsuba crab, nodoguro, and striped jack, considered high-grade fish, are exquisite as sushi toppings. Unique to Shimane, “shijimi sushi” using clams from Lake Shinji and “beef sushi” using Oki beef from the Oki Islands offer unique sushi experiences.
Shimane’s sushi is characterized by thicker slices of toppings compared to Edomae sushi, and often uses red vinegar instead of rice vinegar for the sushi rice. Red vinegar provides a milder acidity that enhances the flavor of the toppings.
In Shimane, not only specialized sushi restaurants but also izakayas and inns offer delicious sushi. Recently, online shops shipping sushi with Shimane’s fresh seafood nationwide have also increased, allowing you to enjoy Shimane’s flavors at home.
When visiting Shimane, do not miss the chance to savor sushi with fresh seafood. It is an opportunity to enjoy exquisite sushi nurtured by Shimane’s abundant nature and history.

Shimane’s Specialty Products
Shimane Prefecture, located in the San’in region, is a land of abundant nature. Its nature-nurtured specialty products are loved nationwide.
First and foremost among Shimane’s specialties is Matsuba crab, a luxury crab known as a winter delicacy, with Shimane being one of its three major production areas. Matsuba crab from the rough waves of the Sea of Japan is packed with firm flesh, concentrated sweetness, and umami.
Besides Matsuba crab, Shimane offers various specialty products. Shijimi clams from Lake Shinji, high in nutritional value, are used in miso soup, a soul food of Shimane Prefecture.
Shimane is also renowned as a Wagyu beef producing area, especially “Oki beef” from the Oki Islands, known as one of Japan’s three major Wagyu breeds. Oki beef is characterized by its good balance of fat and lean meat, tender and high-quality texture.
In addition to these, Shimane produces various specialty products, including traditional crafts and local sake. When visiting Shimane, why not taste these specialty products? Shimane’s specialty products are truly the “treasures of Shimane,” nurtured by its rich nature and history.

Challenges
While Shimane Prefecture possesses rich natural and historical-cultural resources, it faces significant challenges such as population decline and aging.
The outflow of young people is particularly severe. Many young people leave the prefecture for college or employment, leading to a decrease in the working-age population and a decline in regional vitality.
The aging rate also exceeds the national average, increasing the burden on medical and caregiving services.
Additionally, with many mountainous areas, depopulation is advancing. The abolition of public transportation and closure of stores are making life more inconvenient for many.
Solving these issues requires various efforts, including promoting migration and settlement, enhancing child-rearing support, and revitalizing the local economy.
Shimane Prefecture is actively addressing these challenges, and gradual progress is beginning to show.

Conclusion
Shimane is a region enriched by its seafood, history, and culture, where local ingredients dominate its culinary scene. Shimane’s sushi, in particular, offers a taste unique to the region, allowing you to savor the flavors nurtured by Shimane’s abundant nature and history.