questions about shimane prefecture

[xerxes99]

I finally got my assignment in Japan, and I'll be in Izumo, in shimane Prefecture. I'm having some difficulty finding much online about it. Is anyone familliar with the place? I appreciate any help.
:p

[Mikawa Ossan]

What kind of info are you looking for, exactly?

One piece of advice, though: you will want a car big-time! Cars are expensive, but it will be more than worth it in Izumo if you want to get around at all!

[Revenant]

A car would be in order, I'll agree.

I've been there a couple times, once to Izumo Taisha (an old shrine that is supposedly the meeting place of the Shinto gods). It is a place that couples or single people go to get good luck in romantic relationships.

Matsue is a mid size city. I've just been around the castle though. There is a microbrewery there, and they have some of the best beer I've tried. Shimane beer if you're into trying some expensive but good beer. One of the the three beers has a banana taste to it (I wasn't keen on the idea of banana beer at first, but it really is good).

One other place that might be of interest is Sakaiminato (actually in Tottori prefecture, right on the border of Shimane). It's a small fishing city with great seafood, and also a museum of one of Japan's most famous anime artists. Shigeru Miyamoto, most famous for his monster and ghost cartoons (Gegege No Kitarou) that made their way onto Japanese TV everyweek. A bit old style, but I rather like it.

http://pantransit.reptiles.org/images/2002-10-13/Gegege.jpg

[xerxes99]

Actually Ive been here for a week now, and youre right. Ive been doing okay on a bike though. Its a small place, but I like it so far.