'''Hamada''' is a city in Shimane. [http://www.city.hamada.shimane.jp/en/map.html Hamada City Map]

Get in

Get around

See

  • '''[http://www.aquas.or.jp/english/e-index.html Aquas Aquarium]''' (closed on Tuesdays), east of Hamada along route 9, is small, but interesting. At one point you walk through a tunnel in the main tank as the sharks swim above.
  • The park next to the aquarium has a great adventure playground for the kids, and is the scene of Kagura at the weekends (not during winter). Kagura is traditional outdoor theatre played by actors in spectacular costumes with fixed-expression masks, and accompanied by musicians on traditional instruments, notably drums and bamboo flute. The show lasts for about an hour and tells the story of a hero vanquishing some dragons. Entrance to the park and the kagura show is free.

  • '''Hamada Castle ruins''' - Built in 1620 and destroyed during the final days of the Tokugawa Shogunate. A prefectural cultural asset.
  • '''Ruins of Iwami-Kokubunji temple''' - Believed to have been built in the late 8th century, although today only the great foundation stones of its tower remain. A prefectural cultural asset.
  • '''Wooden Tenbuzougun''' - Thought to date from somewhere between the mid 10th and late 11th centuries, these 59 Buddha statues are located in the main hall of the ancient Tadaji temple. A prefectural cultural asset.
  • '''Wooden Amida Nyorai-Ritsuzo''' - Made around 1255, this is an Annami style statue carved from a single block of wood. It is the principal image of Buddha in the Shinkakuin temple of the Jodo sect. An important national cultural asset.
  • '''Ancient Sufu Tomb''' - A keyhole shape tomb, 66 metres in length, estimated to date from about the 5th century. A national cultural asset.
  • '''Iwami Tatami ga Ura''' - A rock configuration created by an earthquake in 1872, which rose the seabed 1.5 meters, leaving circular rocks protruding above the seashore. A national natural monument.
  • Do

  • '''Kokufu beach''', east of Hamada, is possibly the best surf spot in Shimane. Locals are friendly. The surf is variable, better in winter, but extremely cold. In summer the water is warm, but the sea may be flat. A good place to be during typhoon season in late summer/autumn.
  • '''Iwami seaside park'''[http://www.gethiroshima.com/en/Places/Seasonal/Beaches/details?placeid=50299], east of Hamada, has nice beaches for swimming, snorkeling (on a calm day) or surfing. Beware strong currents on rough days. You can also watch kite surfers at the weekend.
  • '''Festivals''':[http://www.city.hamada.shimane.jp/en/festival.html] February - Izumo Taisha Iwami-bunshi setsubun Festival ; March - Tadaji Hatsuuma Festival; April - Hamakko Spring Festival and the Daimyo Parade; July - Kokubu Kinsai Festival; August - Hamakko Summer Festival, Fireworks, and Nagahama Hassakuhana Festival; Occtober - Nagahama Tenjinreitai Festival; November - Hamada BB Onabe Festival and Iwami Kagura Festival.
  • Buy

  • Kare - dried flounder
  • Fugu mirin-boshi - blowfish seasoned with sweet sake
  • Kamaboko - boiled fish paste
  • Ika-maki - squid rolls
  • Rikyu manju - sweet bean cakes
  • Iwami kagura mask - nagahama doll
  • Eat

  • Uni Don - sea urchin on a bed of rice
  • Ankou Nabe - angler pot stew
  • Drink

    Sleep

  • '''Iwami seaside park''' has bungalows for rent, or you can pitch your tent there. Its a beautiful and peaceful spot.
  • Get out