Things To Do
in Hikawa
Hikawa is a quiet coastal town area in Shimane Prefecture on the Sea of Japan, characterized by fishing villages, rice fields and close access to Izumo’s cultural sites. It sits within easy reach of Izumo Taisha and Lake Shinji, giving visitors both Shinto heritage and scenic water views. The pace is relaxed, with local life centered on seafood, small shrines and seasonal festivals.
Hikawa is a good base for exploring rural Shimane — ideal for travelers seeking nature, photography and authentic regional cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Hikawa and settle into your accommodation while soaking in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. Take a leisurely stroll around the local area to get your bearings and enjoy the fresh air. Stop by a quaint café for a traditional Japanese breakfast to fuel your day.
Visit the Hikawa Shrine, a picturesque Shinto shrine known for its sacred surroundings. Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in a Shinto purification ritual. Spend some time exploring the manicured gardens that provide a peaceful atmosphere.
As night falls, enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant, sampling seasonal delicacies. Post-dinner, take a peaceful walk along the riverbank to experience the tranquil ambiance of the village. Conclude your day by stargazing, as the clear skies of Hikawa reveal a breathtaking view of the stars.
Begin your day early with a hike up Mount Hikawa, where panoramic views of the surrounding landscape await. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy at the summit, taking in the serene beauty of nature. The invigorating trek is perfect for reflection and appreciation of the northern Japanese landscape.
Descend from the mountain and visit a local onsen (hot spring) to relax your muscles and rejuvenate your spirit. Enjoy the soothing mineral waters while surrounded by lush greenery, fully immersing yourself in the Japanese tradition of bathing. For lunch, savor some local specialties at a nearby eatery.
Return to Hikawa and participate in a cultural workshop, such as calligraphy or origami, to learn more about traditional Japanese arts. Spend the evening reflecting on your experiences while enjoying a casual meal with fellow travelers. Wind down by visiting a local izakaya for a drink and to engage in conversation with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍣Sushi / Mid-range restaurant meal | $20-40 |
| 🏨Night in a budget ryokan or hotel | $60-120 |
| ☕️Coffee / Tea at café | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train / bus trip (short) | $2-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Japanese coastal experience with excellent seafood
- Close to major cultural sites like Izumo Taisha and scenic Lake Shinji
- Great photography opportunities — coastlines, lighthouses and shrines
- Relaxed pace, fewer tourists than major cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer English services in small shops
- Public transport is less frequent; having a car is helpful
- Fewer vegetarian/vegan options due to reliance on seafood and fish stock
- Some attractions and businesses close earlier in off-season
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "お会計をお願いします" - Check, please
- "ベジタリアンです。魚・だしを使わない料理はありますか？" - I'm vegetarian. Do you have dishes without fish or dashi (fish stock)?
- "助けてください（緊急）" - Please help (emergency)
Places to Visit in Hikawa
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic cliffside views, rugged rock formations and lighthouse silhouettes at sunrise or sunset; excellent for long exposures and seascapes.
Famous for tranquil sunsets that reflect on the lake surface; swans and fishing boats can add foreground interest.
Ancient shrine architecture, large shimenawa ropes and tranquil cedar-lined paths provide classic cultural shots throughout the day.
Colorful fishing boats, nets and early-morning activity make for authentic documentary-style images of coastal life.
Stone-paved lanes, traditional ryokan facades and steam rising from baths create atmospheric evening photography opportunities.
Food in Hikawa
Hikawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A darker, coarser buckwheat noodle served chilled with a dipping sauce or in hot broth; try at a long-standing soba shop in Izumo or local town eateries.
Must-Try!
Small freshwater clams from Lake Shinji, commonly served in miso soup or as a simmered dish; sample at lakeside restaurants and markets.
Daily-caught sea bream, mackerel and other coastal fish are prepared simply — sashimi, salt-grilled or in local set meals at family restaurants and izakayas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small ports and town markets near Hikawa and Izumo sell fresh catch, shellfish and prepared snacks; great for picking up sashimi, tai-yaki or grilled skewers.
Seasonal stalls near the lake offer shijimi dishes, street snacks and sweets — ideal for sampling local flavors while walking the lakeside.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is the standard greeting; be polite, use quiet voices in public spaces and avoid loud phone calls on trains.
Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional ryokan, some restaurants and temples where requested — look for shoe storage or geta (slippers).
Follow shrine etiquette: bow at the torii, cleanse hands/mouth at the chozuya fountain, and make a modest offering if you wish to pray.
Present and receive items with both hands as a sign of respect, and avoid public displays that may draw undue attention in small communities.
Safety
Tipping in Hikawa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. If you wish to show appreciation, present a small gift or envelope politely rather than leaving cash on a table.
Cash (yen) is king in rural areas and small shops; larger hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards, but carry cash for markets, buses and local eateries. ATMs that accept international cards are found at post offices, 7-Eleven stores and major banks in Izumo and Matsue.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms and early green growth make spring pleasant for sightseeing; temperatures are mild but bring layers for cool evenings. Festivals begin to pick up in April and May.
Warm and humid with the rainy season around June and typhoon risk in late summer; coastal breezes help, and summer matsuri (festivals) offer lively cultural experiences.
Crisp air and colorful foliage from October to November make this a favorite time for hiking and photography; seafood remains excellent as fishing continues.
Winters are cool and occasionally snowy but milder than northern Japan; off-season quiet and inexpensive rates, though some rural services may run reduced hours.
Hikawa at Night
Hiking in Hikawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate coastal trail around the Hinomisaki area with lighthouse views, rocky headlands and photogenic shorelines; suitable for half-day hikes and sunrise walks.
A volcanic mountain area offering a variety of trails from gentle walks to more challenging routes with panoramic views over Shimane. Good for day hikes and wildflower viewing in season.
Flat, accessible routes along the lake ideal for birdwatching, casual walking and cycling; perfect for sunrise/sunset photography and easy nature exploration.
Airports
How to reach Hikawa by plane.
The closest airport serving domestic flights to Tokyo, Osaka and other hubs; about 30–45 minutes drive from Hikawa depending on exact location with bus and taxi connections to Izumo city.
For more international connections, consider flying into Okayama or Hiroshima and traveling by train/bus to Shimane; travel times are longer but routes are well-served by JR lines and highway buses.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents work in fishing, aquaculture and agriculture, maintaining traditional livelihoods tied to the sea and land.
Like many rural Japanese areas, Hikawa has an aging population with many long-term residents and multigenerational families.
Residents who commute to nearby Izumo or run local shops, ryokan and tourist services make up another community segment.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is hugely popular in the region, from youth teams to national high school tournaments; local games and community tournaments are common.
Recreational and recreational-commercial fishing are important locally; boating, kayaking and coastal angling are popular activities.
Soccer and other school sports draw community support, with local clubs and fields active on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hikawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in rural Shimane; izakayas and small restaurants focus on fish and dashi (fish-based stock). Look for temples or some cafés offering vegetable set meals, ask for dishes without fish stock, and use simple requests in Japanese (see key phrases). Bringing snacks or relying on farm-to-table vegetable sides helps.
Vegan diets are more challenging due to ubiquitous fish stock and soy sauce (contains wheat). Gluten-free options require advance planning; communicate restrictions clearly ahead of time and consider accommodations with kitchen access.
Shellfish and seafood are common — always notify staff about allergies, and carry translated allergy notes in Japanese for clarity.