Lake Shinji at Sunset

A vast shallow lake famous for silhouettes — egrets, pine trees and fishing boats outlined against a burning sunset reflected perfectly in the still water. One of Japan's top sunset spots.

Location

Why Visit

• 1

  The local shijimi clams are world-class — lake restaurants serve miso soup at dawn

• 2

  Take the Ichibata Electric Railway lakeside route for moving lake views

• 3

  Sunset from the Prefectural Art Museum deck is free and spectacular

Local Tips

Lake Shinji's sunset is consistently ranked among Japan's best — the silhouettes of fishing boats against the orange sky are a classic image. The best viewpoint is from the Shinji-ko Ohashi bridge or the lakeside road. The Matsue Vogel Park (bird garden) on the lake's north shore provides a contrast activity. Yamato-ni (clam simmered in sake) is the local delicacy — served at ryokan and restaurants around the lake.