Tsuwano historic town

A small mountain-valley town on the western edge of Shimane, with a preserved Edo-era street grid, carp swimming in the open canals along the merchant houses, and the dramatic vermillion Taikodani Inari Shrine rising in tunnels of torii up the eastern hillside. The ruined hilltop castle is reached by chairlift; the Maria Chapel commemorates the hidden Christian community that survived persecution here. Allow a full day — the train in from Yamaguchi takes 90 minutes through some of San'in's prettiest country.