I happened to learn about a town called Tsuwano in Shimane. I distinctly remember that feeling of anticipation starting on the station platform—thinking, "A town this wonderful exists in Shimane?"—and then the vivid certainty that struck me when I stepped through the ticket gate and looked out at the street in front of the station.

While "Shimane's Little Kyoto" seems to be one of the town's tourism slogans, I personally worry that this might diminish Tsuwano's true charm. The Kyoto brand is certainly powerful, but Tsuwano is brimming with its own unique appeal, one that "Little Kyoto" simply cannot capture.

First, take your time at the nearby Yasuno Mitsumasa Museum of Art. Experience the town's atmosphere through the gentle, warm touch of its representative artist. Then, stroll leisurely through Tsuwano's streets from the station area, absorbing the town's charm that appears everywhere. Beautiful koi swim in the canals scattered throughout. There are also quite a few restaurants, so you should be able to find one at a convenient time.

After refueling, pay your respects at Yasaka Shrine. Then, pass through the thousand torii gates at Taikodani Inari Shrine while paying your respects, and enjoy the panoramic view of Tsuwano town from the summit. This course takes about half a day to a little over half a day. Tsuwano isn't very large, so a two-day, one-night stay should be more than satisfying.