Sep 18, 2014 - 1 min read

Sublime Lake Shinji in Shimane

Sunset and Moonlight at Matsue's Lake Shinji

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Yomegashima Island at sunset...madder red or gold sunsets at Lake Shinji are very famous

The larger Jizo statue on the left is made of Kimachi stone and is called 'Sodeshi Jizo', and the smaller one is made of Mikage stone and is called 'Sekkai Jizo'

The sun is setting in the west but there's still time till sunset. Yomegashima Island is radiant with a silvery hue

30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset are the so-called fascinating 'Blue Moments' of the day

In olden times the offshore of Yomegashima Island was rough, and ships were often wrecked. According to the locals these jizo statues were built to pray for the lost souls

An hour before sunrise...I was mesmerized by this mystic view

Mt. Makuragi is located in the north of Lake Shinji. From here, you can overlook the entire city of  Sakaiminato, and depending on the season and weather, a sea of clouds can be seen as well

Sometimes, I get the urge to see sunsets in Matsue city, in Shimane prefecture. Here, there is the second largest lake in Japan, Lake Shinji.

The sunsets here have made this lake very famous throughout Japan. At 30 minutes before the sun sets, the lake turns red, and the drama reaches its climax when Yomegashima Island becomes silhouetted by the setting sun. This breath-taking view was selected as one of "The 100 Best Sunsets in Japan". The other highlight is the 'Moonlit Yomegashima Island'. Only a few people know about this magical view of the island under the moonlight, so this might be your chance to be one of its few witnesses!

More info

Find out more about Lake Shinji.

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By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

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Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

Following Follow

Kim Bergström 4 years ago

These photos are so gorgeous! One of my favorite parts of Japan - you captured it amazingly!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 4 years ago

Thank you very much!You should try going there at least once too.

Lester Goh 9 years ago

Hello Hirose-san! I went through this article again when I was going to visit Matsue last week! The pictures are stunning, and so is Yomegashima Island!!!!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 9 years ago

Lester-san,Thank you very much! I like this scene very much, too!

Mandy Bartok 10 years ago

The torii gate under the moonlight is sublime. Wonderful photos!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 10 years ago

Mandy-san,Thanks a lot. You are right about that. It was a very solemn atmosphere!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 10 years ago

Izumi,Thank you very much! Exactly, I was very lucky.

Izumi Kershaw 10 years ago

I can't believe this is real! You were lucky to catch such a beautiful moment

10 comments in total

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Information

Lake Shinji

Lake Shinji, Shimane, Japan (Directions)

Kim Bergström 4 years ago

These photos are so gorgeous! One of my favorite parts of Japan - you captured it amazingly!

Masayoshi Hirose Photographer 4 years ago

Thank you very much!You should try going there at least once too.

Lester Goh 9 years ago

Hello Hirose-san! I went through this article again when I was going to visit Matsue last week! The pictures are stunning, and so is Yomegashima Island!!!!