Iinan TownVisit Iinan's highlands in the Chugoku Mountains for forests, wetlands, castle ruins and the culture of making shimenawa sacred ropes. Compare Tonbara and Akana as you plan sights around events, with tips on meals, accommodation and transport.
Follow Route 54 to combine Tonbara's sacred-rope culture with Akana's wetlands and castle ruins. Hiking Mount Oyorogi needs separate time and equipment. If using public transport, ask about town buses or taxis in advance.
A facility preserving the craft of giant sacred ropes offered to places including Izumo Taisha's kagura hall. Explore Iinan's craftsmanship through exhibits and workshop viewing. Rope-making experiences require advance booking.
Wetlands around Nagao Pond where alder trees and seasonal plants can be observed. Protect the vegetation by staying on designated walking paths. See the tourism association for flowering updates, local conditions and guide inquiries.
Mountain-castle ruins overlooking Akana. Explore stone walls and enclosures on the summit, alongside the historic town below. Reaching the summit requires a walk uphill.
A mountain on the Shimane–Hiroshima border, known for beech forest and spring skeleton flowers. Kadosaka and Ide-dani trailheads are listed on the Iinan side. Bring hiking equipment and plan a mountain itinerary.
Approximate one-way times to each arrival point. Driving times vary with breaks and traffic; public transport depends on services and transfers.
About 1 hr 40 min
Miyoshi IC, then Route 54
Route and timetable sourcesAbout 1 hr 30 min
Yoshida-Kakeya IC, then Route 54
Route and timetable sourcesAbout 4 hr 30 min
Chugoku Expressway, Miyoshi IC, then Route 54
Route and timetable sourcesAbout 48 min
Bihoku Kotsu Akana bus route
Example service: depart 7:04, arrive 7:52
Route and timetable sourcesThere are no railway stations in Iinan. Take scheduled buses from the Miyoshi area and town buses locally. Drivers follow Route 54 before heading from Tonbara or Akana into the mountains. Expect snow in the mountains in winter.
Check event dates and venues as you plan your visit. This guide features recommended events.
Enjoy them between sightseeing stops, and take some home as gifts.
Tonbara Roadside Station in Hanaguri offers a break and meal along Route 54. Rest House Yamanami introduces dishes using Iinan rice and miso, while the farm market sells vegetables and other produce.
Eat locally: Try local rice and miso dishes for lunch at the roadside station.
Take home: Choose seasonal vegetables from the farm market. Ask about storage and how much to carry home.
Iinan Kitchen miel at Akagi Kogen Roadside Station in Akana offers bread made with Iinan vegetables and Japanese wheat. Combine meals, breaks or souvenir shopping with the area's sights. Check current official information for opening and stock.
Eat locally: Enjoy bread made with local vegetables and Japanese wheat during an Akana outing.
Take home: Check your return date and storage when choosing bread. Follow shop advice if you will eat it later.
For a stay with forest walks or hiking, consider Mori no Hotel Morinosu in Oda.
For a stay with forest walks or hiking, consider Mori no Hotel Morinosu in Oda.
Kotobiki Village Sanso in Sami is a possible base for activities around Mount Kotobiki and an overnight stay.
Kotobiki Village Sanso in Sami is a possible base for activities around Mount Kotobiki and an overnight stay. Plan reservations and transport from event locations in advance.
Try sacred-rope making at the Giant Shimenawa Workshop. Individuals and groups must book in advance; activities may pause during busy production periods.
Official event informationChoose seasonal nature walks among Mount Oyorogi's flowers and beech forest or Akana's wetlands.
Official event information
