Tsuwano: Getting there and around

How to get to Tsuwano

Tsuwano lies in the very west of Shimane Prefecture just across the border of Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is closer to Yamaguchi City than to the prefectural capital of Matsue.

The typical tourist approaches from the south via Yamaguchi or from the east via Matsue or Izumo. A visit to Tsuwano is also often combined with a visit to Hagi to the northwest.

By train from Yamaguchi   (how to get to Yamaguchi)

A few limited express trains connect Tsuwano and Shin-Yamaguchi stations (60 minutes, about 2500 yen one way), stopping at Yamaguchi Station along the way (50 minutes, about 2500 yen one way). Slightly more frequent local trains make the same trip in about 100 minutes and usually require a transfer of trains at Yamaguchi Station. The one way fare is 1170 yen.

The SL Yamaguchi steam locomotive makes one round trip per day between Shin-Yamaguchi and Tsuwano stations on selected days outside of winter. Seat reservations have to be made in advance. The one way trip takes about two hours and the reserved seat costs 530 yen in addition to the local train fare.

All the above-mentioned trains are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

From Hagi   (how to get to Hagi)

Bocho Bus operates buses every 2-3 hours between Tsuwano and Hagi (100 minutes, 2220 yen one way). The buses are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Alternatively, Tsuwano and Higashi-Hagi stations are connected by trains, requiring a transfer at Masuda Station along the way (1690 yen one way). The Japan Rail Pass covers the full trip, but connections are infrequent, and the journey typically takes three hours or more.

By train from Matsue   (how to get to Matsue)

A few limited express directly connect Matsue with Tsuwano, stopping at Izumo along the way. The one way trip takes around three hours and 6000 yen from Matsue or about 2.5 hours and 5500 yen from Izumo. The trip can also be done by local trains via Masuda Station (about 3.5 hours, 3410 yen one way from Matsue, one connection every 1-2 hours). All trains are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

Tsuwano is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Most of the town's attractions are within a 30 minutes walk from Tsuwano Station. Bicycle rental shops can be found around Tsuwano Station (typically open from 8:00 to 17:00). Rental fees are about 500 yen for two hours or 800 yen for the entire day.