Shimane is often said to be the birthplace of sake,
with its roots in ancient Izumo mythology.
According to legend,
Susanoo-no-Mikoto prepared strong sake
to defeat the eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi.
He filled eight vats with sake,
and after the serpent drank and fell asleep, he defeated it.
The story of Susanoo and Yamata no Orochi is still deeply connected to the landscape of Izumo today.
→ The Story of Susanoo and Kushinadahime
In this land, sake has long been part of daily life,
closely connected to both nature and prayer.
This may be why Izumo is known as a land of sake.
Moments with a drink feel different here—
somehow deeper, quieter.
With that in mind,
here are six inns where you can truly enjoy sake—
places that gently accompany a peaceful night.
Places to Stay for Sake Lovers
• Masuya Ryokan — Traditional Kaiseki and Local Sake near Izumo Taisha
• Mihokan — Seafood, Sake, and the Quiet Atmosphere of Miho-no-Seki
• NIPPONIA Izumo Hirata Momen Kaido — Stay in a Historic Sake Brewery
• Ohashikan — Sake, Stories, and the Waters of Matsue
• Hotel Ichibata — Lake Views, Buffet Dining, and Local Sake
• Matsunoyu — Tamatsukuri Onsen and a Gentle Evening with Sake
Masuya Ryokan
Izumo｜In front of Izumo Taisha Shrine
A traditional inn where you can enjoy local sake
alongside simple, heartfelt kaiseki cuisine.
Founded in the late Edo period,
this long-established ryokan is also loved by locals.
The building carries a nostalgic atmosphere,
like returning to a familiar home.
Located within walking distance of
Izumo Taisha,
it is ideal for staying before or after your visit.
After a quiet evening of prayer,
a sip of sake feels as if time itself begins to soften.
A place to sit with that lingering feeling
and enjoy it quietly on your own.
You may also wish to visit
Saka Shrine,
about 30 minutes away, dedicated to the god of sake.
▽ Traditional kaiseki made with local ingredients
▽ A quiet moment with Izumo sake after your visit
Discover the ancient connection between sake, prayer, and the myths of Izumo.
→ Izumo Mythology and Local Beer — A Quiet Table with Daikoku Ale
Mihokan
Matsue｜Miho-no-seki
An inn where you can enjoy local sake
together with seafood from this fishing town.
Located just a short walk from
Miho Shrine,
the head shrine of Ebisu.
The wooden annex is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Sake enjoyed here feels somehow special,
as if it carries a deeper meaning.
With the sound of the Sea of Japan in the background,
you can slowly savor both seafood and sake.
A quiet night in this port town
gently takes you away from everyday life.
▽ Sake and seafood with the sound of the sea
▽ Historic wooden buildings along a stone-paved street
Discover the myths and seaside stories that still linger in this quiet port town.
→ Mihonoseki — A Cape Town of Myth and the Sea
Walk deeper into the story of Ebisu at Miho Shrine and along the stone-paved streets of the old port town.
→ Miho Shrine and Aoishidatami Street — Walking Through a Quiet Port Town
NIPPONIA Izumo Hirata Momen Kaido
Izumo｜Momen Kaido
An inn where sake itself becomes the purpose of your stay.
This accommodation is created from a 250-year-old sake brewery
along the historic Momen Kaido street.
Within a space that preserves the brewery’s structure,
you can enjoy sake at your own pace.
With an all-inclusive experience,
you are free to explore a wide variety of local brews.
The cuisine features refined sushi kaiseki,
carefully prepared to complement each drink.
Here, time flows quietly,
allowing you to fully engage with sake itself.
▽ Kaiseki paired with local sake
Before your stay, wander through the quiet streets of Momen Kaido and discover another side of Izumo.
→ Izumo Quilt Museum and Momen Kaido｜Tracing the Quiet Memory of Izumo
Ohashikan
Matsue｜Lake Shinji
An inn where you can enjoy sake
while feeling the history and atmosphere of Matsue.
Located by Lake Shinji,
it overlooks both the lake and the Ohashi River.
Known as a place associated with
Lafcadio Hearn,
it reflects the cultural spirit of the castle town.
Surrounded by willows and soft shadows,
time here feels almost like a story unfolding.
At the bar, you may be welcomed by James,
offering a chance to enjoy conversation along with your drink.
A place for both quiet reflection
and gentle human connection.
▽ Carefully selected sake with kaiseki cuisine
▽ Conversations at the bar become part of the journey
Follow the river into the quiet evening landscape of Matsue.
→ A Quiet Evening Along the Ohashi River
Discover the shadows, water, and quiet beauty that shaped Lafcadio Hearn’s memories of Matsue.
→ Matue － A Town of Shadows and Quiet Beauty: The Culture of Shadow and the Memory of Water
Hotel Ichibata
Matsue｜Lake Shinji
A resort hotel where you can enjoy
a slightly more vibrant evening by the lake.
Overlooking Lake Shinji,
the hotel offers an open and relaxing atmosphere.
A buffet featuring local ingredients is popular,
allowing you to enjoy a variety of dishes freely.
Local sake such as
Rihaku and Toyonoaki
is also available.
After soaking in the hot spring drawn from deep underground,
a drink by the lake gently brings your evening to a close.
▽ Buffet dining with a view of Lake Shinji
▽ Discover local sake from the region
Continue your journey through Matsue’s waters as evening settles over the city.
→ A Quiet Evening Along the Ohashi River
Matsunoyu
Matsue｜Tamatsukuri Onsen
An inn where you can relax in one of Japan’s oldest hot springs
and quietly enjoy the atmosphere of the town.
Tamatsukuri Onsen is known as the “hot spring of the gods,”
appearing in ancient mythology.
After soaking in its gentle waters,
you can enjoy local cuisine and sake at your own pace.
The lively dining experience
and the quiet streets at night
create a balanced and comforting stay.
▽ A buffet featuring over 40 local dishes
▽ A peaceful night with sake after a soothing bath
Discover the ancient waters and stories of the hot spring town before your stay.
→ Tamatsukuri Onsen — An Ancient Hot Spring Known as the Water of the Gods