Shinjiko Lake & Hotspring - Shinjiko Lake

Lake Shinji, or Shinji-ko, is Japan's seventh largest, and connected by a lagoon to the Japan sea. As a result, the lake hosts a bounty of marine life. In Matsue, Shimane's prefectural capital, travelers flock to sample Kyodo ryori, an assortment of seven dishes drawn from the waters of the lake. Best in winter, these include moroge-ebi, a small steamed prawn, grilled unagi, or eel, shijimi clams served in a miso broth, suzuki, or sea bass, shirauo, a delicate white fish offered as either tempura or sushi, koi, the famous carp, and amasagi, sweet tiny smelt.
The lake is known throughout Japan for the tiny island of Yome-ga-shima, just off the eastern shore, which has been photographed endlessly by hordes of cameramen who arrive as the sun begins to set behind the island's scattered pines. The island's name means Island of the Bride, and a local folk tale says that the island arose from the lake floor one long-ago morning, bearing up the drowned body of a beautiful, pious and miserable young local wife. For visitors, a number of hot spring resorts are set about the shores of Shinji-ko, and sunset cruises on the lake are a wonderful to finish a day exploring Matsue.

More Info.(Shinjiko Lake & Hotspring):
Shimane Art Museum
Matsue Shinjiko Hotspring
Tamatsukuri Hotspring
Shinjiko Lake

Matt Mangham

Sightseeing in Shimane: http://www.kankou.pref.shimane.jp/index.html