Shimane Prefecture has a population of about 770,000 and an area of 6,700 square kilometers (4,200 square miles). Located in the northwestern part of the Chugoku region, it has a long and winding coast stretching for 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) along the Sea of Japan. In the south of the prefecture are the Chugoku Mountains, a mountain range with an altitude of over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet). Sandwiched between mountains and the sea, Shimane is a prefecture known for its scenic beauty.

Farmlands account for only 7% of Shimane's total area; close to 80% of these farms are paddy fields, where rice is grown. Grapes and pears are also important agricultural products. In addition, the prefecture is a producer of beef and dairy products as well as textiles and steel.

Popular tourist areas include the cities of Matsue and Tsuwano, which once thrived as castle towns, and Taisha town, where Izumo Shrine is located.

Izumo Shrine is one of the most important centers of Shinto worship in Japan. Its buildings are designed in the oldest architectural tradition of Japanese shrines, called the taisha-zukuri style. The Shrine is also said to house the god of marriage, who helps people find their match. The shrine is so old that it's mentioned in Japan's first known written record, the Kojiki, which was put together in the eighth century, and its main building is protected as a national treasure. Traditional festivities are held more than 70 times each year, drawing several million visitors annually.