Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Unnan (雲南市, Unnan-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [ɯ̈̀ń.nä́ɴ́, -nä́ɰ̃̀.ɕì, ɯ̈́ń-]) is a city located in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 July 2023, the city had an estimated population of 35,279 in 13575 households and a population density of 64 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 553.18 square kilometres (213.58 sq mi).
Within Shimane Prefecture (Chugoku region), Unnan (雲南市) serves as a city in shimane prefecture. Travelers exploring Shimane often combine a stop in Unnan with regional highlights such as Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano.
| Fact | Details for Unnan (雲南市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 雲南市 (Unnan) |
| Administrative Status | City in Shimane Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Shimane Prefecture (Capital: Matsue) |
| Region of Japan | Chugoku |
| Population | 43,269 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 553.37 km² · 78.2 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 2004-11-01 |
| Coordinates | 35.3078°N, 132.9003°E |
Getting to Unnan & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express)): 2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO).
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Shimane Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Matsue with Unnan. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Shimane have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Unnan en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Unnan are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Shimane can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Unnan & Shimane
Unnan shares the culinary traditions of Shimane Prefecture and the wider Chugoku region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes) — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
- Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
- Shimane wagyu — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
- Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha — a signature specialty across Shimane Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Unnan.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens.
Regional highlights across Shimane Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Unnan include: Izumo Taisha (one of Japan's oldest and grandest Shinto shrines), original lakeside Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art (Yasugi), UNESCO Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (Oda), and Tsuwano.
Practical Travel Tips for Unnan
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Unnan (or at Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Unnan accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Unnan (雲南市) located in Japan?
Unnan (雲南市) is a city located in Shimane Prefecture in the Chugoku region of Japan (coordinates: 35.3078°N, 132.9003°E). It has a population of approximately 43,269 across an area of 553.37 km².
How do I get to Unnan by train?
Most visitors reach Unnan via the main prefectural gateway of Matsue Station & Izumoshi Station (JR Yakumo Limited Express). 2h 40m from Okayama Station (after Sanyo Shinkansen) on the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue and Izumo, or 1h 20m flight from Tokyo Haneda to Izumo Airport (IZO). From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Unnan. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Unnan and Shimane known for?
In Unnan and across Shimane Prefecture, top local dishes include Izumo soba (dark aromatic buckwheat served in three-tiered warigo lacquer boxes), Lake Shinji shijimi clam soup, Shimane wagyu, as well as Matsue wagashi sweets & matcha. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Unnan?
October–November (especially the lunar 10th month 'Kamiarizuki' when Japan's Shinto gods gather at Izumo Taisha); spring for Matsue Castle blossoms and Adachi Museum gardens. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: