Gotsu

Gotsu is a city in central Shimane Prefecture, located at the mouth of the Gono River where it flows into the Sea of Japan. It is an industrial city with a port and a paper mill, but also has historical sites including the Gotsu Castle ruins and the nearby Iwami Ginzan silver mine. The city is a transport junction for the JR San'in Main Line.

Gotsu is on the JR San'in Main Line. From Matsue, limited express trains reach Gotsu Station in about 30 minutes. By car, it is about 30 minutes from Matsue.

The city centre is walkable. Local buses serve the port and industrial areas.

• Gotsu Castle ruins — a small hilltop castle with a panoramic view of the city and the Gono River.

• Gotsu City Museum — exhibits on local history and the Iwami region.

• Gono River — the river is wide and scenic, with walking paths along its banks.

• Iwami Ginzan — the silver mine UNESCO World Heritage site is about 20 km inland.

• Walk the castle ruins — the park is quiet and pleasant.

• Stroll the river promenade — the Gono River embankment is popular for evening walks.

• Visit Iwami Ginzan — the silver mine and the historic town of Omori.

Gotsu has a range of Japanese restaurants.

Sake from Shimane breweries is the local drink of choice. The port area has several izakaya where you can enjoy local sake with fresh seafood.

Gotsu has business hotels near the station.

Local food products and sake.

• Hamada — the fishing port city
• Iwami Ginzan — the silver mine
• Masuda — the western Shimane city
• Matsue — the prefectural capital