A harbour town on the quiet side of Japan, on the Sea of Japan: sandy beaches, fresh fish and washi paper, made by hand here for centuries. And Iwami Kagura, the region’s traditional theatre, a spectacle of ancient myths, colourful costumes and wonderful chanting.
Questions about planning your trip, where to stay or Hamada in general? I live here and can help you directly, in German and English.
The Sea of Japan: rocky shores, quiet coves and sandy beaches for summer swimming.
Myths on stage, with masks, drums and serpents several metres long, made of washi paper.
Horse mackerel, squid and a fishing port where the catch is on your plate the same day.
Sekishu washi from Hamada is part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.
“I only realised how quiet it is there once I was back in Germany.”
Kai Kappler, HamadaWhile millions of tourists pour through Kyoto and Tokyo, Hamada is still the Japan people dream of: quiet, clean, safe and affordable. There are no theme parks here, but there is silence, the sea, and people who take their craft seriously.
Here, Japan is still everyday life, not a stage set for tourists.
Everyone travels differently. Here, everyone finds their own Japan.
History you can touch: temples, shrines, castle ruins, museums and exhibitions, and nearby the Iwami Ginzan silver mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beautiful trails, cheap places to stay and prices far below Tokyo and Kyoto. Japan on a small budget.
Sandy beaches, good hotels with restaurants nearby, rental cars on site, and one of the safest corners of Japan.
Horse mackerel and squid from the shore and from boats, harbours and stretches of coast hardly any tourist knows.
Hamada alone has more than 50 Kagura troupes. A spectacle of fire, music and myth you won’t forget.
You dream of Japan, of temples, crafts and silence, but earthquakes and tsunamis are always at the back of your mind? Then Hamada is your answer.
“Shimane lies on the quiet side of Japan, away from the major earthquake zones along the Pacific.”
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (気象庁), annual earthquake table by prefecture, 2021 – PDF
Japan’s major earthquakes originate off the Pacific coast. Shimane lies on the other side, on the Sea of Japan, and felt earthquakes are far less frequent here.
Japan’s major tsunamis originate in the Pacific. On the Sea of Japan the risk is much lower, but not zero. Like every coastal town in Japan, Hamada has signposted evacuation routes, which I am happy to show you.
Clean, safe, quiet. Children can play on the beach, you can breathe, and Japan still offers everything you came for.
Japan fascinates millions of people. But many hesitate. The news about earthquakes, the images of the 2011 tsunami, they run deep.
Hamada is the part of Japan where you can arrive, breathe out and truly experience Japan.
Source: 気象庁 (Japan Meteorological Agency), 2021
Rock formations, quiet coves and sandy beaches, ideal for walks, swimming and fishing.
The region’s shrine theatre: masks, magnificent costumes, drums and flutes. The highlight is “Orochi”, the battle against the eight-headed giant serpent.
Photographed live: “Orochi” by Okami Shinyūza (岡見神遊座), Misumi, Hamada · Saturday, 12 September 2026
Tile paintings by pupils from 20 of Hamada’s schools, along a footpath near the station. In no guidebook, but typical of the town.
This house was an akiya. Today it’s mine.
Some guests fall in love with Hamada and want to come back, for a few months a year or longer. Many traditional houses in Hamada stand empty, waiting for new residents.
I’ll guide you from your first question to the key: choosing a house, 360-degree online viewings and support in German, together with licensed local estate agents.
Learn moreThe key answers, straight and honest.
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From traditional ryokan to Western-style hotels: I’ll tell you which place suits you, whether you’re a family, an angler or a backpacker.
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