Wi-Fi and Travel Information in Shimane, Japan: Your Ultimate Guide

When visiting Shimane for sightseeing or business purposes, it is a good idea to research Wi-Fi in advance so that you can use the Internet comfortably. In Shimane, free Wi-Fi is available at various spots. We'll walk you through the Wi-Fi situation in Shimane, and also our recommended Wi-Fi rental service, WiFiBOX.

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Free public Wi-Fi available in Shimane

Shimane allows you to use public free Wi-Fi service provided by the local government.

The prefectural capital of Shimane, Matsue City, offers "Matsue City Free Wi-Fi". It is provided at designated evacuation centers and temporary shelters in the city and is operated for disaster prevention purposes. This Wi-Fi is available free of charge to anyone with Wi-Fi-enabled devices, with an unlimited number of connections.

As for Wi-Fi for sightseeing, the city is providing "Enmusubi Matsue FREE Wi-Fi". This service is available in areas visited by many tourists, such as area near Matsue Station, around Matsue Castle, and Tamatsukuri Onsen Hot Spring.

Let's take a look at how to use the Enmusubi Matsue FREE Wi-Fi.

Enmusubi Matsue FREE Wi-Fi SSID

Connecting to Wi-Fi requires you to select the SSID (network name) on the Wi-Fi settings screen of your smartphone or tablet. The SSID for Enmusubi Matsue FREE Wi-Fi is "135_Enmusubi_Matsue_Wi-Fi".

SSIDs are also posted on area signs at facilities where Enmusubi Matsue FREE Wi-Fi is available.

How to log in to Enmusubi Matsue FREE Wi-Fi

There are two ways to log in to Enmusubi Matsue FREE Wi-Fi: blank email and social media authentication. Either method allows you to use the Wi-fi for up to 3 hours at a time, with no limit on the number of times you can reconnect.

Social media integration requires one of the following accounts

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google
• Yahoo! JAPAN

Before authentication, first open the page for guests by following the steps below.

1. Open the settings screen on your phone or computer.
2. Tap "Wi-Fi."
3. Select SSID "135_Enmusubi_Matsue_Wi-Fi
4. The authentication page will be displayed automatically.

Below is a detailed explanation of how to connect to Wi-Fi for by sending a blank email and via social media authentication:

1. By sending a blank email

The process for connecting by sending a blank email is as follows.

1. Select "Get Guest Code by Email.
2. Send a blank email to the displayed email address.
3. Enter the guest code from the email address you received in return, and then authenticate.
4. The connection completes.

2. Via Social media authentication

The process for connecting via social media is as follows.

1. Select the "Other Service Accounts" tab that appears.
2. Select the social media platform you want to use.
3. Login to your account
4. The connection completes.

Other free Wi-Fi available in Shimane

In addition to public free Wi-Fi, you can find free Wi-Fi provided by cafes, family restaurants, fast food restaurants, and hotels throughout Shimane. You shouldn't have any difficulties finding Internet access in many places during your stay and will be able to look up the information you need quickly.

Below is the other free Wi-Fi available in Shimane.

Cafes

Among cafes, chain cafes are most likely to have free Wi-Fi service available. There are several chain cafes in Shimane, and free Wi-Fi is available mainly at the following cafes.

• Komeda Coffee Shop
• Starbucks Coffee
• Tully's Coffee
• Doutor Coffee
• LA BAR
• St. Mark's Cafe

Many free Wi-Fi services provided by cafes can be used simply by agreeing to the terms of use, without having to register. In most cases, there is a limit to the amount of time you can connect at one time, but in many cases you can use the service by connecting again, making it virtually unlimited.

Family restaurants and fast food restaurants

Free Wi-Fi service is also available at some family restaurants and fast food restaurants. The main cafes with free Wi-Fi in Shimane are as follows.

• Gusto
• Joyfull
• Saizeriya

The main fast-food restaurants with free Wi-Fi in Shimane are as follows.

• McDonald's
• Mos Burger
• Kentucky (KFC)
• Burger King

Note that some stores in the same chain brand may not offer free Wi-Fi service. Check for Wi-Fi availability in advance.

Hotels

Many hotels in Shimane offer free Wi-Fi service for their guests. Therefore, it is safe to assume that you can basically use the Internet for free during your stay. Of course, the availability of free Wi-Fi service varies from hotel to hotel, so please check the accommodation website or official website before making a reservation.

The main ways to use the hotel's free Wi-Fi are as follows

1. Turn on "Settings" > "Wi-Fi" and select the hotel access point that appears.
2. A login screen will appear, and enter the ID and password specified by the hotel.

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WiFiBOX is recommended if you want to rent Wi-Fi in Shimane

When traveling in Shimane, you can use public free Wi-Fi provided by Shimane Prefecture and free Wi-Fi provided by cafes, restaurants, and hotels to easily access maps and websites. However, please note that free Wi-Fi may not connect smoothly depending on the time and location, let alone the security risks that lurk within them.
For those who want to use the Internet in a stress-free and safe way while traveling in Shimane, we recommend WiFiBOX, a Wi-Fi rental service with affordable rental fees and a simple procedure from reservation to return. If you are planning to visit Shimane, you might want to consider using this service.

Flow of usage and setting

The flow of using and setting up WiFiBOX is as follows:

1. On the official site of WiFiBOX (https://wifibox.telecomsquare.co.jp/en), select your travel destination ("Japan", if you are going to use it in Shimane), select the desired usage period and plan, and tap "Proceed to checkout".
2. If you are using WiFiBOX for the first time, create a new account. Log in if you already have one.
3. Complete the payment procedure with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or American Express) or a debit card.
4. After reserving, you will receive an email with the subject "How to Pick Up Your Wi-Fi Unit". When you are in front of the rental machine, open the "QR code (*) scanning page" from the email, and scan the QR code at the top right of the display on the rental machine.
   (* "QR Code" is a registered trademark of Denso Wave)
5. Tap "Pick-up" on your smartphone, and pull out the Wi-Fi unit from the slot to receive it.
6. Turn on the power of the unit , then on the Wi-Fi setting screen of your device, select the SSID written on the back of the unit, and enter the password to.

Please refer to the following for more detailed usage procedures:
(Link to WiFiBOX quick guide)
https://wifibox.telecomsquare.co.jp/en/pages/guide

Wi-Fi router pickup/return location

As of April 2023, WiFiBOX rental machines are installed at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport, Chubu International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, Tokyo Station etc. It is also now available in Shinjuku and Shibuya Station area.
We recommend you to pick up your Wi-Fi unit at the airport or station you plan to pass when traveling to Shimane.

Please check the following for details on the locations of WiFiBOX

https://wifibox.telecomsquare.co.jp/en/pages/map

What kind of place is Shimane?

Shimane Prefecture is located in the northern part of the Chugoku region, facing the Sea of Japan. The prefectural capital is Matsue City, and near Matsue Station there are commercial and department stores directly connected to the station, offering a wide range of stores.

Shimane Prefecture has a thriving fishing industry. The catch for red snow crab, yellowtail, and horse mackerel are very large in Japan.

It is also famous for its many traditional handicrafts that have been cultivated through its long history and culture. A wide variety of traditional crafts exist including pottery, lacquerware, Japanese paper, woodwork, abacus, and dyed textiles.

There is also a wealth of historical and cultural tourist attractions, including the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, designated as a World Heritage Site, Matsue Castle, a national treasure, and Izumo Taisha Shrine, known as a matchmaking spot. The Izumo region, where Izumo-taisha Shrine is located, is said to attract gods from all over Japan, and the month of October on the lunar calendar is called "Kanzai-zuki.

Shimane Prefecture is also known for its local delicacies. Below is a list of gourmet foods that you should definitely try during your visit to Shimane:.

• Izumo soba:
  A local dish of the Izumo region and one of the three major types of soba in Japan. It is made by grinding buckwheat seeds with their skins intact and has a strong aroma.
• Shijimi clam soup:
  Caught in the brackish lake of Lake Shinji (a mixture of seawater and freshwater), Yamato shijimi are characterized by their large grains and soft flesh.
• Izumo Zenzai:
  Zenzai (red bean soup with mochi) is said to have originated in Izumo.
• Hashimaki:
  A street food commonly found during festivals consisting of thinly baked dough, egg, tenkasu (tempura bits), green onion, etc., rolled around disposable chopsticks.
• Matsue Ramen:
  Light, easy-to-eat ramen with a refreshing chicken broth and medium-thick, wavy noodles.

Highlights of Shimane

When visiting Shimane for sightseeing, we recommend you access it by air. There are three airports in the prefecture: Izumo Enmikushi Airport, Hagi-Ishimi Airport, and Oki World Geopark Airport, as well as Yonago Kitaro Airport in neighboring Tottori Prefecture.

Shimane Prefecture, home to numerous cultural assets, is full of places to visit. Here are five recommended sightseeing spots in Shimane Prefecture.

• Matsue Castle
• Izumo Temple
• Lake Shinji
• Tamatsukuri Onsen Hot Spring

Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle was designated a National Treasure in July 2015, and is one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan. This castle has remained unbroken since its completion in 1611. The watchtower on the fifth floor overlooks the city of Matsue and Lake Shinji from all sides. You will feel as if you were a lord and enjoy the spectacular view.

Not only is the view spectacular, but there are also plenty of other elements to enjoy, such as stones that look like hearts in the stone walls and the heart-marked wood grain on the pillars. Cherry, plum, camellia, bamboo, and other plants are spread throughout the park, and visitors can enjoy the four seasons while strolling through the park.

Business Hours	April-September: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm October to March: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Regular closing days	Open every day of the year
Address	1-5 Tono-machi, Matsue City, Shimane

Reference: Matsue Castle

Izumo-Taisha Shrine

Izumo-Taisha Shrine

Izumo Taisha Shrine is a sacred spot that symbolizes the land of Izumo, where gods are said to gather from all over Japan. The origin of its founding is recorded in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters), and it has existed since prehistoric times. The present main shrine was built in 1744. Known as a sacred place for matchmaking, it attracts many people from all over the country in search of a good marriage.

One of the most notable points unique to Izumo Taisha is the omikuji; which is a form of fortune-telling on a piece of paper.The omikuji of Izumo-taisha Shrine does not indicate good or bad luck. Instead, it is a message from God that contains commandments and preparations.

Business Hours	6 am - 9 pm
Regular closing days	Open every day of the year
Address	195 Kinezukigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane, Japan

Reference: Izumo Temple (Japanese text only)

Lake Shinji

Lake Shinji is the seventh largest lake in Japan. It shows various atmospheres depending on the season and time of day, and has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan for its beauty. It is especially famous for its beauty in the evening. Half an hour before sunset, the lake turns red with the setting sun, revealing the silhouette of Yomegashima, creating a spectacular view. The beauty of the lake is registered as one of the 100 best sunsets in Japan.

Lake Shinji is a brackish lake with a mixture of fresh and salt water, and the lake is rich in natural products. Lake Shinji is famous for its lake products, which are called "the seven delicacies of Lake Shinji": Corbicula japonica, sea bass, eels, wakasagi, morogebi, carp, and whitebait.

Business Hours	ー
Regular closing days	ー
Address	Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture

Reference: Lake Shinji

Tamatsukuri Onsen Hot Spring

Tamatsukuri Onsen is a famous hot spring with a long history, having opened in the Nara period (710-794). The Izumo no Kuni Fudoki (Record of the Fudoki of Izumo Province) states, "Once you bathe in the hot spring, you will become beautiful, and if you bathe again, you will be cured of all illnesses."

Tamatsukuri Onsen is in fact rated as a high-grade lotion-level hot spring in a survey of spring quality by a pharmaceutical company, and is recommended for those who want to relax and refresh themselves after a long day. There is also a facility where visitors can take a day trip to Tamatsukuri Onsen Hot Spring.

The hot spring resort area is lined with restaurants, inns, and souvenir shops, and visitors can enjoy the elegant atmosphere of the town. There are plenty of places to enjoy besides hot springs, such as power spots and shopping spots.

Business Hours	ー
Regular closing days	ー
Address	Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture

Reference: Tamatsukuri Hot Spring (Japanese text only)

Summary of the Internet and Wi-Fi situation in Shimane

Public free Wi-Fi service is available in Shimane. Many cafes, family restaurants, hotels, and other facilities are also equipped with free Wi-Fi. Therefore, you will be able to connect to the Internet without any problems during your sightseeing or business trip to Shimane.

However, it is important to note that free Wi-Fi has safety risks. Be careful when you exchange personal or sensitive information while connected to free Wi-Fi, as you may be subject to eavesdropping or peeping.

For those who want to use Wi-Fi with peace of mind, we recommend our Wi-Fi rental service, WiFiBOX. WiFiBOX is done completely without any human contact, from reservation, pickup, and return. If you are planning to visit Shimane, you might want to use this service!