Shimane Prefecture is 
located to the north of Hiroshima in the Chugoku region of Japan. It is the home to some of Japan’s most historic cultural & performing arts. It has magnificent scenery.
Shimane Prefecture is a place where people coexist with the historic traditions and mythology of yore. The Izumo region of Shimane is known as the setting of one third of the Kojiki, which was written in the beginning of the 8th century as a way of documenting the history of Japan. Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine appears often in Japanese mythology and is known as one of the oldest, as well as one of the most famous Shinto shrines in all of Japan. Every year during the 10th month of the lunar calendar, all the Shinto gods throughout Japan are said to gather here and hold their annual meetings on the ‘en’ (a concept similar to fate or destiny) relationships of the people. Iwami Kagura, which is based on mythology, is still practiced in each region of Shimane in different ways. In the Iwami region it is performed regularly, as well as for festive events such as the autumn harvest season.
Matsue City is in the central area of Shimane and surrounded by three large bodies of water: the Sea of Japan, Lake Shinji, and Lake Nakaumi. An intricate canal system flows through the city like veins, giving the city its nickname, “The City of Water”. The symbol of Matsue is Matsue Castle. Still maintaining its original structure from 1611, it is one of 12 original castles in Japan. It was designated as a National Treasure in 2015. The contrast of black and white colours on Matsue Castle is striking, and the traditional style of the roof resembles a plover bird spreading its wings. From the castle tower, you can view the historic townscape, Lake Shinji, and in the distance Mt. Daisen. Throughout the castle town, Japanese tea and sweets shops flourished. Today, locals regularly enjoy Matcha tea and Japanese sweets.
https://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/
From the 3rd to the 13th of December, eight selected swimmers from the Fukuoka Swimming Association visited NSW, where they participated in joint training sessions with a local school and competed in the 2024-25 Speedo NSW Senior State Age Championships.
