Gotsu
Gotsu (江津市) is a city in Shimane prefecture.
Understand
editTourist information site
editThe local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site.
Get in
edit
Gotsu an express stop along the Sanin Railway that runs up and down the coast of Shimane. You can catch a train from Matsue City (accessible by bus or train from Osaka and Tokyo), or Yamaguchi City along the bullet train line. From Yamaguchi you can switch train to the Super Express Yakumo.
Another option is to take the bus from Hiroshima Station or Osaka Station to Hamada City. From there, you can take the local train up to Gotsu (taking roughly 30 minutes).
Finally, you can drive along the Chugoku and Hamada Expressway--the most direct route from Hiroshima City, taking roughly 2 hours.
Get around
editThere are no bikes for rent, so car and foot are the primary options.
Rent a car in Hamada City or Hiroshima, or hire a taxi. Taxis are often lined up outside Gotsu Station. Inquire to the driver for their card, so that you may use their services again.
See
edit- Mt. Hoshitaka (星高山). A mountain close to Gotsu station, with legend of a meteor strike in ancient times. The giant star symbol near the top is used for illumination in summer. Its a good half day hike or a quick drive and the top is a great place for a picnic.
- Ogawa Residence (小川家雪舟庭園). The Ogawa family were a wealthy family descended from Wake Kiyomori and employees of the imperial court. When the family moved here, they developed the area to establish a town. During the Muromachi Period, the famous painter-poet Sesshu stayed at the Ogawa house and during that time, he designed and built their garden. Today visitors can enter the house and enjoy the garden. ¥500.
- Gotsu Honmachi Iraka Kaido (江津本町甍街道). A scenic district of historic houses that have been preserved from area's heyday as a port town.
