Production Area
Matsue City / Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture / Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture
Historical Details and Geographic Characteristics
Although stonework manufacturing in Shimane Prefecture’s eastern area (the Izumo region) dates back to the Nara and Heian periods, during the Edo period, the feudal lords of the Matsue domain recognized the high quality of Kimachi stone, and as such, they forbade its removal from the domain. It, therefore, thrived under the name of “otomeishi.”
Kimachi stone has many merits: it is highly resistant to heat and cold, durable enough to resist weathering, and easily manufactured. This is all due to the makeup of fine particles found within the tuffaceous sandstone.
As the beauty of Kimachi stone harmonizes well with gardens, it is beloved not just in Japan — there has been a growing demand from Europe, the US, and other countries. In response to these changes, production areas have taken traditional designs and sensibilities and applied them to stone lantern production. As a result, it has been progressively used in building materials and artwork.
Exhibition Facility
Monument Museum Kimachi Stone
| Address | 1574-1 Higashikimachi, Shinjicho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0852-66-9050 |
| Hours of Operation | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Tuesdays (If the Tuesday falls on a holiday, the museum will close the following day), Year-end/New Year holidays |
| Admission Fee | Adults: 390 yen, Elementary / Middle School Students: 190 yen |
| URL | https://www.kimachistone.com/ |
| Social Media | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064438999563/ |
