Izumo Stone Lanterns (Izumo Ishidoro)

Stonework made from local Kimachi stone that harmonizes well with gardens and boasts both beauty and grace

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/

Map

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