The Shimane University Museum “Ashikaru” is a university museum located on the Matsue Campus of Shimane University in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. The museum systematically preserves and displays valuable specimens and historical materials collected by the university over many years.
It serves not only as a center for education and academic research, but also as an important place for sharing the history, natural environment, and cultural heritage of Shimane with the local community and visitors from around Japan and overseas.
The nickname “Ashikaru” comes from a taxidermied specimen of a Japanese sea lion displayed inside the museum. The Japanese sea lion once lived in the waters around Japan but is now extinct. The specimen has also been designated as a Natural Monument of Shimane Prefecture, making it one of the museum’s most memorable exhibits.
The museum regards the specimens and historical materials accumulated by Shimane University over the years as a form of tangible intellectual heritage. These resources are carefully organized, preserved, studied, and made available to the public.
Through educational programs and community activities, the museum serves as an open cultural facility not only for university students and researchers, but also for local residents and travelers interested in the history and natural environment of Shimane.
This exhibition traces the history of Shimane University, whose origins date back to 1875. Photographs and historical documents introduce the university’s development, including materials from the days of the former Matsue Higher School and teacher-training institutions.
Among the exhibits are valuable items that illustrate the history of education, including a German-made microscope that was used during the early years of the institution.
The exhibition also introduces current research activities and the university’s vision for the future, allowing visitors to understand its development from several different perspectives.
This section focuses on the natural environment of Shimane and the wider San’in region. A wide variety of specimens are displayed, including rocks, minerals, fossils, plants, animals, and insects.
Highlights include what is described as one of the world’s oldest ayu fish fossils, as well as reconstructed models of extinct animals. These exhibits provide an accessible introduction to the formation of the natural environment and the evolution of living organisms.
The displays are designed to be enjoyable and educational for visitors of all ages, making this section particularly interesting for families traveling with children.
This exhibition explores the history and culture of ancient Izumo through archaeological materials dating from the Jōmon period to the Heian period.
Artifacts excavated from the Shimane University campus are displayed alongside collections gathered by prominent archaeologists. The exhibits offer valuable insights into the academic study of the region.
Visitors can deepen their understanding of the ancient culture of Izumo and the traditions and legends that have shaped the identity of this part of Japan.
This section introduces the history and traditional culture of the Izumo, Iwami, and Oki regions through historical and ethnographic materials.
Exhibits include maps depicting the castle town of Matsue and tools once used to produce traditional Japanese abacuses. These materials illustrate how people’s everyday lives, industries, and regional culture have changed over time.
For travelers, this exhibition provides an opportunity to discover the history of Shimane from a more personal perspective, through objects connected with the lives of people who lived in the region.
Admission is free, making the museum an easy addition to a sightseeing itinerary in Matsue. The museum is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is closed on Sundays, public holidays, and during the year-end and New Year holiday period.
The museum can be reached by bus from JR Matsue Station, making it convenient to visit while exploring the city.
Another attraction associated with the Shimane University Museum is the Former Okudani Residence, located in Okudani-cho, Matsue. This Western-style house was built during the Taishō period and was once used as accommodation for foreign teachers at the former Matsue Higher School.
Today, the building is preserved and open to the public as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the international educational environment of Matsue during the early 20th century.
The building was constructed in 1924 as a two-story wooden Western-style residence. Its steeply pitched triangular roof gives it a distinctive appearance.
The exterior features horizontal wooden siding on the first floor and a mortar finish on the second floor, reflecting architectural styles popular at the time.
Inside, visitors can see period details such as a staircase with Art Deco-style decoration and decorative plasterwork on the ceilings. These features provide an opportunity to appreciate the architectural design and craftsmanship of the period.
The residence was home to several foreign scholars and educators. Among them were Dr. Wilhelm Plage, known for his research on copyright, and Dr. Fritz Kalisch, who contributed to the study and introduction of Japanese culture.
After World War II, the building continued to be used by people involved in education and played a role in the development of Matsue’s educational and cultural environment.
After restoration work was completed in 2009, the building was given a new role as a branch of the Shimane University Museum. It is now used for exhibitions and cultural events.
Because of its charming appearance, the building is affectionately known by local people as “Totoro’s House”, a nickname inspired by its storybook-like appearance. Its combination of historic architecture and warm atmosphere makes it an appealing sightseeing destination in Matsue.
The branch museum is generally open on weekends and public holidays, and admission is free.
From JR Matsue Station, the residence is approximately 15 minutes away by bus. From the Kitahoricho bus stop, it is about a five-minute walk.
The Shimane University Museum and the Former Okudani Residence combine academic value with the appeal of sightseeing. They offer visitors a chance to explore the natural environment, archaeology, history, and culture of Shimane through materials preserved by the university.
Rather than simply viewing historical objects, visitors can discover how the region’s natural environment and human history are connected. The exhibits also provide a different perspective on Matsue beyond its famous castle, gardens, and traditional townscape.
Historic sites and scenic places can also be found in the surrounding area, making the museum and the Former Okudani Residence worthwhile stops during a walking tour of Matsue.
For travelers who enjoy history, culture, architecture, and learning about the places they visit, the Shimane University Museum “Ashikaru” offers a quiet and rewarding experience where the intellectual heritage of Shimane comes to life.