Misato, town in Ōchi district, Shimane prefecture, Japan
Misato is a small mountain town in Shimane Prefecture surrounded by green peaks and cut through by the Gonokawa River. Most houses sit in the flat valleys near the water, with dense forests and steep hillsides covering much of the landscape around them.
Misato has roots in the old Iwami Province and the famous Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, which brought wealth during the Edo period. The modern town was formed in 2004 from the merger of Daiwa village and Ōchi town as a response to declining populations in rural areas.
The name Misato combines characters meaning beauty and hometown, reflecting the residents' deep connection to their place. Local festivals bring the community together with traditional performances, and cultural exchanges with sister city Bali showcase Indonesian food and music alongside local customs.
The town is easiest to reach by car on national routes, but trains no longer serve it directly, so the nearest station is in Gōtsu. Local shops and services spread throughout the area, with Kasubuchi near the river's bend serving as the main center for orientation and exploring.
Misato features a sea of clouds phenomenon where morning mist rises from the valleys to cover the town in white streams, best viewed from the Tanohara Observatory at dawn. The town's mascot Misabo, a whimsical mix of boar and whale, recently ranked twelfth in a national contest and reflects local pride.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
