A charming local railway tracing the northern shore of Lake Shinji, with a terminus station at Izumo Taisha that is itself a registered cultural property.
Ichibata Electric Railway, affectionately known as 'Bataden,' is a regional train line in eastern Shimane Prefecture connecting Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station with Dentetsu Izumo-shi Station and Izumotaisha-mae Station. Along stretches that hug the northern bank of Lake Shinji, passengers enjoy sweeping views across the lake surface, making it a beloved scenic ride through the San'in countryside.
Izumotaisha-mae Station was built in 1930 and features a distinctive reinforced-concrete structure with a rounded semicircular green roof and stained-glass-style windows. Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 1996, the station serves as the romantic gateway for pilgrims and tourists heading to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.
The line is also known as the setting of the film 'RAILWAYS,' and major attractions such as Izumo Taisha, Matsue Castle, and Tamatsukuri Onsen are all within easy reach along its route. One-day unlimited ride passes are popular with rail enthusiasts looking to take in the region at a leisurely pace.