Shimane is located in the western part of Chugoku region in Honshu, Japan.  The region is deemed to be the second most populated prefecture in Japan. Shimane has sub-tropical climate, characterized by cold, snowy, gloomy winters and warm, humid summers. Shimane is surrounded with mountainous terrains so rice farming is a major aspect of the region. Since rice farming is a major part of Shimane, it is considered to be the birthplace of sake in Japan. The Gohyakumangoku is popular sake rice that is grown locally in Shimane.

The region has about 34 sake breweries. You can find a lot of sake production particularly in areas of Masuda, Yasugi, Oki Islands and Izumo Taisha. Shimane has great variety of sake, such as Kokki, Toyonoaki, Rihaku, Tenkai, Kamofuku, Inenotsuyu, Uijin and many more. Sake in the Shimane region has long history that dates back in mythology. Regardless of its complex history, Shimane is considered a popular place for sake consumption.