The Sand Museum at Nima, on the Sea of Japan coast, is one of Shimane’s more unusual attractions. Housed in a striking complex of glass pyramids, its centrepiece is the world’s largest hourglass — a giant sand-glass over five metres tall that takes exactly one year to run through, turned each New Year’s Eve in a public ceremony as the year changes. The museum explores sand, time and glassmaking, and there are hands-on glass-craft workshops. The area is also known for its ‘singing sand’ beach, where the fine quartz sand squeaks underfoot, and for local glass art.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Nima, Shimane |
| Hours | ~9:00–17:00, check closures |
| Admission | ~¥730 |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; New Year for the turning ceremony |
What to See
- The world’s largest hourglass, running a full year.
- The New Year’s Eve turning ceremony as the year changes.
- A striking complex of glass pyramids.
- Hands-on glass-craft workshops and the ‘singing sand’ beach.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Iwami Ginzan along the coast.
- Pair with the Shimane Washi paper museum in Oda.
- Read our Shimane overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR San’in Line to Nima Station, a short walk.
- By car: on the coast road west of Oda.
Tips
See the giant hourglass and, if you can, time a visit for New Year’s Eve, when the crowd watches the year’s sand run out and staff carefully turn the great glass for the year ahead — it’s the museum’s signature moment. Try a glass-craft workshop while you’re there, and walk the ‘singing sand’ beach nearby, where the quartz sand squeaks as you step.
