What to Experience in Izumo
Izumo City, located in Shimane Prefecture, is a city rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and traditional crafts. From the sacred Izumo Oyashiro Shrine (known as Izumo Taisha), to serene coastal views and delicious cuisine, Izumo offers visitors a well-rounded experience of Japan's timeless charm. Here’s your complete guide to visiting Izumo, including travel tips, recommended durations, and access information for each spot.
Getting to Izumo
Izumo is on Japan's western coast, facing the Sea of Japan in Shimane Prefecture. It is easily accessible:
By Air: Izumo Enmusubi Airport is the closest airport. There are 5 flights daily between Haneda - Izumo (Japan Airlines). Also accessible from Sapporo, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Take a 30 minutes shuttle bus from the airport to Izumo City.
By Train: Take the JR West Japan line from major cities like Matsue (30 minutes) or Okayama (2.5 hours via Yakumo Limited Express). We took the train one time from Hamada City and it was about 1 hour ride via Super Oki Express.
By Car: Approximately a 40 minutes drive from Matsue via Route 9.
By Bus: From Hiroshima station, there is a direct bus access to Izumo City, 3 hours ride. Take an opportunity to ride at 1,000 yen one way. (details here)
If you have some time waiting around bus or train at the Izumo-shi Station, stroll Kunibiki Chuo Dori street. As Izumo in Shimane is known for its historical mythology and stage of the legends, we found the little statues of the legends on the street.
1. Izumo Shrine
The formal name of the shrine is “Izumo Ōyashiro”, though it’s commonly referred to as “Izumo Taisha”. It is one of Japan’s oldest and most significant Shinto shrines.
The shrine is dedicated to Okuninushi no Mikoto, the deity of marriage, good fortune, and en (the spiritual ties that bind us together). He is also known as Okuninushi-no-Okami in Shinto belief.
The main hall is built in the “Taisha-zukuri” architectural style, the oldest form of shrine construction in Japan, and has been designated as a National Treasure.
In the 10th month of the lunar calendar, Izumo is referred to as “Kamiari-zuki” (“the month with gods”), as it is believed that all of Japan’s deities gather at Izumo Taisha during this time. In contrast, other regions call this month “Kan-na-zuki” (“the month without gods”).
The shrine is also home to Japan’s largest shimenawa (sacred straw rope), measuring 13.5 meters long, 8 meters wide, and weighing 4.5 tons. The shimenawa symbolizes the boundary between the mortal and divine worlds and is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Travel Tips:
Visit early to avoid crowds, as weekends can get busy with tourists.
Follow the shrine’s unique ritual: 2 bows, 4 claps, and 1 bow.
Avoid throwing coins onto the shimenawa ropes; use the designated offering boxes instead.
Duration:
Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring the shrine and its grounds.
Access:
By Train: A 10-minute walk from Izumotaisha-Mae Station on the Ichibata Electric Railroad.
By Bus: A 30-minute ride on the Ichibata Bus from JR Izumo-shi Station to the Izumo Taisha bus stop, followed by a 1-minute walk.
By Car: A 15-minute drive from San’in Expressway Izumo IC, taking Route 431 toward Izumo Taisha.
2. Inasa No Hama
Located on the coast to the west of Izumo Taisha, Inasa no Hama, or Inasa Beach, is a sacred site where deities are believed to gather before visiting Izumo Shrine during the annual Kamiari Festival.
The white sandy beach forms a long, beautiful arc and has been recognized as one of Japan’s 100 great beaches. Often referred to as a “power spot” or “energy spot”, it holds deep spiritual significance as a sacred place where gods are welcomed.
A Torii gate and a small shrine on the rock island of Benten-jima make for stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Visitors can participate in a unique ritual: taking sand from this beach and dedicating it at Izumo Ōyashiro Shrine.
At north of this beach, there is a Japan's tallest stone lighthouse - Hinomisaki Todai, offering panoramic views of the Sea of Japan. We had planned to drive up there since it’s only 15 minutes drive from the beach, but unfortunately there was a construction going and the streets were closed. Please check the local street condition to plan your trip.
Travel Tips:
Visit during sunset for breathtaking views
Swimming, once popular during summer, has been prohibited since 2022
Duration:
30 minutes - 1 hour
Access:
A 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Izumo Shrine.
3. Izumo Mingei Museum
Izumo Mingei Museum is a small but fascinating museum showcasing traditional folk crafts from the Izumo region, including textiles and pottery. If you love art and history, this is a must-visit spot in Shimane Prefecture, Japan for art and crafts lovers.
It was opened in 1974. The main gallery, a refurbished granary that once stored the rice harvested from the family’s extensive lands, is dedicated to the display of traditional Mingei (Japanese folk crafts). The main gallery features ceramics, lacquerware, woodwork, and hand-dyed textiles - each piece telling the story of Japan’s vibrant Mingei movement, which began in the early 20th century. In addition, modern folk crafts by creators from the region are exhibited in the West Annex, a refurbished lumber storehouse.
After exploring the collection, I couldn’t resist picking up a few unique souvenirs from their charming museum shop, all crafted by local artisans.
800 yen to enter. Open 10am-7pm closed on Tuesdays.
Travel Tips:
The museum shop for unique souvenirs is a must stop. Ask for the shop access only at the front if needed.
Duration:
1 hour
Access:
A 10-minute walk from Nishi-Izumo Station. 10 mins drive from Izumo station.
4. Shussai Gama Kiln
Shussai Kiln is a renowned folk craft kiln with a history dating back to its founding in 1947. Established under the guidance of leaders from Japan’s folk craft movement, the kiln embodies the philosophy of creating everyday items that bring joy as tools for living.
The kiln produces a wide variety of tableware, including plates, small bowls, larger bowls, egg cookers, and utensils for both Japanese and Western dining. Additionally, it crafts items such as sake cups and servers, ashtrays, vases, and more. Shussai Kiln has garnered numerous accolades, including an award from the Japan Folk Craft Association, and its finely crafted pieces make excellent gifts.
At Shussaigama, the shop is situated right next to the studio where all the pottery is made. Visitors can tour the studio to observe each step of the pottery-making process and view the Noborigama, a traditional ascending kiln used in production.
The shop itself is housed in a refurbished Kominka (traditional Japanese folk house), which is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity. The original structure, with its roof tiles and wooden beams, has been preserved while large glass windows have been added, creating a harmonious marriage of old and new.
Travel Tips:
The kiln studio is open to public except during lunch time
Duration:
30 minutes - 1 hour
Access:
A 10-minute drive (or taxi) from Izumo Station
5. Izumo Science Center
A family-friendly and FREE science museum featuring interactive exhibits and a planetarium - perfect for kids! The Izumo Science Center serves as both a school and a center for public education. Students in Izumo, from third grade through junior high school, attend natural science lessons here.
On weekends, public holidays, and during spring, summer, and winter breaks, the center hosts hands-on craft workshops and science experiment classes that anyone can join without a reservation. The planetarium also offers regular shows.
The museum features over 40 permanent exhibits, such as the Tornado Generator, which demonstrates how tornadoes form, and the Mirror Room, where visitors can experience the sensation of being inside a kaleidoscope. These exhibits provide a variety of learning opportunities centered around science.
From the outdoor deck, visitors can watch trains from both the Ichibata Electric Railway and JR lines. The elevated tracks for JR and Ichibata Electric Railway run parallel, just beyond the parking lot in front of the science center.
Travel Tips:
Check the schedule for planetarium shows in advance. Their website here
Duration:
1–2 hours
Access:
A 10-minute walk from Izumo Station.
6. What to Eat in Izumo?
Soba Noodles!
The Izumo area in Shimane Prefecture is famous for its unique take on soba (buckwheat) noodles. Here’s what makes Izumo soba stand out from others:
One of Japan’s Top 3 Soba: Izumo soba is considered one of the three best soba varieties in Japan.
Dark Color & Rich in Nutrients: Izumo soba uses a special milling method where the buckwheat is ground whole, including the hull. This gives the noodles a darker color and higher nutritional value.
Two Distinct Ways to Eat
- Warigo Soba: Cold soba served in a stack of round wooden bowls, with each bowl containing a different layer of soba and toppings
- Kamaage Soba: Hot soba served with the water it was boiled in (soba-yu). It’s not rinsed in cold water like typical soba, giving it a heartier taste.
Shinmon Dori street is about 700m approach to the Izumo Taisha from the great gate gate at the Uga Bridge, lining with many Izumo soba eateries. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend to have a bowl one day!
We had a bowl of Warigo Soba here:
Ippuku Soba Izumo: 860-8 Kizuki Minami, Taisha-cho, Izumo
7. Accommodations
I have two cozy accommodation recommendations:
Home Rental on airbnb
This tranquil countryside guesthouse offers a traditional Japanese experience. Located just a 10-minute drive from Izumo Station by car or taxi, it is nestled among rice fields and surrounded by beautiful nature.
The house features a fireplace, a Goemon bathtub—an old-style, wood-fired Japanese bath—a Kamado kitchen (traditional ceramic stove), and spacious tatami rooms for sleeping.
An adjoining room includes a cozy office area, a tatami room for tea ceremonies, and chairs to relax in while watching the sunset. The house’s kayabuki-style thatched roof adds to its rustic charm, and you might witness breathtaking sunsets here, just as we did.
This guesthouse is perfect for those seeking to unwind in nature and immerse themselves in local culture.
Check the place here.
Centurion Hotel and Spa Classic Izumo
A modern hotel conveniently located near Izumo Station, offering comfortable amenities. We’ve stayed here twice over the past few years and loved the experience. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the station, and there’s also a parking lot available for guests who are driving.
One of the highlights is the large public bath, perfect for unwinding in the hot tub after a day of exploring. Another unique perk is the complimentary Shijimi clam ramen served to guests at night - a delightful treat! For breakfast, we enjoyed choosing between two options: a Western-style breakfast or a traditional Japanese-style meal. The best part? Unlimited Soba noodles served Warigo style.
Our standard twin room with two double beds was compact but worked well for me and my two little children.
This hotel is highly recommended for travelers looking for convenience, accessibility, and a clean, comfortable place to stay.
Check the hotel here.
Plan Your Trip to IZUMO in Shimane
Izumo combines spiritual depth, scenic beauty, and cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination in Japan. With this guide, you’re ready to uncover the wonders of Izumo City. Contact me for any questions!
