Izumo City

Shimane
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A sacred city home to Izumo Taisha, the symbol of the "Land of Mythology" where myriad gods gather. Beyond shrines, it features dynamic spots like "Hinomisaki Lighthouse" and "Inasa-no-hama Beach," where gods are said to have landed. The local "Izumo Soba" is famous for its powerful flavor. Walking through this city where myth and modern life melt together allows you to touch the roots of Japanese spiritual culture that values invisible "En" (fates).

Izumo City

Favorite

DISCOVER ANOTHER JAPAN SAN‘IN、IZUMO ＆ MATSUE　～古きよき時代の日本の風景、出雲＆松江～

DISCOVER ANOTHER JAPAN SAN‘IN、IZUMO ＆ MATSUE　～古きよき時代の日本の風景、出雲＆松江～

San'in Inbound Tourism Organization

【美肌県しまね】出雲市・松江市を旅する「#ご縁を結ぶ美肌女子旅」

【美肌県しまね】出雲市・松江市を旅する「#ご縁を結ぶ美肌女子旅」

Shimane Prefectural Tourism Federation

うるおい研究室 traveldiary #出雲

うるおい研究室 traveldiary #出雲

Shimane Prefectural Tourism Federation

Izumo City

Address: Inside Big Heart Izumo, 1-5 Ekiminami-machi, Izumo-shi, Shimane
Website: https://izumotabi.com/
Operator: Izumo Tourism Association

Izumo City Spots List

Sake Mochida Kura
Susa Shrine
Momen Road
Yujuku Souan
Harashika Manor
Hatago Oda Onsen
Yunokawa Onsen Shikiso
Shinmon-dori Street
Izumo Enmusubi Airport
Former Taisha Station
Inasa-no-hama Beach
Hii River (Inoue Bridge)
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse
Honnosan Park
Hinomisaki Lighthouse Museum
Ichibata Electric Railway
Ametsuchi (Train)
Izumo Taisha

Sake Mochida Kura

Sake Mochida Kura

A special hotel limited to a few groups per day, created by renovating the storehouse of the "Sake Mochida" brewery in Cotton Street, which boasts over 140 years of history. Utilizing the heavy walls and beams that bear the memory of old sake making, the space fuses modern comfort and provides a luxurious experience of "staying in history." During the stay, programs such as sake pairings unique to a long-established brewery and guided tours tracing the history of Cotton Street are available. It is a highly creative accommodation for travelers wanting to deeply dissolve into the town's history and people's...

Shimane
Accommodation
Spring
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Susa Shrine

Enshrined in Izumo City, this shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, known from the "Yamata-no-Orochi" myth. Among numerous shrines, it is often introduced as "Japan's best power spot," attracting spiritual travelers from around the world. The top highlight is the "Great Cedar," a giant 1300-year-old tree soaring behind the main hall. Its overwhelming life force and the dignified, serene atmosphere enveloping the entire precincts instantly purify the hearts of visitors. Although lacking gaudy decorations, it is a place where one can most intensely feel the original form of Japanese nature worship—a quintessential sanctuary for those seeking deep spiritual peace and intense...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Momen Road

A historical streetscape in the Hirata district of Izumo City that flourished in the cotton trade from the Edo to Meiji periods. Old clay storehouses and merchant houses facing the canals remain today, conveying the bustle of the past. Soy sauce and sake breweries are still in operation, and walking through the fragrant streets allows you to touch the roots of Japan's rich food culture. Stylish cafes and galleries in renovated old buildings offer a comfortable harmony between tradition and modernity. It is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to enjoy an intellectual stroll while feeling the "authentic daily life...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Yujuku Souan

An exquisitely designed inn in Yunokawa Onsen, combining heavy architecture of a relocated old folk house with European antiques. The space where Japanese serenity and Western aesthetics resonate is truly a hideaway for adults. Each room has a different concept, and detached rooms with semi-open-air baths from the source promise the best privacy and luxury. In the dining area, guests can enjoy creative Kaiseki using firewood-cooked rice and strictly selected local ingredients. Soaking in the "skin-beautifying hot spring" and spending time quietly in an art-like space—this is a place for those seeking a "old yet new" luxury stay experience in...

Shimane
Accommodation
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Harashika Manor

Harashika Manor

A vast residence of a wealthy landowner (Gono) built in late Edo period, located in Izumo City. Beyond the heavy gate lies the main building featuring high ceilings and thick beams, as well as a beautifully maintained Japanese garden, where you can see the essence of Japan's rich rural culture and architectural techniques up close. Surrounded by Tsuijimatsu (pine windbreaks) unique to the Izumo region, the estate is filled with wisdom and aesthetics for protecting a home from harsh nature, like a "living architectural museum." For travelers interested in the functional beauty of traditional Japanese houses and spatial design in...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Hatago Oda Onsen

Hatago Oda Onsen

A historic inn founded in the Taisho era, standing near the coast of Izumo City. Its water contains incredibly high levels of metasilicic acid and is famous as a remarkably smooth "skin-beautifying hot spring." The atmospheric Sukiya-style building maintains traditional Japanese architectural beauty while incorporating modern sensibilities, providing a high-quality private space. The cuisine prides itself on creative Japanese dishes using fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and local seasonal vegetables. Surrounded by quiet rural scenery and listening to the distant sound of waves, time spent here is truly blissful. A famous inn loved by travelers seeking depth in...

Shimane
Accommodation
Spring
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Yunokawa Onsen Shikiso

Yunokawa Onsen Shikiso

An inn with charming modern Japanese décor located in "Yunokawa Onsen," counted as one of Japan's three best hot springs for beauties. Its water is reputed to make skin feel moist and clingy, making it very popular with beauty-conscious travelers. Recently, a dedicated "Wood-fired Sauna" and deep cold water baths were introduced, gaining passionate support from sauna fans. Sophisticated rooms using plenty of wood and meals viewed from the courtyard provide quiet time to forget daily life. Close to Izumo Airport, it is a very stylish hot spring inn chosen by those wanting to enjoy "Japan's pinnacle skin-beautifying experience" at...

Shimane
Accommodation
Spring
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Winter

Shinmon-dori Street

Shinmon-dori Street

The main approach to Izumo Taisha, stretching straight south from the main gate (Seidami). While retaining the atmosphere of an old temple town, it has evolved into a lively street lined with sophisticated restaurants and souvenir shops. Many shops offer famous "Izumo Soba" and "Zenzai," allowing you to enjoy the excitement of heading toward the shrine while sampling local treats. A massive white torii gate, one of the largest in Japan, towers over the street, and at dusk, the lanterns light up to create a sacred and dramatic atmosphere. It is one of the most energetic places in Shimane tourism,...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Izumo Enmusubi Airport

Izumo Enmusubi Airport

The air gateway to Izumo Taisha, a unique airport that makes you feel the "Land of Mythology, Shimane" from the moment you arrive. True to its nickname "En-musubi" (matchmaking), it features decorations themed around good connections throughout, creating an atmosphere like a spiritual power spot. Inside, there are restaurants where you can taste Izumo soba and fresh seafood, and shops with Shimane specialties and crafts. With stained glass featuring myths and photo spots with the popular character "Shimanekko," it provides a fun start and end to your journey. More than just a transport hub, it's a clean and comfortable airport...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Former Taisha Station

Former Taisha Station

Built in 1924 as the gateway to Izumo Taisha, this rare pure Japanese-style wooden station building is a National Important Cultural Property. Though no longer in use, the grand tiled roof, high ceilings, and royal waiting room remain preserved. Walking along the nostalgic platforms, you can feel the golden age of railways and Japan's high-level architectural techniques. It is a photogenic landmark filled with history and romance.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Inasa-no-hama Beach

Inasa-no-hama Beach

A sandy beach west of Izumo Taisha, famous in mythology as the setting for the "Kuni-yuzuri" (transfer of the land) negotiations. It is a sacred place where myriad gods from across Japan are welcomed during the 10th lunar month. The iconic "Bentenjima" rock on the shore provides a divine silhouette against the sunset. There is a tradition of taking sand from here to offer at Izumo Taisha, making it a spiritual beach where myth and reality connect.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hii River (Inoue Bridge)

Hii River (Inoue Bridge)

The Hii River is a majestic river flowing through the Izumo Plain, known as the setting for the myth of "Yamata-no-Orochi." The area around Inoue Bridge is a famous cherry blossom spot where about 800 cherry trees bloom for 2km in spring. When in full bloom, they create a tunnel of blossoms, and the contrast between the clear river and pale pink petals is a quintessential Japanese spring view. Strolling along this legendary river allows for a deeper understanding of Izumo's history.

Shimane
Nature
Spring
Summer
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Winter

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse

Standing at the western tip of the Shimane Peninsula, this is the tallest stone-masonry lighthouse in Japan. Built in 1903 and selected as one of the "100 Historic Lighthouses of the World," its white exterior is striking. Climbing the spiral staircase inside leads to a panoramic view of the deep blue Sea of Japan. The sight of the white lighthouse against the blue sky and rugged cliffs is exceptionally moving, especially at sunset. The contrast with the vermilion Hinomisaki Shrine nearby is a must-see.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Honnosan Park

A park on a small hill near Izumo Taisha, known as a "hidden superb view spot" overlooking the shrine from its most beautiful angle. From the observatory, you can see the forest surrounding the sacred grounds, Inasa-no-hama Beach, and the Izumo Plain, feeling as if the gods are watching over the land. It also houses a tower for Izumo-no-Okuni, the founder of Kabuki. Away from the hustle of the shrine, it's a quiet place to overlook the expanse of the sacred land of Izumo.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
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Hinomisaki Lighthouse Museum

Hinomisaki Lighthouse Museum

A facility where you can deeply learn about the history and structure of the "Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse," which boasts the highest altitude in Japan. It displays the mechanism of the double structure, rare worldwide for a stone masonry lighthouse, valuable photographs from the time of construction, and the massive lenses actually used. Knowing how the lighthouse has protected the safety of the Sea of Japan for over 100 years deepens the emotion when you look up at the actual lighthouse. Visiting along with the superb view from the top of the lighthouse is recommended. It's a spot that satisfies intellectual...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Ichibata Electric Railway

Ichibata Electric Railway

A charming retro local railway connecting Matsue and Izumo. From the train window, you can slowly enjoy the panoramic view of beautiful Lake Shinji and idyllic rural scenery, making the journey itself a highlight of sightseeing. Its unique initiatives, such as retro carriages used as movie sets and bicycle-on-train services, are also attractive. Particularly, the "Dehani 50 series," one of Japan's oldest trains, is very popular with railway fans. Convenient for visiting Izumo Taisha, it is highly recommended for travelers who love "slow travel," reaching their destination while enjoying the daily life of Japan flowing past the window.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Ametsuchi (Train)

Ametsuchi (Train)

A luxurious sightseeing train (Kiro 47 series) running in the San'in region, with the concept of "Traveling the Land of Mythology." The body color is a deep navy blue inspired by the Sea of Japan and Mt. Daisen. Inside, materials of Shimane's traditional crafts such as "Oki Pine," "Sekishu Tiles," and "Yasugi Kasuri" are used throughout, making it like a moving traditional craft museum. While running, you can enjoy the superb view of the Sea of Japan from the window along with bentos and sweets made from local ingredients. This special train journey allows you to experience San'in's history, culture,...

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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Izumo Taisha

One of Japan's most sacred sites, famous for the deity of "En-musubi" (matching of fates). It attracts visitors from around the world seeking good relationships. The massive "Shime-nawa" rope at the Kagura-den hall is a breathtaking sight. Walking the pine-lined approach in the sacred air allows you to feel the profound history and spirituality of Japan firsthand.

Shimane
Sightseeing
Spring
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