Izumo

Izumo (出雲) is a city located in Shimane Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its rich history and culture, particularly as the site of one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine.

The main attraction in Izumo is the Izumo Taisha (出雲大社), a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi no Okami, a deity associated with good fortune, matchmaking, and national development. It is one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan, renowned for its distinctive architecture, including its massive thatched roof, and its ancient traditions.

The shrine is especially famous for its annual festival held in October, known as the Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine Festival. During this time, which is called “Kamiarizuki” (the month of gods) in the traditional lunar calendar, it is believed that deities from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha. The festival features a procession of portable shrines, traditional music and dance performances, and various other events and activities.

In addition to the Izumo Taisha, Izumo boasts beautiful natural scenery, with mountains, forests, and beaches surrounding the city. The nearby Shimane Peninsula is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, while the beaches along the Sea of Japan offer swimming, surfing, and other water sports. Inasa-no-hama Beach, located near Izumo Taisha, holds special significance as the place where the deities are said to arrive during Kamiarizuki.

The city is also home to several cultural and historical attractions, including the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, which showcases the rich history of the region, and the Shimane Art Museum, which features a collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world.

Izumo is also known for its local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan, Izumo soba (a type of soba noodle made with buckwheat flour including the husk), and sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine.

Attractions in Izumo

Former Taisha Station Former Taisha Station (旧大社駅), also known as Taisha Station Museum, is a historic railway station located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. The st...

Getting there

By Air

• Fly to Izumo Enmusubi Airport
• Take a limousine bus from the airport to JR Izumoshi Station (about 30 minutes)

By Train

• From Okayama Station: Take the Limited Express Yakumo to JR Izumoshi Station (about 3 hours)
• From Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen to Okayama, then transfer to the Limited Express Yakumo (total journey about 5-6 hours)

By Bus

• Highway buses operate between Okayama and Izumo
• Journey time is about 4 hours to Izumoshi Station
• One-way fare is around 4,400 yen

Local Transportation

• Buses connect JR Izumoshi Station to Izumo Taisha shrine (about 25 minutes, 470-530 yen)
• The Ichibata Railway also connects Izumoshi Station to the shrine area (25 minutes, 500 yen, hourly service)

Izumo is known for its famous Izumo Taisha shrine and rich mythological history. The main attractions are located a few kilometers north of the city center.